European industries could soon benefit from a novel approach that introduces hybrid-autonomous assembly and disassembly systems to tackle the many pressing environmental concerns and enhance production flexibility. That is the suggestion of research published in the International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems. The new approach looks to integrate autonomous robotics systems with manual assembly stations, which could lead to improved adaptability and efficiency in a wide range of manufacturing processes.
Uwe Frieß, Lena Oberfichtner, Arvid Hellmich, Rayk Fritzsche, and Steffen Ihlenfeldt of the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, Germany, point out that mounting environmental, social and political pressures are driving change across industry. The need to achieve carbon neutrality and have a less detrimental impact on the environment are both high on the agenda. There is also a pressing need to reduce the risks associated with reliance on single suppliers especially where resources that are not widely available or are difficult to obtain are required. Overall, the traditional landscape of industrial assembly is changing.
The concept of hybrid-autonomous systems enables batch-individual task allocation and dynamic planning. In other words, workers use their knowledge and skills in concert with computers and robotic systems to determine which tasks need to be undertaken at what stage of a process and whether by people or robots doing the jobs. If there is a sudden change in requirements, the system can adjust quickly to keep the processes running smoothly. This, the research suggests, could address many of the challenges posed by fluctuating demand and diverse product specifications.
It is the adaptability of these systems that is their defining feature. By seamlessly blending autonomous robots with conventional manual labour, different industries can gain flexibility and efficiency and not compromise on stringent production requirements.
Hybrid-autonomous assembly systems might also integrate high-performance camera systems, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of assembly processes. This is a marked departure from conventional automation. The promise is not simply economic. By reducing reliance on single suppliers and optimizing resource utilization, hybrid-autonomous systems could improve sustainability in manufacturing.
Frieß, U., Oberfichtner, L., Hellmich, A., Fritzsche, R. and Ihlenfeldt, S. (2023) ‘Autonomous assembly and disassembly by cognition using hybrid assembly cells’, Int. J. Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp.381–398.