Through ABB’s RobotStudio simulation software, Fitz-Thors and Eissmann experimented with variations on the closed-cell design; after several design iterations, a unique, four-quadrant station, open-cell concept was developed which met the necessary criteria.
Rather than bringing the parts to the robot, the robot goes to the parts, from a central, fixed base inside the cell. One of the stations has a turntable that is able to hold three different fixtures on each side, allowing the station to process six different interior components.
The turntable allows a part to be loaded, while the fixture on the other side is holding a part in queue for the robot to approach for treatment. The other three stations each have a rigid fixture that holds one, especially large instrument panel component.