Jüri Riives

The central problem of the research topic is that there is no comprehensive methodology and technological systemic approach that would allow companies to assess the feasibility of digitalization and robotization of production systems before making investments and to propose needs-based solutions for automated workplaces, taking into account the actual functioning of production processes and the impact of various technological solutions on the entire production system. The aim of the research topic is to develop and validate an artificial intelligence-based decision support system and methodological framework that allows industrial companies to analyze production processes, model a virtual factory, create a digital twin of it, and assess the performance, profitability, and implementation capability of various automation solutions (including robotized workplaces, digital devices, and integrated work operations) in the company's production system before making physical investments.

One of the challenges that this demonstration project sought to solve was the robotic production of acoustic panels to reduce the time needed to manufacture these. The demonstration project tested the robotic screwing process for acoustic panels of different configurations, taking into account the different dimensions of the panels, the number of screws to be installed and their installation. This demonstration project linked robotics (UR10 collaborative robot), automation (screw feeder, automatic screwdriver, intelligent jig), AI tools (digital twin workstation, machine vision tools, simulation of robot work trajectory). The solution took into account the company's specific production processes and the requirements for acoustic panel parameters, as well as the possibilities for implementing fully automated production in the company or for deployment in other companies in the sector. Results of the demonstration project: realization of the product assembly operation, development of the assembly cell concept, selection of a suitable robot for the assembly operation, selection of the tools, simulation and testing, data collection, analysis and verification of the results.