Prototyping an intelligent robotic welding workplace by a cyber-physic tool

The aim of this paper is to describe the methods used to adapt the robotic system as well as the design, simulation, digitization, and verification of the robotic workplace for intelligent welding of small-scale production. Small-scale production in small and medium-sized enterprises is characterized by a high level of type variability of products. It was a requirement to design and verify a robotic positioning and welding workplace with a high degree of ability to automatically adapt to processing of various objects. This paper deals with the design and verification of robotic smart systems that contribute to variability of a robotic workplace for intelligent welding of small-scale production such as positioning and holding of the to-be-welded parts by two synchronized robotic manipulators, robotic welding, robotic picking systems using 3D scanners, 2D laser scanner measurement of gap geometry, and quick-change system of robotic grippers with a force-torque sensor. Before testing the robotic manipulation and robotic welding of products of various sizes and shapes, the design of the workplace was verified using its digital twin. The robotic workplace for intelligent welding of small-scale production also includes tools for digitization.