Combined Analysis of Energy Consumption and Expected Service Life of a Robotic System

Modern manufacturing benefits from the automation capabilities and flexibility of robots. Consequently, arising ecological and economical costs depend on the individual use case. In this context, energy consumption is often viewed as an important factor regarding the resource efficiency. Extending corresponding models with load criteria for wear and fatigue occurring in the joint transmissions enables the additional consideration of the expected service life. Potential benefits and the impact of trajectory, motion time and payload are evaluated by a parametric study. Findings highlight the importance of accurate modeling for the service life prediction as well as a conflict of interest between minimal energy consumption and maximum lifetime. Hence, a combined analysis of energy consumption and expected service life provides a basis for an improved life cycle assessment and optimization of the ecological and economical efficiency.