Cobot selection using hybrid AHP-TOPSIS based multi-criteria decision making technique for fuel filter assembly process

Abstract

The choice of a suitable collaborative robot (cobot) for a real-time industrial process is one of the obstacles to effective robot implementation in terms of energy and cost. The cobot selection process for an application have become more complex due to increasing sophisticated features and capabilities in cobots offered by the manufacturers. The paper presents a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) technique based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approaches for selecting cobots for fuel filter assembly operation. The product design methodology, manufacturing method, and associated cost are directly influencing the decision on cobot selection. The most appropriate robot to accomplish the desired task at the lowest possible cost and capability can be selected by AHP with prospective criterion weight for subsequent processing. The TOPSIS approach orders alternatives based on the prominence of criteria. A diesel fuel filter assembly process case was considered for validating the proposed technique of cobot selection process. An expert knowledge base was generated for 12 advocated cobots and the best cobot was selected using the proposed hybrid MCDM technique.