Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of the use of robots, automated guided vehicles and programmable logic controllers in the automation of manufacturing operations 
• Demonstrate the application of robotics in increasing manufacturing productivity 
• Apply the knowledge and skills required to design robot based manufacturing cells

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, Computer lab

Assessment:

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Are informed and knowledgeable in the area.
• Have pertinent skills and abilities
• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Have the ability to effectively communicate using a range of media and in varied contexts.
• Are self driven learners.

Content:

• Automation with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) 
• Fundamentals of Robotics – Definition, Classification & Characteristics 
• Robot Applications in Manufacturing 
• Design of Robot End Effectors 
• Use of Sensor Technologies in Robot Applications 
• Programming Industrial Robots – On-line Teaching, Robot Simulation 
• Automated Guided Vehicles – Applications in Manufacturing 
• Robot Work Cell Design – Cycle Time Analysis 
• Safety Issues in Robotic Installations 
• Economic Evaluation of Robotic Applications 
• Application of Robotics- Future Trends

References:

1. Groover, M.P., Weiss, M., Nagel, R.N., Odrey, N.G., Industrial Robotics : Technology, Programming and Applications, McGraw-Hill, 1986.
2. Lotter, B., Manufacturing Assembly Handbook, Butterworths, 1989.
3. Fu, K.S., Gonzalez, R.C., Lee, C.S.G., Robotics : Control, Sensing, Vision and Intelligence, McGraw-Hill, 1987 .