Industrial robots are a widely used technology in various industries, capable of performing multiple tasks, particularly machining operations. However, compared to CNC machines, industrial robots have certain drawbacks, such as lower rigidity, precision, and repeatability. These limitations are significant obstacles to fully integrating industrial robots into manufacturing processes. The deficiencies in robots directly impact the quality of machined workpieces, leading to reduced surface quality and geometric accuracy. Researchers have been exploring ways to improve production accuracy and quality using robotic arms for decades. Despite technological advancements, the full implementation of robotic arms in machining processes remains in its early stages. This article focuses on robotic milling and the effect of technological parameters on the final quality of the machined material, aiming to determine their importance for designing the main experimental plan. In our experiment, we used an ABB IRB 1100 robotic arm with a payload of 4 kg and a maximum reach of 0.58 m. The milling process was programmed in RobotStudio, which also supports milling complex shapes. Our statistical analysis showed that feed rate had the greatest impact on quality, while depth of field had the least influence. This information will guide further research in developing a mathematical model for robotic milling.
Objectives: Positional deformity (PD), also known as deformational plagiocephaly or non-synostosis, is a primary cause of abnormal head shape and asymmetry in infants. The most common type, occipital plagiocephaly, leads to flattening of one side of the back of the head or the entire head (positional brachycephaly). PD results from external forces on the growing skull, often due to childbirth and improper positioning during sleep. The incidence is approximately 1 in 300 births, with prevalence peaking between the seventh week and four months of age. Our objective was to monitor craniofacial parameters in patients with positional deformity (PD), to evaluate cranial asymmetry and PD severity, and to determine the relationship between craniofacial asymmetry and PD severity. Methods: This study included patients from the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the National Institute of Children’s Diseases and the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. Craniofacial parameters on the right and left sides of the face were examined. Results: Significant differences were found in the upper and middle thirds of the face, indicating a strong association between positional deformity and facial asymmetry. Conclusions: the findings contribute new insights into craniofacial anthropometry and neurosurgery, enhancing the diagnosis of positional deformity in Slovakian patients.