Robotic Manufacturing for Automobiles

Introduction For decades the automotive industry has been the biggest users of automated robotic systems in the manufacturing sector. Though many have worried that automatic production is taking away employment, these robots have protected workers from hazardous fumes, hot moldings and other dangerous conditions, and have eliminated uman error resulting from tedious operations and negligence caused by fatigue. The ever-increasing manufacturing speed and precision brought by advancements in robotic technology have given automakers an important competitive edge in producing premier quality autos. Safety, quality, and capa- bility are the main reasons for adopting robotic technology. Manufacturers change new car models every few years to keep up with the demand of car buyers, and different models mean different materials, so different tooling and different processes need to be implemented. A produc- tion planning system with precise comput- er-controlled processes was necessary to imple- ment high quality, high throughput, flexible production, seamlessly integrated processes and to provide end-to-end connectivity for moni- toring and maintaining manufacturing assets. In this case study, the compact-sized high perfor- mance Advantech ARK-2250 fanless embedded computer was used in a state-of-the-art auto- mated assembly facility of a German leading automotive manufacturer. The ARK-2250 embedded computer was implemented into a networked process control manufacturing system that provides detailed information about parts that need to be installed and records production details for product quality control. Application Requirements To meet the customer’s requirements for process control and information display, this 1 ROBOTIC MANUFACTURING FOR AUTOMOBILES project also had demands for data acquisition, IoT data transmission and analytics, and remote monitoring control functions,. For example, when the controller detects a potential problem based on the data it collects from sensors and actuators, it will automatically close down the process, issue alerts and alarms including SMS to mobile devices. So, the PC controller used in this case has to be equipped with suitable com- puting and data storage capabilities, connectivi- ty and a software platform for integrating IoT functions. In addition, the system required a variety of I/O ports to meet diverse peripheral and connectivi- ty needs.As the computer was to be mounted on the arm of a monitor providing task informa- tion at each workstation for operators to view, the system needed to enable the data to be accessible at multiple levels. The power, LAN, and cabling had to be securely connected to ensure operational reliability and stability. Wide voltage, dust and temperature range support was also needed for operation in the harsh manufacturing environment of a car production plant. Solution At each facility workstation , the Advantech ARK-2250 embedded computer was mounted onto the robotic monitor arms and connected to power, network, monitoring sensors, and actua- tors with lockable wires and cables;. To enable data acquisition, IoT data management and remote monitoring control functions, the ARK-2250 embedded computer, as well as the backend server, are deployed with Advantech’s IoT WISE-PaaS/RMM software platform. With the hardware and software provided by Advantech, the system will be used to provide information about the next item that needs to be installed in the assembly process, and display the information on the mounted moni- tor for onsite operators to view. Meanwhile, it will also collect and export data to an SQL Server database to archive production records and provide IoT data analytics reporting for future process improvement and preventive mainte- nance. The ARK-2250 controller will also stop the process immediately when it discovers any problems based on data collected from the safety sensors, so as to avoid damage and reduce financial loss. For display options, the ARK-2250 embedded computer provided all required display options, including HDMI, VGA, and optional 3rd party display interfaces. This display flexibility enabled a future-proof approach for different application scenarios. Equipped with a state-of-the art 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 U-series processor, the ARK-2250 embedded computer delivers high computing performance in compact size to integrate nicely with the high speed automated automotive production lines. Supporting a unique ARK-plus expansion module and iDoor I/O modules, the ARK system was able to easily expanded to enrich storage and industrial interfaces on an optional basis. When auto makers retrofit their production lines to produce new models, they can rely on ARK embedded computers to be flexibly adjust- ed or upgraded for reconfiguration to meet design changes. In terms of software support in the most cost-ef- fective way, all Advantech ARK embedded com- puters are deployed with the Advantech WISE-PaaS software platform, which aggregates and integrates the software resources needed for customers to develop their own industrial control, IoT, or cloud applications. WISE-PaaS/RMM software is part of Advantech WISE-PaaS cloud solution, and focuses on remote device management and monitoring. WISE-PaaS/RMM serves as an IoT device man- agement platform that manages connected devices remotely, providing centralized man- agement features, including HW/SW status monitoring, remote control, system backup/re- covery. Advantech’s WISE-PaaS/RMM software was leveraged for IoT data management and remote monitor- ing control. WISE-PaaS/RMM, the system was interoperable with the plant’s current IIoT plan, includ- ing services for advanced data analytics and data prediction applications. It provided a very easy-to-use dashboard builder that allowed the system integrator to develop their own cross-plat- form and cross-device dashboard. Now the factory managers can view data and quickly understand the status of their production lines via any browser-based computer, smartphone, or other mobile device from anywhere at any time. Benefits ．Reliable fanless/wide-voltage/wide-temperature/ lockable cables design ensured reliability and stability for industrial applications ．VGA /HDMI/optional 3rd party for versatile display ．High computing performance leveraging Intel i7 CPU and rich I/O support to accommodate data collection and analytics requirements ．Pre-installed WISE-PaaS/RMM software to enable IoT data management and remote monitoring with easy connection and fast deployment ．