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Interdisciplinary Senior Design Project to Develop a Teaching Tool: Cobot Integrated Robotic Cell Learning Module
Conference proceeding

Interdisciplinary Senior Design Project to Develop a Teaching Tool: Cobot Integrated Robotic Cell Learning Module

Yalcin Ertekin, Richard Chiou and Tzu Liang Bill Tseng
2024 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition
23 Jun 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--47674

Abstract

Robotics
The desired current set of skills required of modern engineers and technologists has been steadily expanding. In addition to familiarity with production grade industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots) and automation methods are increasingly becoming essential tools in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of complex systems. In this paper, an inter-disciplinary design project towards the development of a Cobot Integration Learning Module is presented. The Engineering Technology Department at XXXX University offers several courses that allow students to interact with robotic and machine vision systems. With many courses focusing on each individual component of production, an opportunity exists to combine several elements to simulate a real-world example of an automated work cell. Students need more skills in programming Cobots and integrating multiple machines into a production process to create innovations in the mechanical, electrical, and industrial fields. The objective of this project is to develop a small-scale automated work cell that integrates manufacturing machinery into a single integrated learning module. The primary goal of the system is to provide students in the Engineering Technology department with hands-on experience in integrating multiple machines into a single system. The project was inspired by the need to introduce students to small-scale industrialization for artisan companies with budget constraints. A learning module that was agreed upon was to obtain manufacturing components that were already familiar to students undergoing practical education by machining a Delrin workpiece. This includes a conveyor belt for the transportation of the part, a machine vision camera and photoelectric sensor array for part detection and quality assurance, a 6-degree-offreedom collaborative robot for part transfer, and a CNC for milling operations. The final results demonstrate the possibilities of utilizing readily available commercial products to achieve a desired task. Furthermore, the work cell's modular design makes it portable, allowing for simple deconstruction and transportation to nearby high schools to generate interest in STEM education among prospective students. Overall, the project aims to provide students with a baseline in how to develop an automated system. The work cell has the potential to be a cost-effective solution for small-scale production with a greater degree of optimization and improvements over time. Students in the Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial fields along with many others can learn many new skills from multi-disciplinary projects such as the design and development of a robotic cell. Such projects show students how to use different types of technology and demonstrate how advanced technology can be used in an actual application. This project teaches future engineers and technologists various advanced skills that can be used in their careers. Overall, many different fields of engineering can benefit from this application, enabling the development of skill and knowledge in many different engineering aspects and processes.

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