Investigating the robot pool from a cyber-physical production system perspective

Abstract: The current industry landscape is witnessing a trend towards high-mix production, which requires a reconsideration of the existing production systems. Although high levels of automation have been achieved in the industry, the traditional automated production line, designed for mass production of homogeneous goods, is not well-suited for high-mix production. To address this situation, flexible and adaptable alternatives have been sought to replace the inflexible and rigid traditional production lines. One of the proposed solutions is the combination of digital technology and physical automation, creating a highly connected and intelligent production environment. Such an environment requires the implementation of a cyber-physical production system that integrates Industry 4.0 technologies, such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and flexible robots. This system enables a set of robots to perform different tasks instead of being exclusively dedicated to a specific task, making it moreadaptable and flexible. The integration of advanced technologies, such as AGVs and Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS), can significantly enhance workflow optimization, reduce production times, and enable flexible layout adaptations to cater to the specific requirements of different products in the production line. Furthermore, it can facilitate better control of information and enable real-time monitoring of the production process, leading to improved production efficiency and quality. To demonstrate the potential of such a system, a virtual commissioning of a fully innovative production line has been carried out, encompassing all the previously mentioned technologies and elements. The virtual commissioning of the production line serves as a proof-of-concept for the cyber-physical production system and its ability to provide a highly connected, intelligent, and adaptable production environment.