The automobile production line featured in this case study is known as the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). It is located in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA. and was established in 1986. It became the first wholly owned Toyota manufacturing plant in the U.S. and is Toyota's largest manufacturing facility outside of Japan.
The following video highlights the pivotal role the robotic arm plays in the automobile production line. Programmed to perform the required action, the robots paint, drill, weld, move and relocate heavy loads, cut and shape panels, place and/or shape features and shape and construct the car chassis all on a constantly moving conveyor belt. Employing the many design features described in the research – most notably payload, accuracy, repeatability, speed and motion control- the robots perform an array of tasks with incredible proficiency.
It is crucial to note the collaborative role humans play in the production line with the robots. While humans must perform many tasks robots are incapable of, they must also scrutinize and quality controls the work of the robots. While many jobs have been shed from production, the many remaining jobs are safer, more rewarding and very important in the success of the assembly.