Open AccessReal‐time synchronisation method in multi‐robot system
Author(s) -
Choi Taeyong,
Do Hyunmin,
Park Dongil,
Park Chanhun,
Kyung Jinho
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
electronics letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.375
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1350-911X
pISSN - 0013-5194
DOI - 10.1049/el.2014.2959
Subject(s) - robot , automation , production line , workspace , industrial robot , process (computing) , computer science , control engineering , dual (grammatical number) , production (economics) , embedded system , engineering , manufacturing engineering , artificial intelligence , mechanical engineering , art , literature , operating system , economics , macroeconomics
There is an increasing need for manufacturing systems to produce batches in small quantities. Such manufacturing systems are significantly difficult to develop with conventional automation equipment. Recently, several research groups have applied industrial dual‐arm robots to cell production lines. A synchronisation method for robots is necessary for the cell production process when robots work in a shared workspace. Conventional automation factories do not need this method because the main control system operates all machines or robots. However, the intended application for the developed robot is in small manufacturing environments which cannot install an expensive main control system. An inexpensive and high‐performance method with a simple digital in/out channel using EtherCAT is proposed. The developed method was validated for practical use on a cell production line.