The Touch Robot’s adaptability is demonstrated by assembling heat-set threaded inserts in a plastic injection molding. The videos first show how an imprecisely positioned part is located and the insert bottomed out in the pilot hole by using contact detection. Then, the insert is heated, and with steady force, pressed to its proper assembly depth. The softening of the plastic determines the assembly time and speed. No special sensors are needed for this touch-sensitive application! The motor’s encoders and the robot’s inherent force control are all that is required. See the videos here.
Reliable assembly with contact sensing and force control
