A mathematical modelling approach for the process of part orientation in batch assembly automation

The use of steps as active devices to automatically feed and correctly orient parts has received increased attention in recent years. The work reported so far on determination of the best step sizes for the cases of singlepart and multiple-part types has focused either on experimental evaluation or analytical computation. We present mathematical models for describing the process of correctly orienting parts when steps are used as active devices in batch assembly automation. Two di erent cases-single and multiple-part types-have been considered. Each case is analysed as a single-step active device and as a two-step active device