Course detail

Mechanisation, Automation and Handling

FSI-HME Acad. year: 2025/2026 Summer semester

The course introduces students to the basic types of mechanization, manipulation, automation elements and their use in the field of engineering. Their use in industrial applications of production forming, machining, welding, foundry systems unconventional technologies is solved. The theory is focused on all types of transport systems, cranes, carts and all types of hoppers, feeders, conveyors, orientators and peripherals, used in the project of automated systems. Furthermore, flexible production systems (FPS), automated production lines, integrated production systems (IPS) are discussed. The subject focuses on the analysis of used robots and manipulators, including their theory and end effectors. Furthermore, modular machine tools, production lines, CNC machine tools are discussed.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Supervisor

prof. Ing. Radim Kocich, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Manufacturing Technology

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of material handling, mechanization and production automation. The student must have an overview of the machines and equipment used in engineering technologies, especially in forming, machining, welding, casting and unconventional technologies, and know their application in practice.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Attendance at lessons is checked. The lecture is different each week, therefore, an absence may be compensated in the same week only. Only one lecture may be missed without penalty. In the case of more missed exercises and the impossibility of replacing the exercise, the substitute protocols and computational work will be assigned.

Participation in lessons is controlled by solving the partial projects submitted in the form of protocols. The subject-unit credit is done by examining the participation in the course and the projects evaluation. The exam consists of the written test and the oral part.

Aims

The main objective is understanding of the work of various mechanization and automation systems and explains their principles. This is based on the recognition of the basic classical methods to higher levels of automation.

As part of the course, students will be given material with regard to the operation of classical production systems, mechanized and automated systems (MAZ) and the application of this knowledge to NC and CNC machines, robots and manipulators used at all levels of the engineering company. Students can apply the knowledge acquired in this way in design and technology departments, including in the design work of their own designs for engineering production. A demonstration of the work of the Fanuc collaborative robot will be performed.

Study aids

http://ust.fme.vutbr.cz/tvareni/studium/index.php?stranka=opory

and

E-learning

The study programmes with the given course

Programme N-STG-P: Manufacturing Technology, Master's
specialization STG: Manufacturing Technology, compulsory

Programme N-STG-P: Manufacturing Technology, Master's
specialization STM: Manufacturing Technology and Management in Industry, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  1. Introduction to mechanization, automation and handling

  2. Mechanization means – distribution, cranes, carts, transport and handling systems

  3. Warehouse handling systems

  4. Handling systems – hoppers, feeders, conveyors, orientators, capture and orientation mechanisms, slides, cutting line

  5. Mechanization systems in foundries, welding shops, forges and assembly

  6. Robots and manipulators I. – principles, structure, construction, drives and control

  7. Robots and manipulators II. – analysis of conditions for the use of industrial robots and manipulators

  8. Robot effectors and peripherals

  9. Modular machine tools, production lines, CNC machine tools

  10. Production centers, single-purpose machines, automated production lines and transport systems

  11. Integrated production systems and complex handling

  12. Flexible production cells, machining centers and robotics complexes

  13. Objects and solutions of mechanization, automation and handling in the field of metal forming technology


 

Exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Syllabus


  1. Theory of causal locations, protocol entry Design of an automated workshop

  2. Execution of capacity calculations (Excel)

  3. Execution of capacity calculations

  4. Design of an automated workshop

  5. Choice of industrial robots and manipulators, optimization for selection the pallet and handling equipment

  6. Protocol submission

  7. Introduction to software Kauza-X for evaluation of automation and mechanization

  8. Working with the expert system Kauza-X (flexible production line)

  9. Working with the expert system Kauza-X (integrated production section)

  10. Design of automated production system according to the task

  11. Choice and characteristics of the robot

  12. Getting to know the collaborative robot from Fanuc, on-line and          off-line programming

  13. Evaluation of protocols and participation, granting of credit