The Importance of Concept and Design Visualisation in the Production of an Automated Assembly and Test Machine

Producing an automated assembly and test machine is a lengthy process consisting of numerous stages. It can involve several iterations through some or, very occasionally, all of these stages. There is one major similarity linking these stages: the requirement for consistent and accurate information. This unifying requirement makes communication a crucial, but often overlooked, aspect of producing an assembly automation machine. It is often the case that the simplest and most reliable method of communication is a visual representation or "Visualisation". Visualisation can and does take many forms; anything from sketches on napkins to detailed 3D computer images. All formats have benefits as well as drawbacks. This paper looks at the role of visualisation and its importance within the production of an automated assembly and test machine. It also further develops the issues and problems faced by the assembly automation industry as well as looking in greater detail at the potential solutions and how these are being developed and expanded on by European research projects.