Robots in Automated Production IB Design Technology

Getting Started  What are some advantages and disadvantages of robots in the production process?

Essential Idea  The development of increasingly sophisticated robotic manufacturing systems is transforming the way products are made.

What is the significance of this topic in Design Tech?  Designers need to know about the latest technology in order to ensure the they are using the best manufacturing process.  Robots increase:  Efficiency  Consistency  Are there moral and ethical issues that need to be considered?

Concepts and Principles  Primary characteristics of robots  Work Envelope  The range of motion that dictates a robot’s ability to perform certain tasks  Load Capacity  The weight a robot can manipulate  axis-scara-robot/ axis-scara-robot/

Adept Viper

Single-task vs. Multi-task Robots vs. Teams of Robots  Single-task  Can only do one task at a time   Multi-task  Can do multiple tasks at one time   Teams of Robots  Groups of robots work together in the production process 

Machine to Machine (M2M)  The ability of machines to communicate with one another via wireless or wired networks without the need of human interaction.

Generations of Robots  First Generation  Second Generation  Third Generation  Fourth and beyond?

AdvantagesDisadvantages Robots in Automated Production  Improve health and safety of workers  Highly accurate  Performs repetitive tasks with consistency  Works 24/7  Reprogrammable for flexability  High initial cost  Workers must be trained for operation and maintenance of robots  Expertise needed to use such systems  Unemployment?

Ethical questions?  sGTQDi0 sGTQDi0  The increased use of robots in manufacturing is good and necessary for economic growth.  Robots do not threaten the human place in the production of goods. (i.e. employment levels)  The advantages of using robots in manufacturing far out ways the disadvantages.