Associativity, Adaptivity and Behavior Aspects in Modeling for Manufacturing Related Robot Systems

The authors propose a unified modeling approach to product-robot information systems as a contribution to robot related applications of product models. Despite product modeling by CAD/CAM system is prevailing in the industry, robot processes are typically not product model data driven. The authors consider geometric aspect of robot programming as the main drawback of development. The main purpose of the reported work is to establish an application centered and multi-aspect-based communication between product modeling and industrial robot related engineering. Although the primary application area of the proposed approach is robot-assisted manufacturing of products, it also can be utilized at other applications where engineering object descriptions in product models are available for robot environment. In the proposed model, engineering objects are described as application oriented associative aspects. High level integration of engineering information including intelligent content is intended for environment adaptive model objects. In this manner, models with the ability to react changes in their affect zone can be established. The paper also explains key elements of the related modeling methodology. Implementation of the approach and methodology is considered as an extension to modeling procedures and models in advanced industrial CAD/CAM systems with open architecture.