Lean Robotics Basics: Lesson 8: Robotic Task Mapping

The Robotic Task Map

The template for the robotic task map is the same as the manual task map with the same steps:

Identify the Cell Customer
Define the Valuable Output
Define the Input
Describe the Process
Document the Flow of Information
Target cell KPIs

1. Identify Cell Customer

Keep it simple! Sometimes certain tasks are not good candidates for automation. Focus on what you can easily automate and split the operation to leave the complex portion to an operator.

2. Define the Valuable Output

Even if the manual and robotic cell have the same customer, that customer might have a different definition of valuable output. Use the same structure to define the valuable output: simply complete the sentence ''As the robotic cell's customer, I need it to give me __ so I can __.''

3. Define the Input

If the parts were already being presented in a highly structured and accessible manner, you can probably use the same input. The more unstructured the part presentation method, the more likely it is that you will need to add a part preparation step so the robot can pick the
parts reliably. You can choose a solution to singulate the parts, like a tray, or use a vision system to locate each part on a table.

4. Describe the Process

Describe the sequence of actions that will be executed in the robotic cell. Estimate how much time each will take and indicate which are value-added and which are not. If it's your first project, it might be difficult to estimate the robot's cycle time. If you’re not experienced with estimating a robotic cell’s abilities and cycle times, take good notes on all the assumptions you’re making now. You can use this list of assumptions in the upcoming ''de-risking''.

5. Document Flow of Information

What information needs to come into the robotic cell so the robot can do the right task? Where will that information come from? What format will it be in? Ask the same questions for the information that goes out of the robotic cell. Do not forget to go over the same questions for the information exchange within the cell:

What information is generated by the cobot to be used by other equipment?
What information or state, need to be acknowledged by the other equipment?
etc.

Use the template below for documenting the flow of information.

6. Target Cell KPIs

Based on the previous KPIs identified to measure the success of the robotic cell deployment, it's now time to decide:

What are the targets for improvements, or minimum threshold, for each of these KPIs?
How to measure and monitor them once the robotic cell is installed?

7. Summarize Map

Create a summarize of the key information in a clear and concise visual representation.

Lesson 8: Robotic Task Mapping - Part 2