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U of M College of Engineering Control Seminar Series Sponsored by Eaton, Ford, General Motors, and Whirlpool |
Motion Control of the FANUC Robotics
Intelligent Assist Device
Peter Swanson
Senior Product
Development Engineer
FANUC Robotics
America
3900 W. Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI
48309
Abstract:
An Intelligent Assist Device (IAD) senses and augments human force, assisting the operator with manipulating heavy or awkward objects. The powered assistance of the IAD minimizes ergonomic injury by negating gravity and inertial loads, making work easier for the operator. Precise, powerful servo control is coupled with the intent and intelligence of the operator.
Virtual Constraints are used to assist the operator in the fine placement of the part and avoid obvious collisions. The virtual constraints ensure that the part is placed in the correct location of the assembly every time. The precision of the virtual constraints protects the finish quality of the part and allows reduced cycle time, even with tight tolerances on a moving assembly line.
Ford Motor Company has successfully used the FANUC Robotics IAD in production since June 2002, realizing significant savings in productivity, workers' comp and assembly damage while improving operator morale. The IAD won the Henry Ford Technology Award in 2003.
This presentation will discuss the motion control design of the FANUC Robotics IAD, with special emphasis on human interface design, virtual constraints, and safety.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.