Simulation cuts robotic assembly cell build time

Simulation cuts robotic assembly cell build time

Simulation cuts robotic assembly cell build time

Dassault Systemes, a world leader in 3D and product lifecycle management solutions, has announced that automation system design specialist Autotool (Dublin, OH, USA), is using the DELMIA V5 Robotic solution for programming and simulation of its robotic automotive assembly cells and lines. By simulating robot motions during design, Autotool can verify that the robots will be able to achieve all the required motions and that there will be no interferences. This means that when a system gets to the build phase, a huge amount of retool time is eliminated – up to 30 percent savings in tool design, and a 40 percent reduction in the number of machines, tools and work centers, according to a 2003 CIM Data study on digital manufacturing.

Autotool selected DELMIA V5 Robotics after speaking with various customers who recommended this solution.

Its ability to interface with various CAD programs was recognized as a definite benefit.

According to Steve Forrest, Autotool design engineer, DELMIA V5 Robotics has quickly proved its worth.

“We have used the software on a project where, without DELMIA V5 Robotics simulation, it would have been impossible to figure out how to have the robots interface with the various fixtures,” said Forrest.

“The two robots were in a fixed position. Simulation allowed us to optimize placement of the six different fixtures so that the robots could reach all positions and avoid any interferences.”

DELMIA V5 Robotics is a 3D scalable, flexible, easy-to-use solution for tooling definition, workcell layout, robot programming, and workcell simulation. It can capture the underlying philosophy of and intent of the robot programmer.

This enables the company to capture and reuse best practices, leverage programming knowledge, and automate the repetitive work of robot programming.

Autotool is currently using DELMIA V5 Robotics to create “what if” scenarios on an existing line where new equipment options are being analyzed.

Autotool is creating a mockup design of the line and using simulation to study a number of new production scenarios including the addition of capital equipment as well as changes in the existing process.

“V5 Robotics allows us to look at many different layout options and to quickly analyze where new equipment can be placed in relation to the robots to make sure there are no collisions,” said Forrest.

“Additionally, we avoid any investment in unnecessary capital equipment because we're proving everything virtually.”