Optimization of Production Planning for a Flexible Assembly Technology on a Mechatronics Line

Abstract

This paper focuses on an optimal production planning algorithm solution for an integrated flexible manufacturing system (IFSM) assisted by robotic systems. The assembly system is composed of 6 individual interconnected workstations, of which two cells equipped with six degree of freedom industrial robotic manipulators (IRM). Parallel with the interconnected workstations a SCARA robotic transportation system (SRTS) permits the movement of products forward and backward between stations. The entire system permits the production of two product types on two different production processes. One production process takes place completely in an assembly cell equipped with an ABB IRM and can produce only one product type. The other production process takes place on the interconnected stations, of which one is equipped with a Fanuc IRM and it can assembly both types of products being assisted by the SRTS in the production. An IFSM interconnected server is dedicated to the centralized control of the two parallel manufacturing processes, on-line interconnected station manufacturing and flexible cell manufacturing. As a result of introducing an algorithm aimed at minimizing the total production time, an optimized production planning is obtained on the two parallel flows, based on the request taken from the customer.