New automated assembly model based on automated route card scheme

Abstract

This paper describes a new modelling technique that enables modelling and implementation of automatic assembly of complex products. The modelling scheme has two levels: The upper level is a Petri net formed around the product structure tree, and ensures that each sub-assembly starts its assembly only after all of its necessary resources are secured and all its components are ready. The lower level (the more detailed) describes the tasks necessary for the assembly of the sub-assembly (at each stage). The model can be translated automatically to ladder diagram and implemented using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media.