Robots add new dimension to parts presentation

Reports on a visit to assembly machine producers, Modular Automation Ltd in Birmingham with particular emphasis on the trend towards using robots in assembly machines and their versatility in parts presentation. With the help of appropriate tactile or vision sensing a robot can pick up a component from an imprecise location and correctly align it for assembly. Simpler parts feeding systems can therefore be employed and the robots can be easily reprogrammed to accommodate minor product changes. Looks at some of the applications using robots such as an assembly machine for mounting mirror bosses to windscreens and the handling and placing of clip‐on bobbin covers as part of a car boot release mechanism.