| Abstract Scope |
Tele-Manufacturing is preparing the workforce and industry for the future of manufacturing. Remotely operating a live process such as welding, inspection or grinding allows a worker to remain safe while still in control of the manufacturing process. A tele-manufacturing workforce will increase production and workforce engagement. Transferring manual skillsets from local personnel to remote automation allows industry to match the best skillset for the job, independent of location.
For tele-manufacturing applications, robot arms are integrated with other commercial hardware such as joysticks and game controllers, to enable the remote worker to guide the robots’ motions. For processes that are 100% controlled by the human, feedback to control robot motion and convey the remote environment to the operator is done in real time. Using a hand-held stylus device with haptic feedback allows the operator to move the remote robot in any direction and orientation and at any speed, with the added sensation of feeling the remote environment. Operators view video from cameras and information rendered from other sensors to provide visual feedback allowing them to complete the manufacturing process remotely. Much like remote surgery, tele-manufacturing keeps the expert in the loop, making decisions as the remote process is occurring. In applications where a robotic process may need only occasional or supervisory human-intervention, tele-technology allows oversite at any instant without halting an existing robotic operation.
Recent deployments and developments include tele-gouging for foundry applications, GTAW tele-welding and laser tele-cladding for space applications. Remotely operating a live process from earth or from a nearby spacecraft, provides an opportunity for on-demand manufacturing process expertise in space.
A tele-manufacturing workforce offers increased production and workforce engagement. Most important, eliminating the requirement of geographical proximity. Transferring manual skillsets from local personnel to remote automation allows for matching the best skillset to the job, independent of location. |