Longevity support with long availability of Advantech products and services Introduction For decades the automotive industry has been the biggest users of automated robotic systems in the manufacturing sector. Though many have worried that automatic production is taking away employment, these robots have protected workers from hazardous fumes, hot moldings and other dangerous conditions, and have eliminated uman error resulting from tedious operations and negligence caused by fatigue. The ever-increasing manufacturing speed and precision brought by advancements in robotic technology have given automakers an important competitive edge in producing premier quality autos. Safety, quality, and capa- bility are the main reasons for adopting robotic technology. Manufacturers change new car models every few years to keep up with the demand of car buyers, and different models mean different materials, so different tooling and different processes need to be implemented. A produc- tion planning system with precise comput- er-controlled processes was necessary to imple- ment high quality, high throughput, flexible production, seamlessly integrated processes and to provide end-to-end connectivity for moni- toring and maintaining manufacturing assets. In this case study, the compact-sized high perfor- mance Advantech ARK-2250 fanless embedded computer was used in a state-of-the-art auto- mated assembly facility of a German leading automotive manufacturer. The ARK-2250 embedded computer was implemented into a networked process control manufacturing system that provides detailed information about parts that need to be installed and records production details for product quality control. Application Requirements To meet the customer’s requirements for process control and information display, this 2 project also had demands for data acquisition, IoT data transmission and analytics, and remote monitoring control functions,. For example, when the controller detects a potential problem based on the data it collects from sensors and actuators, it will automatically close down the process, issue alerts and alarms including SMS to mobile devices. So, the PC controller used in this case has to be equipped with suitable com- puting and data storage capabilities, connectivi- ty and a software platform for integrating IoT functions. In addition, the system required a variety of I/O ports to meet diverse peripheral and connectivi- ty needs.As the computer was to be mounted on the arm of a monitor providing task informa- tion at each workstation for operators to view, the system needed to enable the data to be accessible at multiple levels. The power, LAN, and cabling had to be securely connected to ensure operational reliability and stability. Wide voltage, dust and temperature range support was also needed for operation in the harsh manufacturing environment of a car production plant. Solution At each facility workstation , the Advantech ARK-2250 embedded computer was mounted onto the robotic monitor arms and connected to power, network, monitoring sensors, and actua- tors with lockable wires and cables;. To enable data acquisition, IoT data management and remote monitoring control functions, the ARK-2250 embedded computer, as well as the backend server, are deployed with Advantech’s IoT WISE-PaaS/RMM software platform. With the hardware and software provided by Advantech, the system will be used to provide information about the next item that needs to be installed in the assembly process, and display the information on the mounted moni- tor for onsite operators to view. Meanwhile, it will also collect and export data to an SQL Server database to archive production records and provide IoT data analytics reporting for future process improvement and preventive mainte- nance. The ARK-2250 controller will also stop the process immediately when it discovers any problems based on data collected from the safety sensors, so as to avoid damage and reduce financial loss. For display options, the ARK-2250 embedded computer provided all required display options, including HDMI, VGA, and optional 3rd party display interfaces. This display flexibility enabled a future-proof approach for different application scenarios. Equipped with a state-of-the art 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 U-series processor, the ARK-2250 embedded computer delivers high computing performance in compact size to integrate nicely with the high speed automated automotive production lines. Supporting a unique ARK-plus expansion module and iDoor I/O modules, the ARK system was able to easily expanded to enrich storage and industrial interfaces on an optional basis. When auto makers retrofit their production lines to produce new models, they can rely on ARK embedded computers to be flexibly adjust- ed or upgraded for reconfiguration to meet design changes. In terms of software support in the most cost-ef- fective way, all Advantech ARK embedded com- puters are deployed with the Advantech WISE-PaaS software platform, which aggregates and integrates the software resources needed for customers to develop their own industrial control, IoT, or cloud applications. WISE-PaaS/RMM software is part of Advantech WISE-PaaS cloud solution, and focuses on remote device management and monitoring. WISE-PaaS/RMM serves as an IoT device man- agement platform that manages connected devices remotely, providing centralized man- agement features, including HW/SW status monitoring, remote control, system backup/re- covery. Advantech’s WISE-PaaS/RMM software was leveraged for IoT data management and remote monitor- ing control. WISE-PaaS/RMM, the system was interoperable with the plant’s current IIoT plan, includ- ing services for advanced data analytics and data prediction applications. It provided a very easy-to-use dashboard builder that allowed the system integrator to develop their own cross-plat- form and cross-device dashboard. Now the factory managers can view data and quickly understand the status of their production lines via any browser-based computer, smartphone, or other mobile device from anywhere at any time. Benefits ．Reliable fanless/wide-voltage/wide-temperature/ lockable cables design ensured reliability and stability for industrial applications ．VGA /HDMI/optional 3rd party for versatile display ．High computing performance leveraging Intel i7 CPU and rich I/O support to accommodate data collection and analytics requirements ．Pre-installed WISE-PaaS/RMM software to enable IoT data management and remote monitoring with easy connection and fast deployment ．