Industrial Robotics 

Using a set of integrated sensors and off-the-shelf actuators, this end effector performs a series of material-handling steps. The end effector accommodates a range of product types and sizes for a palletizing operation.

Robotic and automation technologies provide increased productivity in manufacturing and service industries. As a multidisciplinary research and development organization, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) provides a wide array of robotic solutions for commercial and military applications, including custom and hybrid automated systems, end-of-arm tooling development, and factory integration.

Experienced in sensor fusion, SwRI engineers integrate machine vision into robotic motion, a capability that enables a robot to perform inspection duties and material-handling operations. Here a system uses an off-the-shelf industrial robot coupled with cameras, lasers, safety scanners, and other sensors to inspect a package during its travel along a linear rail system.

With an experienced staff and extensive facilities, the Institute integrates diverse technologies to reduce costs, increase throughput, and provide consistently high-quality products. Specific services include:

• Technology and application surveys for long-range planning
• Conceptual design, animation and simulation of systems and solutions
• System requirements and specification development
• Mechanical, electrical and software design
• Design, development, and fabrication of custom robots and tooling
• obotic and tooling system integration
• urnkey system integration, including development, design, assembly, testing, installation, documentation, startup, training, and support.
• Applied research in robotic applications

As an independent research and development organization unaffiliated with any robot or component manufacturer, SwRI selects equipment that best fits the particular application. The Institute has worked with a variety of robot manufacturers, including Adept®, Fanuc, Kuka, Stäubli, and others, to provide the client with the most appropriate solution.

This wire harness assembly system uses two commercially available industrial robots in a shared work envelope, coupled with custom-built end effectors, to perform the entire wire harness assembly process for safety-critical airbag electrical systems.

Hybrid Solutions

Whenever possible, SwRI engineers use off-the-shelf hardware to meet client requirements. When commercial technology is not readily available, the Institute frequently devises a hybrid solution in which an off-the-shelf robot is enhanced to improve its performance, work envelope, or control system.

End Effector Development

The Institute has developed end effectors to advance a wide range of manufacturing processes, such as material handling, drilling, tape laying, assembly, sanding, and blasting. SwRI engineers also design and develop end effectors for use in inspection applications, incorporating advanced techniques such as machine vision, eddy current, and ultrasound. Special manipulators have been developed for diverse applications including high-accuracy positioning, submerged operation and clean-room operations.

Factory Integration

Institute staff, with extensive experience in integrating robotic systems across a diverse set of applications, can tailor the level of automation to meet client requirements, ranging from mechanizing a single subprocess to implementing an automated production and material-handling line.

The Robotic Depainting System end effector incorporates an SwRI-developed and patented paint sensor package to provide real-time process monitoring and blast speed control, helping to prevent damage to thin aluminum and composite panels.

Control Interfaces

SwRI engineers are experienced in evaluating user interface platforms and controllers and selecting that
which best meets the project requirements and needs. The Institute develops man-machine interfaces using the latest in graphical and control technology for all available commercial platforms as well as hard-wired control stations. SwRI engineers design and construct safety circuits that meet or exceed national safety standards, protecting client personnel from hazards.

Knowledgeable in the use of a variety of robotic controllers and programming languages, SwRI engineers provide user interfaces ranging from simple commercially available equipment to customized user-friendly graphical interface solutions.

This brochure was published in August 2006. For more information about industrial robotics, contact Paul Evans, Director, Automation Engineering Section, Automation and Data Systems, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-2994, Fax (210) 522-4644.

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