A new cell production assembly system with human–robot cooperation

In manufacturing, where the wages of operators are high and the availability of expert operators remains limited, it is proving impossible to improve the efficiency of cell production assembly systems. Even novice operators are asked to achieve high levels of productivity and reliability with a diverse range of products. To satisfy this demand, the authors have developed a new cell production assembly system with human–robot cooperation. This system consists of three key technologies; parts feeding by double manipulators on a mobile base, production process information support for the operator, and safety management for cooperation between the operator and the robot.