Automated Circuit Assembly Cell

Engineering Context

A satellite electronics supplier wants to automate a simplified circuit-board assembly process. The cell must deliver parts in order, avoid collisions, and include a quality-verification step before the product exits.

What You Will Practice

• Integrate robot, conveyor, and sensor behavior
• Sequence a multi-step automated assembly
• Use simulation for system verification
• Document interfaces and production logic

What You Need

• Digital twin environment
• Virtual robot and conveyors
• Virtual sensors/inspection point
• Component models
• Python or simulation logic
• Engineering notebook

Instructions

1. Define a three-component assembly sequence.
2. Create a layout showing incoming parts, assembly position, inspection point, and exit.
3. Develop a state or flow diagram for the complete cycle.
4. Program the robot to retrieve and place components in the required order.
5. Add conveyor logic that prevents a new board from entering while assembly is active.
6. Add a simulated inspection decision with pass and reject routes.
7. Run ten simulated boards and record failures and cycle times.
8. Revise the layout or logic until ten consecutive boards pass the system test.
9. Prepare an interface diagram showing signals between devices.

Engineering Requirements

• Complete ten consecutive simulated assemblies
• Place all components in the correct order
• Prevent simultaneous use of an occupied zone
• Route failed inspection results to reject
• Provide a documented reset procedure

Constraints & Safety

• Use the provided virtual equipment set
• No overlapping robot/conveyor motion in unsafe zones
• All device interactions require a defined signal or condition
• Final program must include comments

What You Submit

• Workcell layout
• State/flow diagram
• Simulation program
• Ten-board test log
• Device interface diagram
• Reflection

Reflection Questions

1. Which interface was hardest to coordinate?
2. Where was a buffer needed?
3. What physical tolerance would matter most?
4. How would a real camera inspect the assembly?