Automation and robotics

Automation has many facets, both in the manufacturing and in the service industry. In order to provide an in-depth treatment of the concepts and methods of automation, the chapter is concentrated on robotics and assembly. Industrial robots have become an important means of automation in recent years. Different types of robots, major robot components and the programming and robot simulation are discribed. The chapter also provides a general overview of the assembly field. Special emphasis is given to the selection and design of the appropriate assembly approach, assembly design, and assembly techniques. Finally assembly applications in several important industries are illustrated in some case studies.