This
small robot with three
positioning axes is used as a
positioner to support the
car body or
workpieces. Previously, jigs would have been used for this. But with different
car models being produced on the same line, and each model requiring
a different jig, the case for an adjustable solution becomes clear. Typically during work, the car body or workpiece can be supported on four or more FlexPLPs.
The polar version requires three motors, each of which powers two actuators. The target position is best described in polar coordinates. In the simpler linear version, the three axes are set to the x, y and z coordinates of the target position.
The customer can reap considerable benefits with this technology: Introducing a new car model in the line is just a matter of programming the new positions for locators. This operation can be achieved off-line, using simulation software (such as ABB RobotStudio), with only a short production break for final tuning.