RFID driven robotic assembly for random mix manufacturing

This paper discusses an integration driven framework for enabling the RFID based identification of parts to perform robotic assembly operations in a random mix. The RFID infrastructure senses the newly arriving parts to be assembled and via an integration framework, the robots are able to recognize them and perform cooperative welding operations. The parts to be welded have different characteristics, in particular, variable in both dimensions and materials. The integration framework is demonstrated in a case study coming from the automotive industry.

► The use of RFID technology and vital infrastructure for enabling flexible meeting operations-emphasis to welding applications. ► Use of RFID allows for identification of parts and automatic reconfiguration of the robotic application. ► Design and implementation of a framework for the integration of the RFID in the robot cell control logic. ► Identification of multiple types of parts in terms of materials and geometry are accommodated by the framework. ► The framework is validated in an actual assembly cell, which is used to assemble vehicle floor parts.