Dual Robot Kit Preparation in Batch Preparation of Component Kits for Mixed Model Assembly
Paper in proceeding, 2020

Kitting is a materials supply principle that plays a vital role for performance in mixed model assembly systems. The kit preparation process, whereby component kits are created, is central when kitting is applied. Kit preparation is a form of materials handling and is associated with several ergonomic and quality related issues. Robotics holds a great potential for decreasing the need for human labour, but literature on the topic is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to identify the time efficiency potential of a dual robot application for kit preparation. To address the purpose, a mathematical model is developed that allows dual robot kit preparation to be analysed and compared with manual kit preparation. Furthermore, the model supports identification of a suitable batch size given a lead time requirement from the assembly system. A numerical example shows dual robot kit preparation to be slightly more efficient than its manual ditto for preparation of 2, 3 and 4 kit batch sizes. The paper’s makes a theoretical contribution in terms of the time efficiency model of dual robot kit preparation. This model is also useful for practitioners when evaluating the potential of dual robot arm kit preparation in their own processes.

Modeling of manufacturing operations

Logistics in manufacturing

Modeling of assembly units

Author

Patrik Fager

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Production Systems

Robin Hanson

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Åsa Fasth Berglund

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Production Systems

IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline)

14746670 (ISSN)

Vol. 53 10627-10632

virtual IFAC World Congress
Berlin (virtual), Germany,

FAKTA - Flexible Automation of Kitting Transport and Assembly

VINNOVA (2019-03116), 2019-11-01 -- 2022-10-31.

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Other Computer and Information Science

Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified

Computer Science

Areas of Advance

Production

DOI

10.1016/j.ifacol.2020.12.2821

More information

Latest update

6/24/2021