Self-Organization and Self-Coordination in Welding Automation with Collaborating Teams of Industrial Robots

• Main Authors: Günther Starke, Daniel Hahn, Diana G. Pedroza Yanez, Luz M. Ugalde Leal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-11-01
• Series: Machines
• Subjects: industrial robots; collaboration; autonomy; self-organization; trajectory planning; collision avoidance; ROS-based control; simulation
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/4/4/23

In welding automation, growing interest can be recognized in applying teams of industrial robots to perform manufacturing processes through collaboration. Although robot teamwork can increase profitability and cost-effectiveness in production, the programming of the robots is still a problem. It is extremely time consuming and requires special expertise in synchronizing the activities of the robots to avoid any collision. Therefore, a research project has been initiated to solve those problems. This paper will present strategies, concepts, and research results in applying robot operating system (ROS) and ROS-based solutions to overcome existing technical deficits through the integration of self-organization capabilities, autonomous path planning, and self-coordination of the robots’ work. The new approach should contribute to improving the application of robot teamwork and collaboration in the manufacturing sector at a higher level of flexibility and reduced need for human intervention.