Strategies for swift automated pick-and-place operations of multiple large-sized layers of reinforcement - a critical review

For the application of composite materials to become more widespread and replace traditional materials their manufacturing processes and final products will need to be competitive and be e.g. lighter, stronger or stiffer and quicker, easier or more cost-efficient to produce than traditional materials. The state of the art for pick-and-place operations for the manufacturing of composite parts focuses on handling single lab-sized layers at undisclosed speeds. The process could however be more competitive by being able to handle more and larger layers in a faster manner than currently presented in research. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the existing pick-and-place strategies on their suitability for the swift automated handling of multiple large-sized layers of reinforcement. The review shows that many of the existing techniques could be suitable for different scenario’s and discusses which factors are to be taken into account when dealing with large layers, more than one layer or rapid handling.