How to Design Your Own Custom Robotic Work Cell

Robotic work cells are a great addition to any manufacturing line that has a specialized job. Learn more about work cells and how you can design one to increase productivity and reduce costs at your manufacturing facility. 

What is a robotic work cell? 

A robotic work cell is a complete system composed of one or more robots and a controller. A work cell may also include other equipment depending on the purpose and production method of the cell. 

How will a work cell benefit you? 

Work cells are an excellent way to improve speed and efficiency in your production line. Not only that, but increased production also means increased profit.  

If you have a job that standalone robots are unable to complete, then a work cell may be the solution. Customized work cells are pre-engineered to produce according to your specific manufacturing needs, allowing you to increase productivity and get the job done right. 

How to design your own custom work cell: 

STEP 1: DETERMINE WHAT JOB THE WORK CELL WILL BE DOING. 

The first step is finding out exactly what the work cell needs to do. Is your work cell going to be assembling a standing desk for home offices, or building doors for a sports car? Each job is unique in the programming required for a robot to complete the job. Be as specific as possible. 

STEP 2: DEVELOP AN OUTLINE OF THE TASKS. 

Like step one, you should be detailed in mapping out the tasks required to complete the job. Each task will need to be accounted for in the work cell so that the product is manufactured correctly. You’ll also need to establish the inputs and outputs for the job. 

STEP 3: CHOOSE ROBOTS WITH THE RIGHT APPLICATIONS TO DO THE JOB. 

When choosing robots for your work cell, consider the robot’s reachability, payload, precision, and EOAT. You will also want to know the cycle time of the robot. These factors will determine if you need one robot or multiple robots within your work cell. 

STEP 4: SELECT A POSITIONER TO MOVE THE PRODUCT DOWN THE LINE. 

The positioner will contain your product while the robots are manufacturing. The positioner should either be fixed or mobile, and the weight capacity of the positioner should be examined as well. You can also decide if the height of the positioner will be fixed or adjustable. 

STEP 5: CREATE A LAYOUT TO EFFICIENTLY (AND SAFELY) COMPLETE THE TASK. 

The layout is the most important aspect of the work cell and will be the key to its success. For maximum efficiency, you want to find the best placement for your robots and positioner. Some work cells complete a task in a linear fashion, some may keep the product in one place, and others may require the robots to swivel and change direction. 

Make sure you consider spacing for human workers, if necessary, and leave ample room for the robot’s base and motions. Larger work cells may have a greater cost, but ensuring the safety of your employees and protecting robots from damage is worth the expense. 

Increase productivity with a custom-designed robotic work cell. 

With the steps above, you can design a customized work cell that will improve your production line’s speed and efficiency. 

DO YOU WANT TO ADD A WORK CELL TO YOUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY? 

NRTC Automation creates turnkey flexible robotic work cells to fit your unique production line. We have over a decade of experience in providing solutions to automation and manufacturing needs for all manufacturing companies, including top automobile manufacturers across the globe. 

Contact NRTC Automation today for a quote on your customized robotic work cell.