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steffen-ihlenfeldt-fraunhofer-iwu-innovation-forum-for-automation

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ihlenfeldt

Director
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU)

Presentation
Autonomous Self-Optimization Approach in Electronic Manufacturing

The rapid evolution of robotics in electronics manufacturing has paved the way for autonomous systems capable of handling intricate assembly tasks with minimal human intervention. The presentation provides insight into a framework for the autonomous assembly of capacitors using 6-axis industrial robots, focusing on precision placement in printed circuit board (PCB) production.

Leveraging articulated robots with six degrees of freedom, such as the Stäubli TX2-90L, the approach integrates virtual-trained algorithm for path optimization, ensuring dynamic in-process positioning, and insertion. Key components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and fuses are handled by flexible end effectors and real-time feedback from force/torque sensors and image processing systems, enabling adaptability to varying geometries and small to medium batch sizes.

Virtual validation demonstrates a reduction in cycle times to less than 25%, improved repeatability, and enhanced productivity compared to traditional dedicated automation methods. This methodology bridges the flexibility gap in electronics assembly, offering scalable solutions for high-value, customizable manufacturing. 

About Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ihlenfeldt

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ihlenfeldt is Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, where he is responsible for the Scientific Field „Production Systems and Factory Automation“ and he is Head of the Chair of Machine Tools Development and Adaptive Controls at Technische Universität Dresden.

His research concentrates on cyber-physical production systems, including control technology as well as process informatics and machine data analysis. Further research activities focus on factory system design, machine tool technology for forming, machining an assembling as well as cognitive human robot collaboration.Currently, the Fraunhofer Research Center “Cognitive Production Systems” is being established under his leadership.

Steffen Ihlenfeldt is Associate Member of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP), member of the German Academic Association for Production Technology (WGP), member of the Research Advisory Board in the German Society for the Advancement of Applied Computer Science GFaI and member of the Scientific Society for Assembly, Handling and Industrial Robotics MHI. As Chairman of the Fraunhofer AutoMOBILE Production Alliance, he is an intermediary between science, industry, politics and society.