Printing scale models using mechatronic techniques

Abstract

A vision based robotic assembly cell has been set up to examine the problems and possibilities associated with decoration of scale model cars. Decoration in this context, is the placement of logos, numbers and names on the respective models. In its present configuration, the proof-of-concept cell consists of a conveyor system, a commercial vision system, two robots, a tampo printing machine, a commercial expert system shell and an off-line programming and simulation capability. The paper compares the overall process of the existing factory based system with that of the robotic cell for some typical decoration tasks and describes the new mechatronic concepts which have been incorporated into it. © 1991.