Ivanov, M. M. (2017). The future of mobile robots in industrial environment [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien; Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2017.45875
This master thesis is aimed to investigate the optimal manufacturing production and financial profit in an industrial environment using mobile robots instead of human operators. The broader research question I aim to answer in this paper is - a method for evaluation of the financial investment for implementing mobile robots in manufacturing. Theoretical method and practical model that will help the potential users of mobile robots to estimate the startup cost and risk in the initiation phase of the project. A scenario of ten different manufacturing processes for manual and autonomous production is created to benchmark the manual and automated manufacturing line. Multiple mobile robots that are programmed to work without human supervision in a synchronized manufacturing process to reduce total cost and improve productivity. The goal is to present robot make robot manufacturing process, without any human intervention. Household mobile robot is the product of the manufacturing process. The paper focus on the startup investment and returns for each scenario for a five-year period. I have referred to different literature to assess various methodological approaches and adapt them to my proposed work. The technical and financial benefits, productivity and customer satisfaction are presented through manufacturing radar chart tool. Throughout the thesis, I have explored the impact of mobile robots and automation to business and people. The effect of automation toward the labor rate and unemployment. The feedback from the public and the organizations that are using or planning to use robots. The future of automation for the next generation and a brief look one hundred years ahead. This study has been a challenging and valuable learning experience for me. I believe that my master thesis will have some significant takeaways for mobile robots and automation in manufacturing.