Automating Body Plug Insertion with FANUC Robots
General Motors improved ergonomics and efficiency by automating plug insertion with a robust, validated FANUC robotic solution.
Challenges
- Automate the process for body plug insertion
- Relieve ergonomic strain
- Improve quality control and error proofing
- Maintain or increase production times
Results
Story
General Motors has a longstanding history of working with FANUC to develop cutting-edge technology. When they needed a solution to reduce the strain on workers and improve the efficiency of the plug insertion process, partnering with FANUC was the best move.
Traditionally, plugs are inserted manually by a team, which can require workers to twist and bend to reach in order to place them. General Motors sought a solution for the system to automatically place the plugs where they needed to go, detect and indicate errors to the operator, and verify that the installation is correct.
FANUC conducted rigorous testing, from stacking and dispensing to plug feeding, to validate the entire system and ensure it was reliable and robust enough to serve General Motors well.
What the automation process really enabled for us is ergonomic relief, so operators don’t have to bend and twist to locate the hole location, and it also gave us that next level of error proofing that was traditionally just a visual check. And the productivity improvement was realized with the automation.
David Trudell Staff Engineer – General MotorsFANUC Products Used
M-710iC/50
The FANUC M‑710iC/50 is a compact 6 axis robot popular for machine tending, grinding, polishing, deburring, water jet cutting and washing applications.
- Max Payload:
- 50 kg
- Reach:
- 2050 mm
About General Motors
Founded in 1908 as a holding company, General Motors has become the largest automaker in the United States, with manufacturing plants in eight countries. With its four core brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac – the Fortune 500 company constantly strives to innovate in its production of safe and environmentally-conscious vehicles.
As an employer of more than 90,000 individuals in the United States alone, General Motors invests in the well-being of its workforce through the integration of advanced technology that improves safety and efficiency.
