To obtain competitive advantages, manufacturers need to struggle constantly to improve quality and to reduce cost. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a strategy adopted by enterprises to produce high quality products at low cost. One of the common applications in the CIM environment is the deployment of robots. Traditionally, robots are purchased, installed, and tested. Significant amounts of time and manpower are consumed in the process of decision making.; When introducing robotics into a firm, the importance of management support should not be underestimated. Many of the reports of successful robot implementations point to this as a critical factor. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that graphs can be used by managers to make decisions about investing in robots. Graphs will free the management from being buried in a confusing matrix of numbers, and managers will therefore be able to make correct decisions more easily.; In this research, a graphical simulation system in conjunction with a kinematic error model is developed to assist management in making investment decisions. A random assignment approach, Monte-Carlo simulation technique, and a fixed level assignment approach, Taguchi Methods, are used to predict the robot process capability. Two sets of charts are created by the system to represent the repeatability and accuracy of the robot performing a given operation. These charts are: (1) histograms in the x, y, and z directions and (2) scattered ellipses in xy, yz, and xz planes. The results provided by the system can help management to analyze robot projects concerning robot selection and implementation in a more systematic manner.
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