Off‐line programming: a success for the automotive industry

Examines the developing uses of off‐line programming (OLP) in the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of robot welding and robot painting of vehicle bodies. States that this is due to the development of graphical simulation tools and outlines their role in “right first time” policies. Looks at applications of OLP at Volvo, Capponi Alesina (Fiat’s largest, painting subcontractor) and Applied Manufacturing Technologies, a US manufacturing systems design house. Describes the use of OLP in painting machines and truck painting, and in spot welding truck bodies.