The main problem
Many situations are considered tough to automate for the following reasons:
- Low volume of production
- One-of production
- Low documentation (no CAD file)
- Custom parts
- Process requires a lot of knowledge or training

Typical processes include:
- Painting
- Cutting
- Grinding
- Welding
- etc…

The solution: Flexible cell
What is it ?
Industrial robot equipped with a 3D-Laser-Scanner
and bundled with software for:
- Creating generic process sequences
- Creating generic/parametric family of parts
- Creating generic/parametric robot trajectories
- Running the cell in Automated mode

Why is it flexible ?
- No robot programming
- Parametric programming of new families
- Uses off-the-shelf powerful software tools
- Can support a variety of process


Possible architectures

With CAD (part-specific)		With CAD (parametric)		No CAD
A CAD file must exist for each part. The automated system can be very powerful but preparation is needed before each run.		A single CAD file is needed to handle a family of part that could include hundreds / thousands of combinations.		No CAD file is necessary. Based on a set of parameters, the system is programmed for one or many specific process.
Applications: - Drilling and riveting - Surface blending - Shot peening - Cutting/Grinding of highly complex part - … and more		Applications: - Welding structural steel - Pressure vessels - Assembling parts - Routing/Sanding of complex parts - … and more		Applications: - Deburring simple shapes - Painting - Shot peening - Create openings in composite parts - … and more

Architectures comparison

	With CAD (part-specific)	With CAD (parametric)	No CAD
How easy is it to:
- Prepare production
- Operate in production
- Add a new family	n/a
- Add a new part
Is it good for production with:
- Low-Volume / High-Mix
- High-Volume / Low-Mix
- Low-Volume / Low-Mix
Can it manage:
- Feature-specific process
- Closed-loop process

Case studies
- Case study 1: Welding for Metal Structures (click for details)
- Case study 2: Cutting Metal Part (Conical or Cylindrical) (click for details)


Conclusions
Automated solutions based on 3D scanning technology can result in very high return-on-investment projects since they have following benefits:
- Can support low volume or one-of productions
- Increased quality based on a repeatable production
- Less stress to find qualified operators (welding, painting, shot peening, etc.)

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