Miniature Industrial Production System (MIPS)

The Miniature Industrial Production System shortly known as MIPS enables the trainees & trainers to acquire a thorough knowledge in the field of Robotics & Automation starting from basic theoretical concepts to advanced applications. A combination of all the technologies used in the lab, the MIPS is a complete platform to learn about industrial automation. It includes a combination of various sensors, motors, pneumatic components, linear actuators, microcontrollers & PLC, etc. to build a miniature manufacturing unit that performs a specific task.

MIPS Modules

A. Dispensing Station

The basic function of this station is to load the workpieces in the stacking magazine. The dispensed workpieces are then transferred to the next station with the help of linear transfer module. It consists of following modules:

• Stacking Magazine Module: This module separates workpieces from a magazine.
• Linear Transfer Module: The linear transfer module uses a series of linear pneumatic actuators to load the workpieces in the material handling station.

B. Material Handling Station

This station demonstrates material handling technologies with maximum industrial relevance. It handles the workpieces coming from the dispensing station & delivers them to the processing station. A pneumatic rodless cylinder is used to load the workpiece onto the lift. The workpiece is then passed to the slide module which transfers the workpiece to the processing station. It consists of following modules:

• Slide Module: Two Rodless cylinders are used in this module to lift the disc and to push the disc through slide module.

C. Processing Station

In the Processing station, workpieces are tested and processed on a rotary indexing table. This station only uses electrical drives. The rotary indexing table is driven by a stepper motor. The indexing is done with the help of Pulley and Belt mechanism, which is driven by stepper motor and an inductive proximity sensor feedback to stop the stepper motor at desired positions. On the rotary indexing table, the workpieces are tested, drilled based on metal sensing and color sensed and later sent to robotic manipulator section to transfer the workpieces to sorting and storage station. It consists of following modules:

• Indexing Module: The indexing mechanism gives intermittent rotary motion to the indexing plate on which 4 workpieces can be positioned.
• Drilling Module: Comprises a drilling machine attached to a linear axis driven by a high torque metal DC motor.
• Sensing Module: A color sensor senses the color of the workpiece & sends the data to the controller.

D. Robotic Manipulator Station

The basic purpose of this station is to demonstrate the integration of industrial robot in a production line. It consists of following modules:

• Robotic Manipulator Module: Comprises a 4 DOF Miniature Articulated Industrial Robotic Arm which picks the workpieces from robotic manipulator spot & transfers them to the conveyor system for sorting.

E. Sorting and Storage Station

At this station, the finished components are sorted on the basis of material in two groups – metallic & plastic. In each group, the components are subdivided according to their color. At the end, the components are stored in separate crates for storing. It consists of following modules:

• Conveyor Module: Transports workpieces placed on the conveyor towards the Storing Module.
• Separator Module: A rail and carriage operated rack and pinion driven pushing device with position feedback places the workpieces in the crate.
• Storing Module: Depending upon the material & the colour of the workpieces, stores them in 7 separate crates.

Working of MIPS