Design of a smart robotic linear rail

Abstract

The current rise in Industry 4.0 has demanded manufacturing environments to adapt to new smart ideas that can be implemented to help companies hold a high status within the current market. Other that Industry 4.0, the industrial robotic manufacturing sector is also a competitive area where companies are required to continuously improve their products keeping cost effectiveness and reconfigurability as a priority. These 7-axis linear systems are commonly found in any manufacturing area usually being used for pick and place applications. As a whole, these all provide the same functionality, being the use of linear motion to manoeuvre objects from one place to another. This project was focused on the creation of an original linear traversing rail system from a basic concept to a finalised prototype by means of several software tools which are used to perform the functionality as proposed. The different sections mentioned in the document all used the standard Basic Design Cycle to recreate the conceptual design into reality. Any specifications were highlighted in the Product Design Specifications (PDS) and these were used as guidelines in the creation of the product to ensure that any limitations were not surpassed. The design process was followed with the creation of the conceptual designs after choosing what components were deemed best. After the most ideal design was chosen, the embodiment of the prototype took place after creating the Computer Aided Design (CAD) model before focusing on the testing and evaluation of the whole system. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining was used in the creation of the individual aluminium parts to help create accurate parts with an exceptional finish. The aluminium plates were used to assemble and support the finalised prototype which was able to function by operating the actuator and transmission systems through the use of a control system. The control system was of most importance as it was implemented to aid the linear system to integrate in a smart manner and recruit it as part of Industry 4.0. Following prototype development and implementation, testing and evaluation was carried out to investigate the operation of the system with reference to the product/process design specifications. Furthermore, such testing aids in identifying any limitations in the prototype performance and hence, be indicative of possible improvements that need to be carried out.