Introduction to the Assembly Lines
The assembly line is a manufacturing process where parts are configured to be produced in sequential with use of planned logistics to make a complete product quickly as compared to the handcrafting technique. The assembly line is used for the mass production of products, where a larger number of products made
On a workstation, different operations are done on a single object. For an automotive assembly line, the workstation can add an engine, and another workstation can add wheels. With assembly line workers doing certain operations production can done effectively.
The assembly line is done on the conveyor belt and it is not true. In some assembly, line product moves from workstation to workstation through a conveyor belt.
Ford Automotive Assembly Line
In the early 20th century, all components filled the place of the modern assembly lines to be made. The 1913 Ford Motor Company was be first to use an assembly line and the results were revolutionary
These innovative features help Ford to make cars with speed as compared to competitors with low cost.
entrepreneur Henry Ford used different innovations that all manufacturers then used. His assembly line moves cars with the use of conveyor belts in the factory, and workers remain static at one point, performing different operations repeatedly.
With assembly lines, manufacturers can generate goods at unprecedented pace and scale
Automating the Assembly Line
Automation application of operations without human help has been important for manufacturing since mid 20th century. If the transformed assembly line process is, increases speed, and productivity.
Automation in the assembly line is done through robotics and the use of complicated machine programs for operating different tasks performed by human workers.
Early Automation
Earl automation in the assembly line was easy and simple like a conveyor belt and mechanical arms. With the advancement of technology, the sophistication of automation.
Currently, computer-controlled machines help to do different operations like welding, packing, inspection, painting, assembly, and testing, and common parts of assembly lines.
 Rise of PLCs
the main factor in assembly line automation is use of PLC controller.Â
It is a digital computer control manufacturing process like assembly lines, robotic devices, or other work that needs high reliability and accuracy.
it is programmed to do different operations and reprogrammed when needed, offering flexibility in the manufacturing process.
AI and ML
The use of AI and machine learning makes a revolution in an assembly line. These features analyze different data learning and increase with time to optimize the assembly line working.
It can provide requirements for maintenance, simple inventory handling and decide for maintain production efficiency.
 Challenges
As automation has increased productivity and reduced costs, it also has some difficulties. Some challenges are human worker displacement, make their loss of jobs. Solving this problem needed to balance potential reskilling programs and educational initiatives
Robotics and Automated Systems
Robotics has become important since its use in the 1970s.The latest assembly line robots are fine-tuned for optimized accuracy, safety, and speed. Collaborative robots are important in manufacturing industries where they work wth manual operators for maximum productivity.
Numerous tools are helping with accuracy like (AI) and sensors. In terms of the latter, position transducers are important for improving robotics and assembly line automation. Position transducers are used for tracking/detecting the position of a certain part in motion.
Types of Conveyor Systems Used in Industry
Roller Conveyors:
- It comes with non-motorized and live roller conveyors or motorized roller conveyors. Comes with roller spaced equidistantly from each other, it has features to handle heavy loads and reduces friction between the part and the roller surface.
Belt Conveyors:
- It is made with polyurethane or belt materials for production transporting. It is best where friction is needed or good material traction on the belt.
 Drag Chain Conveyors:
- it comes with one or more stands that are used for pulling product that helps the motor. It is best for each heavy loads like pallets.
