Publication Date

Spring 2022

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Gregory K. Arbuckle (Director), Michael Galloway, Mark Doggett

Degree Program

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

This research paper chronicles the attempt to bring forth a low-cost and low-tech testing methodology whereby multiple offline programming (OLP) software packages’ generated programs may be compared when run on industrial robots. This research was initiated by the discovery that no real research exists to test between iterations of OLP software packages and that most research for positional accuracy and/or repeatability on industrial robots is expensive and technologically intensive. Despite this, many countries’ leaders are pushing for intensive digitalization of manufacturing and Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) are noted to be lagging in adoption of such technologies. The research consisted of creating a test utilizing commonplace and inexpensive measuring devices in dial indicators to test the X, Y and Z axes of movement on a Fanuc R-2000iC/165F industrial robot. Unfortunately, the robot in question was unable to produce consistent results so that the research could be properly examined. It is assumed that the inconsistency could be linked to wear on the physical robot due to it having been utilized in heavy industrial work prior to being donated to the University where this research was conducted. Recommendations for future research and methods whereby the research could be refined are presented in the final chapter.

Disciplines

Computer-Aided Engineering and Design | Manufacturing | Robotics

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