Lean Automation

In the project Lean Automation researchers at Mälardalen University continue to strive for easier, more flexible and efficient robotics solutions. The goal is to make automation accessible to new users and new applications.

“For us, the project Lean Automation is about making automation accessible to new users and new applications,” says Mats Jackson, professor and research manager at Mälardalen University. ”SMEs is an important target group, as well as the health care sector and other business sectors.”

The project goals include both high quality academic publications as well as producing one or more concrete physical or virtual demonstration models that illustrate the Lean Automation concept. A number of subprojects are included under Lean Automation.

Automation handbook and simplified use of robot cells

One of the subprojects within Lean Automation is producing an automation handbook that can support smaller companies that are about to automate. As an example, the handbook brings up determination of the appropriate automation level or automation solution, and the preparation of good requirements specifications for an integrator.

“The handbook contains pure theory, but also checklists, project structures, how a pilot study is conducted and so forth,” says Mats Jackson.

Another subproject deals with simplifying the utilization of robot automation. This can entail making it easier for an operator to monitor an operating robot cell, to provide support and assistance in troubleshooting or maintenance measures.

“We also have a project in which we are going to map out robot cells and which technology will be needed in the factories of the future,” says Mats Jackson. ”This comes from a project we conducted at Volvo Construction Equipment, where we looked at robotic automation in their future factories in conjunction with a process of change.

“The question is how to design robot automation to fit into future efficient production facilities. We are looking for solutions and want to jointly plan this with the companies. We also have a postgraduate student coupled to ABB Corporate Research who is looking at flexible and reconfigurable robot automation.”

Logistics automation and remote monitoring

Additional subprojects include logistics automation and how one can automate in logistics and material handling to help companies become more efficient.

“The final subproject is about a service concept for robot automation and how to simplify things for end-users,” says Mats Jackson. “Our vision is to be able to remotely provide feedback and reconfigure or take corrective measures if something is wrong.”

This has been studied together with among others, SKB, a company that handles atomic fuels. They have plans to use industrial robots to refill future final storage spaces for atomic fuel. The robots are needed for filling shafts with bentonite blocks after having deposited the atomic fuel in their capsules. These robots must be able to monitor remotely.