Our saved handling job needs a better handover - fixture-to-tray unloading

NadiaBrooks0813 · 11 Aug 2026, 07:36 UTC

Reply to discussion
NA
NadiaBrooks0813
I taught our Universal Robots UR5e job for fixture-to-tray unloading with a machined sleeve in a workshop tray handling cell. Everyone can start it, but an empty pocket or interrupted run means a call to me. I don't think this is attitude. Our handover covered a clean run and left the awkward decisions out.

13 replies

AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to NadiaBrooks0813

@NadiaBrooks0813 Have you asked operators to explain the restart instruction in their own words? You may find one sentence means several different things to the team.

4 points
NA
NadiaBrooks0813
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

@AdaBrooks0825 I tried that in a discussion. Several people read the same restart line differently. So yes, we've handed over an instruction that doesn't agree with itself.

20 points
AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to NadiaBrooks0813

@NadiaBrooks0813 Use the conflicting interpretations to revise the instruction into condition, permitted action and escalation criteria. After the responsible integrator reviews it, check understanding again through an unprompted teach-back.

9 points
NA
NadiaBrooks0813
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

@AdaBrooks0825 Because I wrote the ambiguous instruction, I'm concerned that teach-back could feel like blaming the operator. How can I frame it as a check of the handover?

21 points
RA
RaviBennett0737
Replying to NadiaBrooks0813

On my setup, I asked people to find where my guide forced them to guess. That invited corrections instead of making them defend a wrong answer

14 points
AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

A clear recovery sheet should stop those calls. Keep the steps short and put it by the controls.

15 points
CA
CallumBrooks0795
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

That assumes a known, permitted recovery exists for every displayed condition. Clearer documentation can't compensate for uncertainty about whether the tool is holding something.

-1 points
AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to CallumBrooks0795

You're right; I promised too much from a sheet. The guide should support defined recoveries and clearly escalate unknown states. Some calls are the correct outcome.

15 points
NA
NadiaBrooks0813
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

Our original handover only showed an empty gripper at startup. It never covered an interruption with the workpiece still held. That's a real gap.

21 points
JA
JackBarnes0602
Replying to NadiaBrooks0813

@NadiaBrooks0813 Couldn't the operator just select the pocket they were on? Or is that exactly the guessing you're trying to remove?

4 points
AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to JackBarnes0602

@JackBarnes0602 The pocket number alone doesn't establish the tool and destination conditions. Your integrator needs to define how those are confirmed and which recovery, if any, is permitted.

13 points
NA
NadiaBrooks0813
Replying to AdaBrooks0825

We've found a wording problem, but the reviewed recovery guidance isn't ready. I still need to support the team through the unclear cases.

11 points
AD
AdaBrooks0825
Replying to NadiaBrooks0813

@NadiaBrooks0813 You've found something specific to improve. Keeping support available fits the unfinished guidance.

13 points

Add to the discussion

Welcome to Application Robot

Everyone can read the forum. Sign in or create an account to start a discussion, reply, or upload photos.

Forgot your password?

By creating an account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and community guidelines. Read our Privacy Policy for how your information is handled.