DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF AUTOMATED MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM AT DOOR FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY IN WELD SHOP

Abstract

In general, the term automation describes the employment of automatic devices as a substitute for human physical and mental labor. In an automated manufacturing process, functions once performed by humans are replaced by automatic devices that replicate those functions. Computers are widely used for process control (15). Automation arose out of a need for improved efficiency, higher output greater uniformity of product and a solution to worker’s fatigue. Thus automation has simplified the work. Initially, robots were used to perform simple tasks too dangerous for humans. But nowadays highly advanced robots can accomplish a wide variety of jobs. They can transfer, manipulate and position any kind of work piece (13). Though, automation is most widespread in automobile industry due to its rapid growth, widely and fast changing demands, cash richness and frantic competition between the players, its use is rapidly increasing in non manufacturing applications as well. There appears no end to...