Longevity support with long availability of Advantech products and services Introduction For decades the automotive industry has been the biggest users of automated robotic systems in the manufacturing sector. Though many have worried that automatic production is taking away employment, these robots have protected workers from hazardous fumes, hot moldings and other dangerous conditions, and have eliminated uman error resulting from tedious operations and negligence caused by fatigue. The ever-increasing manufacturing speed and precision brought by advancements in robotic technology have given automakers an important competitive edge in producing premier quality autos. Safety, quality, and capa- bility are the main reasons for adopting robotic technology. Manufacturers change new car models every few years to keep up with the demand of car buyers, and different models mean different materials, so different tooling and different processes need to be implemented. A produc- tion planning system with precise comput- er-controlled processes was necessary to imple- ment high quality, high throughput, flexible production, seamlessly integrated processes and to provide end-to-end connectivity for moni- toring and maintaining manufacturing assets. In this case study, the compact-sized high perfor- mance Advantech ARK-2250 fanless embedded computer was used in a state-of-the-art auto- mated assembly facility of a German leading automotive manufacturer. The ARK-2250 embedded computer was implemented into a networked process control manufacturing system that provides detailed information about parts that need to be installed and records production details for product quality control. Application Requirements To meet the customer’s requirements for process control and information display, this For more information on Advantech’s Embedded Computers check out Buy.Advantech.com/go/Embedded-Computers or call 877-825-4146 project also had demands for data acquisition, IoT data transmission and analytics, and remote monitoring control functions,. For example, when the controller detects a potential problem based on the data it collects from sensors and actuators, it will automatically close down the process, issue alerts and alarms including SMS to mobile devices. So, the PC controller used in this case has to be equipped with suitable com- puting and data storage capabilities, connectivi- ty and a software platform for integrating IoT functions. In addition, the system required a variety of I/O ports to meet diverse peripheral and connectivi- ty needs.As the computer was to be mounted on the arm of a monitor providing task informa- tion at each workstation for operators to view, the system needed to enable the data to be accessible at multiple levels. The power, LAN, and cabling had to be securely connected to ensure operational reliability and stability. Wide voltage, dust and temperature range support was also needed for operation in the harsh manufacturing environment of a car production plant. Solution At each facility workstation , the Advantech ARK-2250 embedded computer was mounted onto the robotic monitor arms and connected to power, network, monitoring sensors, and actua- tors with lockable wires and cables;. To enable data acquisition, IoT data management and remote monitoring control functions, the ARK-2250 embedded computer, as well as the backend server, are deployed with Advantech’s IoT WISE-PaaS/RMM software platform. With the hardware and software provided by Advantech, the system will be used to provide information about the next item that needs to be installed in the assembly process, and display the information on the mounted moni- tor for onsite operators to view. Meanwhile, it will also collect and export data to an SQL Server database to archive production records and provide IoT data analytics reporting for future process improvement and preventive mainte- nance. The ARK-2250 controller will also stop the process immediately when it discovers any problems based on data collected from the safety sensors, so as to avoid damage and reduce financial loss. For display options, the ARK-2250 embedded computer provided all required display options, including HDMI, VGA, and optional 3rd party display interfaces. This display flexibility enabled a future-proof approach for different application scenarios. Equipped with a state-of-the art 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 U-series processor, the ARK-2250 embedded computer delivers high computing performance in compact size to integrate nicely with the high speed automated automotive production lines. Supporting a unique ARK-plus expansion module and iDoor I/O modules, the ARK system was able to easily expanded to enrich storage and industrial interfaces on an optional basis. When auto makers retrofit their production lines to produce new models, they can rely on ARK embedded computers to be flexibly adjust- ed or upgraded for reconfiguration to meet design changes. In terms of software support in the most cost-ef- fective way, all Advantech ARK embedded com- puters are deployed with the Advantech WISE-PaaS software platform, which aggregates and integrates the software resources needed for customers to develop their own industrial control, IoT, or cloud applications. WISE-PaaS/RMM software is part of Advantech WISE-PaaS cloud solution, and focuses on remote device management and monitoring. WISE-PaaS/RMM serves as an IoT device man- agement platform that manages connected devices remotely, providing centralized man- agement features, including HW/SW status monitoring, remote control, system backup/re- covery. Advantech’s WISE-PaaS/RMM software was leveraged for IoT data management and remote monitor- ing control. WISE-PaaS/RMM, the system was interoperable with the plant’s current IIoT plan, includ- ing services for advanced data analytics and data prediction applications. It provided a very easy-to-use dashboard builder that allowed the system integrator to develop their own cross-plat- form and cross-device dashboard. Now the factory managers can view data and quickly understand the status of their production lines via any browser-based computer, smartphone, or other mobile device from anywhere at any time. Benefits ．Reliable fanless/wide-voltage/wide-temperature/ lockable cables design ensured reliability and stability for industrial applications ．VGA /HDMI/optional 3rd party for versatile display ．High computing performance leveraging Intel i7 CPU and rich I/O support to accommodate data collection and analytics requirements ．Pre-installed WISE-PaaS/RMM software to enable IoT data management and remote monitoring with easy connection and fast deployment ．Longevity support with long availability of Advantech products and services System Diagram