Flexiv, a leading provider of general-purpose robotics solutions, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the manufacturing industry with the successful installation of an automated ironing system for car seat production. The innovative use of the Rizon 4 robot in this process has revolutionized the creation of luxury car seats by enhancing throughput rates without compromising quality.
The Rizon 4 robot is equipped with a custom end-of-arm bracket designed to mount a standard high-pressure steam iron. Leveraging its advanced force control capabilities, the robot accurately replicates the movements and pressure applied by skilled professionals to remove wrinkles and ensure precise material placement.
One of the key advantages of Flexiv’s ironing solution is its ability to adapt to the diverse shapes and contours of car seats while maintaining consistent and precise pressure. This ensures maximum output quality and consistency, meeting the client’s performance expectations.
Shuyun Chung, Flexiv’s head of application development and chief robotics scientist, highlights the significance of the automated ironing system in advancing manufacturing technology. The precise force control offered by the system prevents damage to the leather upholstery, enhancing both quality and efficiency in car seat production while also improving workplace safety.
By automating the ironing process, Flexiv addresses critical health and safety concerns by eliminating the risks of burns and exposure to high-pressure steam for workers. This automation allows employees to focus on safer and more rewarding tasks that benefit from human intervention.
The Rizon 4 robot, with its seven degrees of freedom, ultra-responsive joint force control servo, and arm coordination algorithm, enables seamless integration of any seat design complexity into the ironing process. Future enhancements, such as AI visual detection for quality assurance and monitoring, are currently under development.
Chung emphasizes Flexiv’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in meeting their production targets, particularly in the expanding luxury electric vehicle market. The company aims to provide innovative, efficient, and safe solutions tailored to the needs of various industries.
Looking ahead, the ironing technology pioneered by Flexiv could potentially find applications in hospitality settings or even household environments, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of automated robotics solutions.
