Study
Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Robotic cell automates shoe upper roughing and cementing for custom production

A robotic cell integrating CAD-CAM and force control can efficiently handle the complex, flexible demands of custom shoe manufacturing.

International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing · 2004

01

Key Findings

  • 01A robotic cell can successfully perform roughing and cementing operations on shoe uppers.
  • 02Integration of CAD-CAM with force control allows for real-time adaptation to complex 3D surfaces, ensuring stable tool contact.
  • 03The system is suitable for small-batch, custom production due to its flexibility and minimized setup time.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing automated systems for custom or low-volume production, prioritize flexibility and incorporate real-time feedback mechanisms like force control to adapt to product variations.

How to apply

Consider using force-sensing end-effectors and CAD-CAM integration for any automated manufacturing task involving irregular surfaces or custom geometries.

Project actions

  • 01When designing a custom product, think about how automation could be applied to repetitive or precise tasks.
  • 02Consider how sensors (like force sensors) can make a machine more adaptable to variations.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo design and implement a robotic cell capable of performing roughing and cementing operations for custom-made shoe uppers, addressing the challenges of small production lots and complex 3D paths.
MethodSystem Design and Implementation
ProcedureThe study involved designing a robotic cell that integrates CAD-CAM generated tool paths with a force-controlled manipulator wrist. This system was then implemented in a pilot plant for custom shoe production.
ContextCustom shoe manufacturing

Variables

IVIntegration of CAD-CAM and force control in a robotic cell.
DVEfficiency, accuracy, and flexibility of roughing and cementing operations.
CVType of shoe upper, specific roughing/cementing process parameters (e.g., tool speed, initial path).
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a specific need in custom manufacturing.
  • +Combines advanced technologies (robotics, CAD-CAM, force control).

Limitations

The complexity of programming the robot and the cost of specialized equipment might be significant barriers.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by its implementation in a pilot plant, demonstrating practical application. Reliability would depend on the repeatability of the robotic system's movements and the consistency of the force control.

Think critically

How might the initial cost and complexity of implementing such a robotic cell impact its adoption in smaller design businesses?

05

Design Principles

"Automated systems for variable production require integrated path planning and real-time feedback control."

This research demonstrates how advanced automation can be applied to niche, high-variability production environments. By adapting robotic systems with real-time feedback, manufacturers can achieve precision and efficiency even for small-batch, customized products.

06

What This Means for Your Design

A robot can be programmed to 'rough up' shoe parts before gluing, even for custom shoes, by using computer designs and a 'sensitive' arm that feels the surface.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the automation of custom manufacturing processes or the use of force feedback in robotic applications for your design project.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2004). A roughing/cementing robotic cell for custom made shoe manufacture. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. https://doi.org/10.1080/095112042000273212 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/7bb21733-7e24-46c5-bd19-ffeefb8f5b72/robotic-cell-automates-shoe-upper-roughing-and-cementing-for-custom-production

Paragraph starter

The development of a robotic cell integrating CAD-CAM with force control, as demonstrated in custom shoe manufacturing, highlights the potential for automating complex, variable production processes. This approach allows for precise execution of tasks like surface preparation, even on unique product geometries, by enabling real-time adaptation of tool paths based on physical feedback.

09

Source

International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing

A roughing/cementing robotic cell for custom made shoe manufacture

journal · 2004

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Questions about this research

What does the research say about robotic cell automates shoe upper roughing and cementing for custom production?
When designing automated systems for custom or low-volume production, prioritize flexibility and incorporate real-time feedback mechanisms like force control to adapt to product variations. Evidence: International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (2004).
Why does "Robotic cell automates shoe upper roughing and cementing for custom production" matter for design?
This research demonstrates how advanced automation can be applied to niche, high-variability production environments. By adapting robotic systems with real-time feedback, manufacturers can achieve precision and efficiency even for small-batch, customized products.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing automated systems for custom or low-volume production, prioritize flexibility and incorporate real-time feedback mechanisms like force control to adapt to product variations.
What were the main findings?
A robotic cell can successfully perform roughing and cementing operations on shoe uppers.. Integration of CAD-CAM with force control allows for real-time adaptation to complex 3D surfaces, ensuring stable tool contact.. The system is suitable for small-batch, custom production due to its flexibility and minimized setup time.
What research method was used?
System Design and Implementation.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2004 journal from International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Consider using force-sensing end-effectors and CAD-CAM integration for any automated manufacturing task involving irregular surfaces or custom geometries.
What are the limitations?
The study was conducted in a pilot plant, and scalability to larger production volumes was not fully explored. The specific types of shoe materials and adhesives were not detailed.
Is there evidence that robotic cell affects design outcomes?
The developed robotic cell effectively automates shoe upper preparation for gluing by using computer-aided design and manufacturing data combined with a force-sensing robotic arm to adapt to the shoe's shape. This research demonstrates how advanced automation can be applied to niche, high-variability production environ Source: International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (2004).
Where does this automates shoe research apply?
Custom shoe manufacturing It sits within commercial production research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

robotic cell design research · evidence on robotic cell · does robotic cell improve design outcomes · automates shoe studies for designers · robotic cell and automates shoe findings · commercial production research evidence