Jan Schachtsiek

and 2 more

This paper introduces an integrative multi-robot system for advanced manufacturing, presenting an innovative approach that addresses contemporary challenges in the manufacturing landscape. By seamlessly integrating additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, namely wire-based laser deposition welding and robotic milling, within a highly automated cell, the system offers a novel solution with the potential to advance industrial production. Delving into the system's architecture, the paper explores the intricate details, emphasizing key characteristics such as functional integration, joint programming, and digital twin. Specific functionalities are elucidated to provide a clearer understanding of the system's capabilities. Research perspectives outlined in the paper shed light on potential advancements in simultaneous additive and subtractive operations, providing insights into the system's capabilities. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the potential and applications of the OPTIMA system is presented, highlighting its versatility in aerospace applications, the automotive industry, and customized products. This paper serves as a detailed guide to the integrative multi-robot system, offering in-depth insights into its design, functionalities, and specific contributions to the field of advanced manufacturing. Exploring both research perspectives and practical applications contributes to a holistic understanding of the system's significance in shaping the future of industrial production.

Patrick Adler

and 3 more

Hydrogen is one of the main pillars in the transition to renewable energy and can be used in particular for buffering and storing energy. Electrolyzers are needed to produce sustainable, green hydrogen. Today, these electrolyzers are mainly manufactured by hand. An electrolyzer plant consists of two main com-ponents, the stack in which the actual electrolysis takes place and the balance of plant that ensures the operation of the stack. Different electrolysis technologies have essential similarities in the balance of plant so that automation can achieve particular optimization potentials at this point. The use of automation technologies such as industrial robots is intended to bring this production to series maturity. For this reason, large-scale electrolysis plants are analyzed with regard to their design, the combination of different elec-trolysis technologies and the connection technology used. A significant propor-tion of the necessary assembly steps are cable, hose and tube connections, which automation technology has not yet been able to assemble in a process-safe and economical manner. In this paper, the process of tube connection using tube nuts is explained in more detail and a design system for a robotic tool is presented. A robot tool is called an end-effector because it is used at the end of the robot kinematics. This end-effector is designed for use on industrial robots and is intended to make series production more economical. For this purpose, the necessary information pro-cessing, material flows and energy transformations are investigated and their in-terrelationships are presented. The goal is to evaluate a suitable physical operat-ing principle for bolting hydrogen tube nuts.