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    PLC and Robotics

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    PLC and Robotics

    Uploaded by

    michael
    314 views6 pages
    brief

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    Plc and Robotics

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    brief

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    Download as pdf or txt
    314 views6 pages

    PLC and Robotics

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    Unit 15: Automation, Robotics

    and Programmable
    Logic Controllers (PLCs)

    Unit code K/615/1489


    Unit level 4
    Credit value 15

    Introduction
    The word automation was not used until the 1940s and it originated in the
    automotive manufacturing sector as a method designed to reduce labour costs and
    improve the quality, accuracy and precision of the finished products. We are all now
    very familiar with the sight of dancing robots, not only in the production of cars but
    in everything from washing machines to pharmaceuticals. As a result of this
    technology the products we purchase may have never been touched by human
    hands and we all benefit from a reduction in costs and improvement in quality.
    The aim of this unit is for students to investigate how Programmable Logic
    Controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully
    implement automated engineering solutions.
    Among the topics included in this unit are: PLC system operational characteristics,
    different types of programming languages, types of robots and cell safety features.
    On successful completion of this unit students will be able to program PLCs and
    robotic manipulators to achieve a set task, describe the types and uses of PLCs and
    robots available, write simple PLC programs, and program industrial robots with
    straightforward commands and safety factors.

    Learning Outcomes
    By the end of this unit students will be able to:
    1. Describe the design and operational characteristics of a PLC system.
    2. Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC information, programming
    and communication techniques.
    3. Describe the key elements of industrial robots and be able to program them
    with straightforward commands to perform a given task.
    4. Investigate the design and safe operation of a robot within an industrial
    application.

    164 Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017
    Essential Content

    LO1 Describe the design and operational characteristics of a PLC system

    System operational characteristics:


    Modular, unitary and rack mounted systems
    Characteristics, including speed, memory, scan time, voltage and current
    limits
    Input and output devices (digital, analogue)
    Interface requirements
    Communication standards (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, Ethernet)
    Internal architecture
    Different types of programming languages (IEC 61131-3)

    LO2 Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC information,


    programming and communication techniques

    Programming language:
    Signal types
    Number systems (binary, octal, hexadecimal)
    Allocation lists of inputs and outputs
    Communication techniques
    Network methods
    Logic functions (AND, OR, XOR)
    Associated elements (timers, counters, latches)

    Test and debug methods:


    Systematic testing and debugging methods
    Proper application of appropriate testing and debugging methods

    LO3 Describe the key elements of industrial robots and be able to program
    them with straightforward commands to perform a given task

    Element considerations:
    Types of robots
    Mobile robotics
    Tools and end effectors
    Programming methods
    Robot manipulators (kinematics, design, dynamics and control, vision
    systems, user interfaces)

    Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering 165


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017
    LO4 Investigate the design and safe operation of a robot within an
    industrial application

    Safety:
    Cell safety features
    Operating envelope
    Operational modes
    User interfaces

    166 Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017
    Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

    Pass Merit Distinction

    LO1 Describe the design and operational characteristics D1 Analyse the


    of a PLC system internal architecture of
    a typical PLC to
    P1 Describe the key M1 Explain the different determine its
    differences of PLC types of PLC programming operational
    construction styles and languages available applications
    their typical applications
    P2 Determine the types of
    PLC input and output
    devices available
    P3 Describe the different
    types of communication
    links used with PLCs

    LO2 Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC D2 Produce all


    information, programming and communication techniques elements of a PLC
    program for a given
    P4 Design and describe the M2 Examine the methods industrial task and
    design elements that have used for testing and analyse its
    to be considered in the debugging the hardware performance
    preparation of a PLC and software
    programme program
    P5 Explain how
    communication connections
    are correctly used with the
    PLC

    LO3 Describe the key elements of industrial robots and D3 Design and
    be able to program them with straightforward commands produce a robot
    to perform a given task program for a given
    industrial task
    P6 Describe the types of M3 Investigate a given
    industrial robots and their industrial robotic system
    uses in industry and make recommendations
    for improvement
    P7 Describe the types of
    robot end effectors
    available and their
    applications

    Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering 167


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017
    Pass Merit Distinction

    LO4 Investigate the design and safe operation of a robot D4 Design a safe
    within an industrial application working plan for an
    industrial robotic cell
    P8 Investigate the safety M4 Analyse how the in a given production
    systems used within an systems in place ensure process to include a
    industrial robotic cell safe operation of a given full risk assessment
    industrial robotic cell

    168 Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017
    Recommended Resources

    Textbooks
    BOLTON, W. (2015) Programmable Logic Controllers. 5th Ed. Elsevier.
    DAWKINS, N. (ed.) (2014) Automation and Controls: A guide to Automation,
    Controls, PLCs and PLC Programming.
    PEREZ ANDROVER, E. (2012) Introduction to PLCs: A beginner's guide to
    Programmable Logic Controllers.

    Websites
    http://www.plcmanual.com/ PLC Manual
    (General Reference)
    http://www.plcs.net/ PLC Programming Info
    (General Reference)
    http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/ Learn About Robots
    Industrial Robots
    (General Reference)

    Links
    This unit links to the following related units:
    Unit 6: Mechatronics
    Unit 42: Further Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

    Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering 169


    Specification – Issue 5 – October 2017 © Pearson Education Limited 2017

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