Automating Robotic Assembly Workplace Planning

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This research is to develop algorithms and software to help implement the automation of robotic assembly workplace planning. In electronic manufacturing, many kinds of printed circuit boards have parts to be inserted by a robot, and the insertions can be made in any sequence. Likewise, one is free to choose locations of bins or feeders to contain the parts. The choice of the assembly sequence and the location of the bins can greatly affect the total assemble time, and thus manufacturing productivity. The investigators will develop algorithms to determine a best assembly sequence, as well as best bin locations, using ideas in combinatorics and location theory. Results obtained thus far has reduced the dimension of the problem by 50% over the best available previous approach. These algorithms will be implemented with user-friendly software, operable on a personal computer, which will also function in an evaluation mode; the user can employ a pointing device in conjunction with computer graphics to specify an assembly sequence and location of bins. The investigators will examine related problems when set-up times are dominant, and problems involving the distribution of parts to bins. Expected results should be applicable in other manufacturing contexts involving robots.