A New Configuration Method for Glass Substrate Transfer Robot Modules Based on Kansei Engineering

Featured Application In the context of the widespread use of industrial robot modules, this study proposes a method for designing and evaluating the morphological characteristics and combination schemes of industrial robot modules, which meets the research and application needs of Kansei Engineering in robot module design. How to effectively match the relationship between users' perceptual demands and the characteristics of industrial robot modules becomes a pressing issue when perceptual demands become a significant determinant of whether users purchase and employ industrial robots. In this regard, we propose a Kansei Engineering-based method for industrial robot module configuration, using the module design of a glass substrate transfer robot as an example. First, the method analyzes the perceptual demand characteristics of the target user, utilizing the semantic difference method, and then establishes a mapping relationship between the user's perceptual demand and the robot design elements, utilizing the hierarchical inference method. On the basis of this mapping relationship, the robot module for transfer glass substrates is then designed. Finally, orthogonal design and conjoint analysis were used to effectively and objectively analyze user preferences for various module configuration alternatives. The results indicate that the industrial robot's shape, color, and material are the three appearance characteristics that influence the user's perceptual demands. The slender, rigid design features of the industrial robot, such as the streamlined drive shaft, lengthwise expanded body structure, integrated body structure, and hidden plugs, as well as the simple color scheme and smooth metal surface, are key elements in the industrial robot's perceptual design. The turn shaft module and lift shaft module have respective weights of 35.040% and 31.120%, determining whether the glass substrate transfer robot can create a simple style. In the context of the widespread use of industrial robot modules, the methods and findings of this study offer new ideas for the design of industrial robot modules and broaden the research and applications of Kansei Engineering in module design.

Automated summary

This study proposes a method for designing and evaluating the morphological characteristics and combination schemes of industrial robot modules using Kansei Engineering. The method analyzes user's perceptual demands and establishes a mapping relationship with robot design elements, designing modules for glass substrate transfer robot. The study uses orthogonal design and conjoint analysis to analyze user preferences for different module configurations objectively, finding that the robot's shape, color, and material are key elements influencing perceptual demands.