The paper presents a constructing methodology for a modern approach to tools selection and solving the problem of assigning optimal cutting parameters for specific production conditions. The mathematical formulation determining the extreme values of the technological process optimality criteria is obtained. A system of technical and economic quality indicators for cutting tools is proposed. This system allows principles’ implementation of decentralization and interoperability “Industry 4.0” via finite element modeling of the cutting process based on solving the problem of orthogonal free cutting modeling. The proposed methodology further usage is possible by creating a standardized database on the parameters of the tool: the adhesive component of the friction cutting coefficient for processing of a specific pair of cutting and tool materials (or tool coating material) and the impacts of the cutting-edge radius on cutting efficiency of a particular material.

The aim of the study is a multi-criteria comparative evaluation of robots cooperating with humans in single- and dual-arm variants used for the process of precise assembly of complex parts. RobotStudio simulation software with the Signal Analyzer add-on was used for comparative analyses. These studies were conducted as case studies. A robotic station was designed for the assembly of a computer motherboard and two robot variants were programmed to perform the assembly task while maintaining the same motion parameters and functions for both. Then, the TCP motion trajectories associated with the robot were analyzed, as well as monitoring signals from the robot controller during simulation, such as time, speed, acceleration and energy consumption. The costs and profitability of the robot variants were also calculated. The percentage share of tasks performed in the process was also analyzed, divided into assembly tasks and free movements. The differences between the robots in this process include time, 21 s single-arm versus 14 s dual-arm robots. The main influence on achieving the programmed speed was the length of the robot’s TCP motion path. In most cases, the maximum programmed speed of 200 mm/s was achieved. The single-arm robot proved to be more energy-efficient, but the dual-arm robot proved to be 20% faster, which in the long run proved to be a more profitable robot. The profitability of the dual-arm robot paid off after eight months of operation. The case study presented in this paper, assembling a computer motherboard using single- and dual-arm collaborative robots, provides a guide for conducting similar comparative analyses of different robotic stations. Simulations enabled reliable verification of collaborative robots in technological processes, supporting the design of production processes and the analysis of several variants of robotic solutions.

The purpose of the article was to build a low-cost system for identifying shapes in order to program industrial robots (on the base of the six-axis “ABB IRB 140” robot) for a welding process in 2D. The whole system consisted of several elements developed in individual stages. The first step was to identify the existing robot control systems, which analysed images from an attached low-cost digital camera. Then, a computer program, which handles communication with the digital camera capturing and processing, was written. In addition, the program’s task was to detect geometric shapes (contours) drawn by humans and to approximate them. This study also presents research on a binarization and contour recognition method for this application. Based on this, the robot is able to weld the same contours on a 2D plane.

The reliability of pumping units at nuclear power plants (NPPs) is critical in terms of their energy efficiency and safety. Remarkably, WWER-1000 reactors at Ukrainian NPPs are equipped with outdated pumping units that have already served their full-service life. This fact leads to an urgent need to develop a new, more efficient pump. In the article, a promising pump, ACNA 600-35, was developed. It was designed to increase the energy efficiency of pumps TX 800/70/8-K-2E, applied at the holding pool and the industrial circuit of the nuclear reactor. Since these pumps should be imported from the monopoly suppliers, this affects both the energy efficiency of pumping equipment and the energy independence of Eastern Europe. The proposed pump ACNA 600-35 is characterized by an increased efficiency of up to 0.12–0.13 compared with the TX 800/70/8-K-2E pump. In general, the life cycle cost of the proposed pump is 15–20% lower than for the analog TX 800/70/8-K-2E. The design of the developed pump ACNA 600-35 and the related pumping unit based on its production at industrial facilities allows for further development of the industrial and fuel-energy complex, increasing the state’s energy independence and employment. According to expert estimates, the average economic effect from supplying the developed pump can reach 10 mln USD/year.