A knowledge tailor-made method oriented to robotization of process: a case study of aeronautical materials’ drilling

Abstract

This paper aims to propose a novel knowledge tailor-made management method (KTMM) for industrial automation, to assist managers, project leaders and engineers interested on robotization of manufacturing. It looks for integrating the phases of analyzes, prospecting, development, deployment and evaluation of a robotized process. Specifically, this research focuses on the extraction of valuable knowledge, background and practical experience of the author in the field of industrial automation linked to literature review and motivated by the unavailability of a specific method in the literature that assists the entire process of robotization on the shop floor. The proposed KTMM was designed and supported by supply, input, process, output, control and knowledge management methodologies and integrated with the specialist skills and expertise of the author acquired in the organizational environment. To demonstrate the application of the proposed method, a case study of a robotized drilling process has been carried out in order to fulfill the KTMM method and its tasks. KTMM drives all steps of a robot implementation, increasing the efficiency, reducing cost and improving the quality, supporting the company to the competitive market. In addition, the proposal encourages the work team integration, aiming the sharing of knowledge and different skills.