APPLICATION OF HEURISTIC METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING SHEET CUTTING WITH A KAWASAKI ROBOT

Abstract

The article presents a robotic workstation for optimal laser cutting. The laser
cutting process is associated with the issue of optimization, which is difficult and often a
problem for many workers. Therefore, it is essential to seek help in various algorithms
and robot programming methods. The optimization problem presented in the work
involves the optimal arrangement of rectangular elements on a sheet, while minimizing
the waste area. Off-line simulations and real tests of robotic cutting were carried out for
the Kawasaki robot with the educational laser used. The heuristic algorithms used in the
work always provide good solutions (not necessarily the most optimal), with guaranteed
quality and not far from the optimal solution, with low computational costs. Ultimately,
the robotization of laser cutting significantly increases productivity and improves the
quality of the cut surfaces. Additionally, it enhances the repeatability of manufactured
components and enables mass production of parts with very complex shapes.