Smart Factory: Automated Calibration Operations
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Production engineering (MPPEN), MSc
Publicerad
Författare
Karlsson, William
Thulin , Eskil
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Calibration of test systems is a crucial part of radar production to ensure highquality
products. The calibration process comprises many repetitive steps performed
manually by operators. The process is time-consuming, which impedes the valueadding
product testing in the test systems. This thesis investigates the potential
for automating manual calibration processes. Furthermore, it aims to analyse the
impact this would have on the availability of the test systems and the calibration
quality. This was done through a process split into three distinct steps. First, a literature
study focusing on collaborative robot technologies. A current state analysis
was then performed to examine the current calibration process. Lastly, empirical
testing was conducted by programming a collaborative robot to perform manual
calibration tasks, mainly focusing on connecting and disconnecting connectors. The
findings indicate that the majority of the tasks in the calibration can be performed
by a collaborative robot equipped with a laser sensor and custom grippers for manipulating
the cables. Some types of connectors are more challenging to handle
using automation, suggesting that the process might still require an operator for
certain steps, if not redesigned. The anticipated change in availability for a fully automated
solution is minimal, as manual calibration will not be conducted frequently
enough. An automated solution can improve calibration quality by performing tasks
with better precision than operators. Nevertheless, the use of a cobot will result in
greater equipment wear. The automation within this type of production environment
has proven challenging, but the potential benefits of successful implementation
should not be overlooked.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Automation , Calibration , Cobot , Collaborative Applications , Connectors , Industry 4.0 , Smart Factory