A visit to the ARMC Factory 2050 showed us advanced manufacturing processes with robotics, guided assembly, automated inspection and test. Source: https://www.metisautomation.co.uk/armc-factory-2050/

1. AMRC Factory 2050 Visit
Posted by Kara on September 26, 2017 // No Comments
Martin Griffiths our Technical Director,
visited the ARMC Factory 2050 in
Sheffield organised by the Northern
Automotive Alliance. He spent the
afternoon viewing some of their advanced
manufacturing technologies.
During the visit, he witnessed advanced
robotic CNC machining; assisted
assembly processes and automated
vision inspection systems. These
technologies are solving challenges for
large manufacturing companies and
SME’s.
CNC Robots
The tour started in the ARMC Factory
2050 machine shop. This houses several
Kuka robots which have been modified to
perform CNC machining operations.
These machines are designed to give
more flexibility to the machining process.
They also give the ability to machine large

2. They also give the ability to machine large
items that would not fit into a CNC
machine. Engineers in Factory 2050 are
working on improving the machining
accuracy of CNC robots. At the present
time, this is typically lower than in a CNC
machine. They are tackling this with
improved control software.
Collaborative Robots in
Assembly
There were several examples of small
(7kg – 14kg payload) collaborative robots
(cobots) that assist in the assembly
processes. These are used in applications
where they can improve accuracy and
cycle time. However, human assistance is
still needed to complete the assembly
process, due to the skill required.
Collaborative Robots in
Inspection
One demonstration cell showed how
cobots can be used with cameras and
lighting, to move around a large
assembled product and perform multiple
vision inspection checks. The robot starts
by finding a datum point on the product. It
then moves a robotic arm through a
sequence, to find different components
that require visual verification.
Re-Configurable Shop Floor
A re-configurable shop floor demo
showed how cobots, robots and UAVs are
used to automatically move components
around a factory floor. As a result, custom
products can be assembled in low
volumes. The ability to move production
machinery for low quantities of product, to
new locations quickly, is essential for low
quantity, high value and high quality
manufacturing processes.

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Guided Assembly Processes
Finally, the ARMC Factory 2050 wing
assembly cell showed how complex
assembly processes can be simplified, by
guiding operators through each work
process. Firstly, the demonstrator used
work instructions projected onto the
production items. Secondly,
Manufacturing Execution Software
selected the instructions to display the
item in production. It also connected to
electric nut-runner tools, selecting the
correct torque cycle for the operation;
collecting data and moving onto the next
assembly process.
View Key Features and
Results of Connected
Manufacturing

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