Creating an Experimental Set for Sorting and Assembling Work-pieces Controlled by Servo Motors in Conjunction with Programmable Logic Controllers via CC-Link Protocol

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to: 1) create an experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor in conjunction with a programmable logic controller (PLC) via the CC-Link protocol, 2) evaluate the efficiency of the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol, and 3) investigate the satisfaction of learners with the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol. The population consisted of 17 undergraduate students majoring in Mechatronics and Robotics derived by random and purposive sampling method. The research instruments included the experimental set, a performance assessment test, and a satisfaction questionnaire for learners. Data were analyzed by calculating mean and standard deviation.

The research results indicate that: 1) the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor in conjunction with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol could be successfully constructed according to the specified design. The system includes a conveyor unit for work-piece lids using pneumatic cylinders, a vacuum unit for picking up work-piece lids, sensors for detecting work-pieces and lids, a device interface unit via the CC-Link protocol, a signal light unit, a sorting cylinder unit, a work-piece conveyor controlled by a servo motor, and a sorting rail. Additionally, the system can be programmed and controlled using a PLC. Furthermore, the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor in conjunction with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol was validated by the experts with the result of the highest quality. 2) The efficiency evaluation results of the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor in conjunction with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol showed an efficiency of 81.88/83.23.  Finally, 3) the evaluation results of students' satisfaction with the experimental set for sorting and assembling work-pieces controlled by a servo motor in conjunction with a PLC via the CC-Link protocol were at the highest level.