Collaborative Screwing Station with Traceability and RFID Tooling

This collaborative screwing station was designed and built by AMD Machines to work alongside an operator in a shared workspace. The cell combines the flexibility of a Universal Robots cobot with full torque monitoring and part level traceability for quality critical fastening applications. The station features two loading magazines where operators load parts for processing. Each magazine is equipped with an RFID tag that identifies the tooling installed, allowing the cell to automatically recognize which part variant is loaded and select the correct screwing program. This flexibility supports mixed model production without manual recipe selection or risk of program mismatch. When a part is loaded, a Cognex camera reads the unique serial number printed or marked on the top surface. This serial number becomes the anchor for all traceability data collected during the screwing cycle. Every fastening operation performed on that part will be linked directly to its individual serial number. The UR cobot picks screws from an automatic dispensing feeder and performs all fastening operations using a Desoutter automatic screwdriver. The Desoutter system provides precise torque and angle control with real time monitoring of each fastening cycle. Torque and displacement data are captured and recorded for every screw installed. All fastening data is stored and linked to the individual part serial number. This part level traceability allows manufacturers to retrieve complete fastening records for any individual assembly, supporting quality audits, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance. If a fastening anomaly is detected, the system flags the part immediately for review or rejection. The collaborative design allows the operator and cobot to work together safely. The operator handles loading and unloading while the cobot performs repetitive screwing tasks with consistent quality. This division of labor improves ergonomics, reduces operator fatigue, and increases throughput compared to fully manual assembly. The cell runs on a Beckhoff control platform that manages cobot coordination, feeder control, vision communication, and data logging in a unified environment. An intuitive HMI displays cycle status, fastening results, and production counts for easy monitoring. AMD Machines has 150 employees and 30 years of experience delivering precision assembly and automation systems. Our Mexico headquarters and Chicago sales office make us the right partner for manufacturers who need reliable automation in North America. Contact us to discuss your application. | This robotic assembly cell was designed and built by AMD Machines for sensor manufacturing. The system handles final assembly, inspection, and laser marking while maintaining full traceability to support regulatory compliance requirements. Sensors enter and exit the cell through an automated tray handling system. Trays are loaded at the infeed station where a robot picks individual sensors and transfers them into the assembly process. After processing, finished sensors are returned to trays at the outfeed station. Tray based handling protects sensitive components, maintains orientation, and integrates easily with upstream and downstream operations. The assembly sequence begins with o-ring installation. A bowl feeder singulates and orients o-rings, presenting them consistently to the robot for pick and place onto each sensor body. Bowl feeder technology provides reliable high speed feeding for small components, ensuring consistent cycle times and minimal jams or misfeed conditions. Following assembly, each sensor passes through an inspection station. Vision systems and sensors verify correct o-ring presence, seating, and positioning. Dimensional checks confirm that assemblies meet specification before proceeding. Any part that fails inspection is flagged and diverted automatically, preventing defective product from continuing through the process. A laser marking station applies permanent identification to each sensor. Marks can include serial numbers, date codes, lot information, barcodes, or 2D data matrix codes depending on customer requirements. Laser marking provides durable identification that withstands harsh operating environments and supports downstream traceability throughout the product lifecycle. The cell is equipped with a comprehensive traceability and data management system. Every sensor is tracked from tray infeed through final outfeed. The system records assembly parameters, inspection results, and marking data for each unit. This information is stored locally and can be transmitted to plant level databases or MES systems for long term retention. Full traceability supports compliance with industry regulations and customer quality requirements. In the event of a field issue, manufacturers can trace affected product back to specific production lots, assembly dates, and inspection records. This capability is essential for industries where documentation and recall readiness are mandatory. The system is designed for ease of operation and fast changeover. Operators interact through an intuitive HMI that displays production status, cycle counts, and alarm information. Recipe management allows the cell to switch between sensor variants with minimal downtime. AMD Machines has 150 employees and 30 years of experience delivering precision assembly and automation systems. Our Mexico headquarters and Chicago sales office make us the right partner for manufacturers who need reliable automation in North America. Contact us to discuss your application.