Modular Control and Services to Operate Lineless Mobile Assembly Systems

Abstract The increasing product variability and lack of skilled workers demand for autonomous, flexible production. Since assembly is considered a main cost driver and accounts for a major part of production time, research focuses on new technologies in assembly. The paradigm of Line-less Mobile Assembly Systems (LMAS) provides a solution for the future of assembly by mobilizing all resources. Thus, dynamic product routes through spatiotemporally configured assembly stations on a shop floor free of fixed obstacles are enabled. In this chapter, we present research focal points on different levels of LMAS, starting with the macroscopic level of formation planning, followed by the mesoscopic level of mobile robot control and multipurpose input devices and the microscopic level of services, such as interpreting autonomous decisions and in-network computing. We provide cross-level data and knowledge transfer through a novel ontology-based knowledge management. Overall, our work contributes to future safe and predictable human-robot collaboration in dynamic LMAS stations based on accurate online formation and motion planning of mobile robots, novel human-machine interfaces and networking technologies, as well as trustworthy AI-based decisions.