How to use a Robot for transport in Process Flow?

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Jacob E2 asked Dec 21, '21 Jacob E2 commented Dec 22, '21

How to use a Robot for transport in Process Flow?

Hello,

I am trying to model a robot cell using process flow...

I tried modeling this robot cell with standard 3D model logic, but it got complicated trying to keep up with the order and getting the priorities right since 2 of the processors are used on multiple "steps" for one flowitem. With process flow, I was able to get the material to flow the way I like, but I can't figure out how to use the robot for transport between each "Step"/Processor. I tried checking "Use Transport" and connecting the robot to every processor with a centerpoint connection, but I believe my "Move Object" process flow logic overrides the "Use Transport" 3D logic.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Model: Robot Cell Process Flow.fsm

Software Version:

FlexSim 21.0.6

process flow robot

robotprocessflow.png (305.8 KiB)

robot-cell-process-flow.fsm (70.8 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2021-12-21T23:32:13Z

Jordan Johnson answered Dec 21, '21 Jacob E2 commented Dec 22, '21

The "use transport" checkbox assume that items can flow through ports to the next object. If 3D objects are connected with ports, then each object can figure out where the item is going, and then create a Task Sequence and give it to an operator (or robot) to move the part.

In your case, using connections that way might be tough, or lead to hard situations, so it makes sense that you went with process flow. But now, you need to make the task sequence yourself, since the 3D object's can't generate one for you.

Since the task sequence has the same steps (load a box from its current object, and unload it at the next object), I'd replace all the Move Object activities with Run Sub Flow activities. The Run Sub Flow activity could point to a single flow that moves items with the robot.

Here's a model where I replaced the first two Move Object activities that way. Check it out, and let me know if you have any questions.

robot-cell-process-flow_1.fsm

robot-cell-process-flow-1.fsm (75.9 KiB)

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Jacob E2 commented · Dec 22, 2021 at 02:04 PM

Jordan,

Thank you for the quick response, this is what I was hoping to accomplish! I've never thought of using a subflow for task sequences with similar steps, that's very helpful.

I was able to copy your logic through all 10 steps, but there is one minor problem. The robot loads the next flowitem for Step 2 before moving the current flowitem from Step 2 to Step 3. How can I fix this?

The two main rules I'm trying not to break for this simulation are:

1. One flowitem per processor

2. Only 2 flow items are allowed in the Robot Cell (Steps 2-9)

Updated model (Steps 1-10): Robot Cell Process Flow Sequence.fsm

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error.png (135.5 KiB)

robot-cell-process-flow-sequence.fsm (86.5 KiB)

Jacob E2 Jacob E2 commented · Dec 22, 2021 at 02:23 PM

Sorry....Nevermind lol. I fixed it by adding a Label called "Step" to each subflow and setting the Priority on Create TS to token.Step. Thank you for your help on this!

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