Automation of Electromagnetics Production

In this project, we will analyze and design automated solutions to achieve several repetitive and labour-intensive tasks included in the industrial partner’s electromagnetic component production process, which will help compensate for current and future personnel shortages and enable the expansion of their custom production methods without expanding their facility. The main challenges in this project include object detection, grasping and manipulation of small components, and integration into an existing production process that is currently heavily dependent on manual labour and expertise.

The components to be handled in this process are custom electromagnetic components that are designed and produced in-house, which vary in both scale and complexity from batch to batch. This project requires the successful detection, grasping, movement, and manipulation of various sizes and shapes of components for the purposes of both applying coatings and encapsulation as well as tinning and soldering their wire leads. There are several key challenges in this project related to the detection and handling of the components.

This project also includes the need for advanced optical sensing solutions (e.g., laser, infrared, video) to perform a visual inspection of the components for quality assurance at various steps throughout the production process.

Faculty Supervisor:

William Melek;Brandon DeHart

Student:

Partner:

Noreast Electronics Co Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: