Automation integration

Automated RivetingWorkcell Integration

Mechanical integration, conveyance and twin robot packaging were developed around the OEM’s existing process modules to create a complete production workcell.

Workcell plan view showing the two robots, process stations, conveyors and surrounding cell layout
Sector
Industrial automation
Service
Mechanical integration
Focus
Robot and process interfaces
ObjectiveIntegrate OEM process modules into one workcell
Method3D layout, robot clearance and conveyor engineering
Key issueShared access, reach and material flow interfaces
OutcomeBuilt, commissioned and operational
01 Engineering challenge

Build the cell around proven process equipment

The riveting, inspection and hole making equipment already existed as OEM process technology. Fabrixon had to integrate those modules with robots, conveyance, guarding and supporting structure without changing the process equipment itself.

Process ownership
OEM process modules remained unchanged.
Integration risk
Robot reach, service access, guarding and conveyor clearances had to coexist.
Controls boundary
Fabrixon defined the mechanical and electrical interfaces; the OEM retained programming and commissioning.
Annotated workcell CAD view showing two KUKA robots, riveting and inspection stations and feed and exit conveyors
Overall workcell layout used to define the integration envelope
KUKA robot reach study showing the robot, end effector and workpiece fixture within the workcell CAD assembly
KUKA robot reach and fixture interface within the workcell
02 Robot integration

Resolve reach and interference before the frame is built

Robot models, mounting bases and end effector geometry were checked against the workcell envelope in CAD. The study identified mounting adjustments before fabrication, avoiding clearance problems during commissioning.

Reach
Required process points remained inside the usable robot envelope.
Clearance
Robot motion was checked against stations, conveyors, enclosure and the second robot.
Mounting
Base positions were adjusted in CAD where the proposed location created interference.
03 Conveyance and support

Carry the workpiece through the same controlled cell envelope

Feed and exit conveyors were developed as part of the workcell rather than treated as external add ons. Their supports, drive positions and workpiece presentation geometry were coordinated with the robot stations.

Feed conveyor CAD assembly with stacked workpieces, side guides and drive components
Feed conveyor and workpiece presentation arrangement
Exit conveyor CAD assembly showing conveying surfaces, side guides and the supporting frame
Exit conveyor and supporting structure
04 Structural and safety interfaces

Give every module a defined mechanical boundary

Process modules, robot bases, conveyors and perimeter guarding were tied to a common structural package. Service access, utility entry and safety device mounting were resolved before release.

Structure
Fabricated frames carried enclosure and equipment interfaces.
Safety hardware
Guarding, access points and sensing device mounts were mechanically integrated.
Serviceability
Maintenance access and module withdrawal space were retained around the cell.
Inspection station frame and conveyor support frame shown separately in the supplied CAD view
Inspection station and conveyor support frame arrangement
05 Coordination and handover

One mechanical package for fabrication and controls

The released package defined module mountings, sensors, cable routes, access and robot interfaces, with Fabrixon remaining available through fabrication and commissioning.

Fabrixon scope
Workcell structure, conveyors, robot integration, guarding and mechanical electrical interfaces.
OEM scope
Process equipment, PLC and robot programming, panel build and physical commissioning.
Handover
The cell was built, commissioned and transferred into production.
06 Key finding

The workcell succeeded because the interfaces were resolved before fabrication

Robot reach, process access, conveyance and guarding were treated as one mechanical problem rather than separate supplier packages.

07 Engineering outcome

An integrated workcell that entered production

The mechanical and integration package was released on schedule. The workcell was built, the OEM process modules were integrated, the robots were commissioned and the cell is operational.

Robot integration
Reach and clearance were validated before fabrication.
Mechanical delivery
Cell structure, conveyance and safety interfaces were released as one package.
Production result
The completed workcell was commissioned and handed over to production.

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