Development and integration of laser sensor tracking system in robotic arm for path correction during welding operation

Abstract

An industrial robot is mainly used for manufacturing. Industrial robots are 6 or more axes, which can be automatically controlled by programming. Typical applications of robots include welding, painting, picking, and placing printed circuit boards, packaging and labelling, palletizing, product inspection, and testing with high accuracy, precision, and fast speed. Robotic welding is a complex, nonlinear and time varying process which can be affected by various natural or any random disturbances. Due to the effect of various factors, the actual welding path may differ. So, welding robots should be able to detect the actual welding path, then adjust the difference in welding path and complete the welding process accurately. Laser welding is one of the most important technologies in the manufacturing field. It is the most frequently used technology which has made new demands. So, the manufacturer ensures to meet the quality of laser welding and improve the production efficiency. Due to the increase in demand of quality, accuracy, precise, productivity, flexibility and adaptive control of welding robot, an automatic laser seam tracking system is developed with welding robot to precisely follow the welding path and make the necessary corrections during welding operations.