Cycle Time Estimation for Robot Cells
Build the estimate in layers
| Layer | What to include |
|---|---|
| Motion | Robot travel at realistic speeds and accelerations |
| Gripping | Closing, confirming and releasing |
| Sensing | Image capture, processing and handshakes |
| Process | Welding, grinding, dispensing or curing time |
| Waiting | Conveyor indexing, door opening and interlock handshakes |
| Recovery | Rework, purging and part rejection |
Rules of thumb
- Add 15 to 30 per cent contingency on top of the calculated cycle.
- Measure a comparable manual or automated station before committing.
- Account for start-up and changeover losses, not only steady state.
- Model the slowest station rather than the average.
Simulation and vendor figures are estimates. Validate on the real cell before accepting a capacity commitment.