Smart Robotic Cell for Prepreg Composite Sheet Layup

Composite materials are enabling innovative design concepts in many industries. The layup of composite prepreg sheets is a widely used process for making composite parts. Currently, manual process is used for laying up sheets on molds to make composite parts. This requires tedious and ergonomically challenging operations. Performing this type of operation over long periods of time can lead to serious health challenges. We have developed the next generation robotics technology to automate the sheet layup process. Multiple robots collaborate to manipulate the sheet and perform the layup task. The robotic cell is smart, and it can adapt to uncertainties during the layup process. The cell uses AI-algorithms combined with force and vision sensors to intervene and avoid defects. The system uses advanced computer vision to detect defects and calls human for assistance.

Related Publications:

R.K. Malhan, A.M. Kabir, A.V. Shembekar, B. Shah, T. Centea, and S.K. Gupta. Hybrid Cells for Multi-Layer Prepreg Composite Sheet Layup. IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE), Munich, Germany, August 2018.

R.K. Malhan, A.M. Kabir, B. Shah, T. Centea, and S.K. Gupta. Automated Prepreg Sheet Placement Using Collaborative Robotics. SAMPE, Long Beach, CA, May 2018.

R.K. Malhan, A.M. Kabir, B. Shah, T. Centea, and S.K. Gupta. Determining Feasible Robot Placements in Robotic Cells for Composite Prepreg Sheet Layup. ASME Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, Erie, PA, June 2019.