Production Organization

In the course of digitisation and the safeguarding of competitiveness, there is a high demand for flexible automation solutions which are used for repetitive and stressful handling tasks. Due to increasing demands on flexibility for batch size 1, fully automated robot systems cannot be used economically. Here, human-robot collaborations (‚cobots‘) enable innovative solutions. Intelligent sensor technology eliminates the need for safety fences and this means that adaptive, compact and mobile robot cells can be implemented. The strengths of the human being (cognitive, motor, sensory abilities) are combined with those of the robot (precision, high payloads, long operating times), so that employees are de-burdened and productivity is increased.

Despite the enormous importance of adhering to fixed deadlines in trade businesses such as interior fitters, the scheduling is largely analogous. In general, at present, the potential of digitisation is often not fully exploited in the trade sector. In order to exploit the full optimisation potential of this technology, a system
for complete digital assembly planning was developed in cooperation with a staircase manufacturer from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. All relevant data originates from defined interfaces to overarching production software systems and on-site digital data capture processes. Consistent data management, system-supported process structures and the application of role models allow for an increase in transparency of the holistic planning process.

Particularly in the assembly of small batches up to batch size 1, attempts at automation are often uneconomical, so that humans are used due to their flexibility. Aiming for a smooth, fault-free process and a general reduction in throughput time requires auxiliary systems. Various approaches are being pursued and in a funded process innovation, a system for visual support as well as the process-dependent provision of the components to be installed in the control panel has been developed. This is based on the digital linking of the necessary components and work instructions with the respective process steps. The results include a projection for visual support of the process, optimised material supply and holistic process mapping.