Background
Today’s wire harness assembly process is a time-intensive, manual process that results in inconsistent product quality and high prices. This project sought to reduce wire harness assembly costs by using collaborative robots to lay wiring through the development of a unique end effecter. The technology integrates into existing ECAD, increasing the ease of integration and allowing for adoption by other markets.
Objective
Reduce the cost of wire harness assembly
Technical Approach
This project will lower the cost of wire harness assembly via automation. Collaborative robots will be able to lay wiring through the development of a unique end effector. The project will also:
- Integrate into preexisting ECAD for laying wire on preexisting foam boards
- Increase versatility and flexibility through the utilization of preexisting foam boards, multiple cable varieties, automated labeling, and quick change tool heads
The project outputs have the potential for adoption by other markets.
Participants
Wichita State University (Principal Investigator), Lockheed Martin