Implementation and integration of a closed-loop system for industrial external axes on robotized paint applications

The onslaught of technology has brought about significant improvement in the quality of lives of many. As the world strives to improve itself, industries as a whole have evolved tremendously: from the initial stage of mechanisation through water and steam power, to mass production and assembly line, followed by computerisation and automation and finally the evolution of cyber-physical and smart systems. The integration of robotics and robotic system has allowed industries to fulfil their operating tasks and needs at an alarmingly effective and efficient level. Robots and robotic systems are developed to perform more complex and advanced operations and tasks. Particularly in the highly competitive field of manufacturing, industries strive to improve on their systems and technologies to stay relevant and effective. This report presents the research and work done by the student in the integration of an electrically powered external rotary actuator, a servo motor, with an ABB industrial robot IRB4400/60 to carry out painting processes for aerospace components. This report serves to provide a detailed documentation on the development of the painting system, both on the hardware and software aspects, as well as the various approaches and enhancements made.to automate an existing painting process handled manually by operators in a manufacturing line. As this project is a collaboration between Advanced Remanufacturing & Technology Centre and Rolls Royce, there are elements of the project which is content sensitive and will only be briefly discussed. There are multiple design aspects and elements in the project which are used modelling and simulation purposes for the operation. The result of the project will be presented and discussed and the future direction of the project will be elaborated on as well.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering