Robot forming: Automated English wheel as an avenue for flexibility and repeatability

• DOI: 10.1016/j.mfglet.2023.08.104
• Publication Date: 2023-10-09T09:15:53Z
• Authors: Dean Huang; Derick Suarez; Putong Kang; Kornel Ehmann; Jian Cao
• Keywords: Work space; Robot end effector; Industrial robot

The English wheel is a highly flexible traditional metalworking tool. Currently, wheeling manual manufacturing process that allows skilled craftsmen/smiths to form compound curves. geometric accuracy and repeatability of the forming pieces are heavily influenced by human factors. Consequently, its applications in modern production industries limited due mechanism. This paper presents application single-robot automation system (i.e., robot forming). reads simulation-based toolpaths or camera-tracked trajectories, autonomously computes end-effector trajectory ensures efficient robotic motion planning avoiding workspace constraints operation setup. hardware (UR5e arm) setup software program structures developed demonstrated. Experiments conducted compare performance against when following same toolpath data. It found compatible with various types data effectively enhances executions.