An automated manipulating system, which performs the task of loading, positioning and holding of parts in the working area of an industrial robot is discussed in this paper. The system feeds component parts for the lifting mechanisms of electric trucks to be arc-welded by the robot and then removes them, thus completing a predetermined cycle. It is a part of an actual assembly line in a standard workshop for manufacturing electric trucks. The system's operation is described in detail, and the basic technological characteristics of the welding and peripheral equipment are given. Also, some features of an original welding torch cleaning device are described. The principal approach of planning, designing and implementing robotized cells for automatic arc-welding using a robot is also discussed.

A robot-based automatic system for adjusting energy regulators in electric cookers is described in this paper. It is claimed that this system improves the quality of the regulators and increases productivity. First, the operator's intuitive judgement and decision-making are simulated on a microcomputer; the structure and performance variables of the regulator are then described. A discussion of computer modelling of the regulator then follows, leading to the development of an algorithm for the adjustment procedure and overall strategy of the system. Experiments on 2,000 regulators showed that this automated operation was superior to the manual procedure as regards consistency and accuracy. This technique based on a robot may be applied to quality control and manufacture of a variety of similar products.