📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
The Nigerian automotive assembly and component manufacturing industry in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, is undergoing a gradual transition from labour-intensive to automated production processes, driven by competition from imported vehicles and the ECOWAS trade liberalization agenda. This study examines professional practice in the integration of industrial robotic systems within automotive component manufacturing facilities in the Lagos Industrial Corridor, focusing on welding, materials handling, and quality inspection applications. A qualitative case study methodology was applied across three automotive component manufacturers, involving 22 in-depth interviews with automation engineers, production managers, and robotics technicians. Document analysis of project commissioning reports, technical manuals, and operator training records supplemented the interview data. Findings indicate that successful robotics integration projects followed a structured deployment methodology encompassing feasibility assessment, system design and simulation, factory acceptance testing, site installation, and post-commissioning performance verification. Major challenges documented include inadequate foundation preparation, failure to conduct pre-integration process standardization, and insufficient in-house technical support capacity following commissioning. The study identifies competency gaps among Nigerian robotics engineers in areas of robot programming, safety system design, and systems integration project management. A professional competency framework is proposed for Nigerian mechatronics engineers engaged in industrial robotics projects, organized across technical, project management, and safety compliance dimensions. Keywords: industrial robotics, automotive manufacturing, systems integration, professional practice, Lagos State
Need Complete Chapters of the Above Topic?
Get high-quality, Zero-AI research materials with current citations.
Request via WhatsApp 💬