Development of an efficient human-robot cooperative system to teach robotic welding by demonstration for rapid custom fabrication

The current use of permanent jigs and fixtures for ensuring repetitive and predictable production routines has been driving the deployment of robotics.

The future of robotics and automation is the adoption of robotics for Non- repetitive robotic production processes which can work alongside with human coworkers. The robots will be able to learn from expert human co-workers and carry out custom jobs quickly. The impact of this research has the potential for industry changing adoption of robotics in high mix / low volume workshops. The need for skilled workers and international economic competition requires the manufacturing industry to evolve and develop new and better operating methods.

It is this research goal to simplify the complex teaching operation of industrial robots and introduce robotics in small-scale manufacturing for mainstream use. Simplified methods for teaching robots will reduce the barrier to adoption in smaller workshops. It will propel the use of industrial robots and act as a stepping stone to fully automated workshops.