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Robotic Systems

	SwRI has developed systems using commercially available robotics from several manufacturers with custom end effectors.  Click photo for larger image (92k)

Southwest Research Institute does not represent any specific manufacturer or product line, choosing instead the most appropriate implementation for each project. The Manufacturing Systems Department (MSD) has developed systems using commercially available robotics from several manufacturers with custom end effectors as well as those requiring completely custom robotic solutions. Complex Machine Vision systems are often incorporated into the systems to provide additional flexibility when interacting with their environments. Systems have been developed for the automobile manufacturing, power generation, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor, shipbuilding, and defense services industries, among others.

• Robotic Depaint System (RDS)
  (see also "A Decade Later")

• Wire Harness Assembly System

• Canopy Polishing System

End-Effector Systems

	Each project usually requires the design of a unique, custom, end-effector. Click photo for larger image (416k)

Although robotic systems are often available commercially "off-the-shelf," each project will usually require the design of a unique, custom, end-effector. Design of the end-effector is critical to successful implementation of a system. End-effectors typically encapsulate several sub-tasks (i.e., inspection, drilling, deburring, lighting), which require an array of sensors (vision, force, torque, temperature, pressure) and tooling. To accomplish all these tasks, the end-effector itself is often a highly complex electromechanical and pneumatic subsystem. Typically tight constraints on weight and size of an end-effector only serve to increase the challenge of its design. For further discussion of the vision and sensing technologies often used on end-effectors, see our Machine Vision and Optical Sensors pages.

• Robotic Depaint System (RDS)

• Wire Harness Assembly System

• Canopy Polishing System

  	A well-designed end-effector can reduce overall capital equipment costs by reducing the number of robots required, as well as increasing robot utilization. Click photo for larger image (40k)

• Deriveter

Control Systems

MSD has experience in a broad range of control methodologies ranging from the simple ladder logic of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to the design and tuning of deterministic algorithms such as Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control. Nonlinear, nondeterm-inistic control algorithms (i.e., fuzzy hybrid, redundant systems, and flexible link) have been developed and implemented by MSD on a number of operating environ-ments, including a real-time operating system (OS).

• Redundant Systems Control

• Fuzzy Hybrid Control

• Flexible Link Control

For more information about robotics, end-effectors, and controls capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Paul T. Evans at pevans@swri.org or (210) 522-2994.
 

| Manufacturing Systems Department | Automation and Data Systems Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

August 13, 2008