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Large-Scale Multi-Robot Assembly Planning for Autonomous Manufacturing

Created by
  • Haebom

Author

Kyle Brown, Dylan M. Asmar, Mac Schwager, Mykel J. Kochenderfer

Outline

This paper proposes a complete algorithm stack for large-scale multi-robot assembly planning. In leveraging mobile autonomous robots to innovate manufacturing processes, we focus on addressing challenges such as collision-free movement in shared workspaces, effective multi-robot collaboration for handling and transporting large payloads, complex task allocation due to complex manufacturing processes, and space planning for parallel assembly and transport of nested subassemblies. Given CAD-like product specifications as input, we propose an algorithm stack that automatically plans the complete assembly sequence of a robot group to manufacture the product. This stack consists of: ① an iterative radial layout optimization procedure for defining the global staging layout of the manufacturing facility; ② a graph-recovery mixed-integer programming formulation and a modified greedy task assignment algorithm for optimally assigning robots and robot subteams to assembly and transport tasks; ③ a geometric heuristic and hill-climbing algorithm for planning collaborative transport configurations for robot subteams; and ④ a distributed control policy that ensures collision-free execution of the assembly motion plans. Furthermore, we provide an open-source multi-robot manufacturing simulator implemented in Julia as a resource for testing the algorithm and furthering multi-robot manufacturing research. Experimental results demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of the approach by generating the manufacturing plan for the LEGO model of the Saturn V launch vehicle, consisting of 1,845 parts, 306 subassemblies, and 250 robots, in less than three minutes on a standard laptop computer.

Takeaways, Limitations

Takeaways:
Demonstrating the efficiency and scalability of complex manufacturing process planning using large-scale multi-robot systems.
We present a complete algorithm stack integrating various algorithms (layout optimization, task allocation, collaborative transport planning, and collision avoidance control).
Contributing to the research community by providing an open source multi-robot manufacturing simulator.
Performance verification through experimental results using an actual product (LEGO Saturn V).
Limitations:
Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of the proposed algorithm and its applicability to various products and environments.
Lack of consideration of the physical constraints of the robot (e.g., robot size, carrying capacity) and uncertainties in the manufacturing process.
Experimental results using LEGO models must take into account differences with actual industrial environments.
Further analysis of the algorithm's computational complexity and degree of optimization is needed.
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