1. Concept Definition
Purpose: Identify the robotic function the component must serve.
Key Actions: Define motion, load, speed, and precision requirements; evaluate integration with existing robotic systems; explore possible design approaches.
Customer Involvement: Customer provides target use cases and application goals.
2. Specification & Feasibility
Purpose: Translate ideas into engineering requirements.
Key Actions: Determine mechanical, electrical, and control needs; define torque, power, weight, and material requirements; assess manufacturability and cost constraints.
Customer Involvement: Joint workshops to validate requirements and priorities.
3. Design & Modeling
Purpose: Create detailed CAD models of robotic components.
Key Actions: 3D modeling of joints, actuators, grippers, end-effectors, and sub-assemblies; kinematic and dynamic simulations; collision and motion path analysis.
Customer Involvement: Customer reviews prototypes and provides iterative feedback.
4. Prototyping & Testing
Purpose: Validate the design under real-world conditions.
Key Actions: Produce functional prototypes of robotic components; conduct load, motion, and endurance tests; validate interoperability with robotic systems.
Customer Involvement: Customers evaluate performance against intended tasks.
5. Validation & Optimization
Purpose: Ensure production readiness and long-term reliability.
Key Actions: Fine-tune designs for repeatability, safety, and cost efficiency; apply feedback from real-world tests; prepare documentation for integration and scaling.
Customer Involvement: Final approval before moving into production.