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As part of an innovative digitization project, RobCo has successfully automated the scanning process in the crash facility at the BMW Group. The aim was to significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of scanning a car by using cutting-edge technologies.
A modular 6-axis robot with a range of 1.55 meters and a payload of 8 kg was used as the core of the solution. The robot was mounted on a mobile, driverless transport system and equipped with a high-precision scanner. This combination enabled seamless integration into the existing crash facility infrastructure, including light barriers as safety functions.
The hardware and software used played a key role in the successful implementation of the project with several partners:
- 6-axis robot from RobCo: The robot arm is characterized by its high flexibility and precision, which allows it to precisely travel even complex scan paths.
- Photoneo high-precision scanner: This scanner provides 3D data in the highest resolution, which is essential for analysis and quality control in the crash facility.
- Driverless transport system: The mobile platform ensures that the robot can be moved flexibly between different locations in the crash facility. This enables efficient operation and use of the system for multiple vehicles.
- PolyWorks software from Duwe-3D: This software serves as a central control and evaluation platform. The plugin ensures optimal synchronization between robot movements and scan operations.
Despite the complex collaboration between several partners — RobCo, PolyWorks, Photoneo and Duwe-3D — the project was up and running in record time. This concentrated expertise enabled all components to be optimally coordinated and made a significant contribution to the success of the project. Automating the scanning process has brought the BMW Group a variety of benefits:
- Improved efficiency: Automation has significantly reduced the turnaround time for crash analyses
- Increased data quality: The precise scanner provides high-resolution 3D data, which enables a more accurate evaluation and documentation of the crash results.
- Cost savings: Less manual effort and optimized processes reduce operating costs in the long term.
- Increased flexibility: The mobile transport system allows the robot to be used in various scenarios and reduces dependence on permanently installed systems.
This project impressively demonstrates how automation in the automotive sector can be advanced through innovative solutions. RobCo has not only proven to be a reliable partner for pioneering automation projects, but also offers the expertise and flexibility to implement similar projects for other industries and companies. With intelligent modular robots and a strong focus on efficiency and precision, RobCo is ideally placed to be a partner for pioneering automation projects that take efficiency and quality to a new level.