Colloquia

Samenvatting

This research focuses on the development of a customized framework to partially automate WILA’s manual assembly process. WILA B.V., a manufacturer of press brake tools and toolholder systems, recognizes the potential of applying automation within the labor-intensive NSCL-II assembly process to increase profitability. WILA’s current challenge revolves around translating previous automation projects into the automation of assembly tasks. Out of a literature review, there is concluded that existing automation frameworks cannot be directly applied to WILA’s case. Therefore, a customized framework is designed based on literature, management desires, a general structure, and the iterative ‘research by design’ method. This approach facilitated the development of a practical automation solution through a case study while also establishing a framework for future assembly automation projects at WILA. The research results in a proof of concept for an automated cell that fulfills the package of requirements and stakeholder's expectations, including cost per product reduction and validated throughput rates through a simulation model.