Assembly Step 1
Flexible plug separation by separation system
The singulation serves as the interface between unsorted connectors and automated robotic handling, enabling their fully automated further processing in the assembly cell.
In order to perform the subsequent routing and block loading, the connectors must first be correctly inserted into suitable fixtures.
The delivered connectors are not designed for automated processing; they arrive loose and unoriented as bulk material in large containers.
Since the connectors are asymmetrical and vary significantly in shape and geometry, often due to Poka Yoke designs intended to prevent human assembly errors, it becomes significantly harder for the robot to grip them securely and reliably.
Additionally, there are often many different connector variants, which further complicates automation considerably.
A separation system, such as one from Asyril, automatically aligns the connectors: A vibrating plate positions the parts, and a camera system detects when a connector is correctly positioned. The robot receives this information directly from the image processing and only grips the connector when its position is clearly determined.
Different types of connectors can be efficiently separated within the same system through multiple feed and slide channels.
The gripping system is designed so that a single gripper can safely handle four different types of connectors. This eliminates the need for a tool change, making the process significantly more time-efficient and stable.
