Workcell configuration and automated off-line programming for remote laser welding

Robotic remote laser welding (RLW) has attracted interest specifically in the automotive industry due to its potential benefits in terms of processing speed, process flexibility and energy efficiency.

Contributing to the EU-funded RLW Navigator project, researchers of the Research Laboratory on Engineering & Management Intelligence developed a software toolbox that enables the detailed configuration, optimization, simulation and automated off-line programming of RLW workcells.

The workflow that takes industry-standard data as input is open to engineering interaction and produces executable code for an RLW robot. The results have been verified and validated in physical welding processes, by making use the equipment and sample products of the project partners. As for a short demonstration, see the attached video.

The shortly concluding RLW Navigator consortium developed an innovative portfolio of experimental, simulation, optimization and in-process measurement solutions for “right-first-time” development and validation of RLW applications, dedicated to automotive assembly. These results are presented on an Industrial Symposium entitled “From Design to Production: Simulation and Optimisation of the Body in White Joining Process” at the University of Warwick, 9 December, 2014. For a detailed program and registration, please visit this website .

Contact: Dr. József Váncza