Application of QFD and FMEA methodologies for the development and improvement of an explosive ordnance disposal robot design

In this work, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology based on the «Design for X» concept is studied to define the design criteria of the mechanical characteristics of an EOD robot and validated with a virtual prototype of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot. The objective is the application of this methodology to obtain a product that meets the quality and reliability specifications, considering the user’s needs as input data. To validate this methodology, the technicians of the UDEX (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit), the mechanical characteristics of the previous version JVC 0.2 developed by the research team of the National University of San Agustin (UNSA), the minimum specifications of the robots participating in the League of Rescue Robots and the application to work in real environments were taken as a case study. The results indicate that the application of the proposed methodology has significantly improved the quality and reliability of the design. To validate the effectiveness of this methodology, a virtual prototype, called JVC 0.3, was created using SolidWorks modelling software, a significant weight reduction of 27.13 % was achieved and the operating speed was increased to 1 km/h under optimal conditions. Technical analysis of the JVC 0.3 showed significant improvements in several key areas, such as increased modularity for easier assembly and maintenance, decreased overall weight, increased torque and speed, and increased stability during operation. These factors are essential for the practical application of EOD robots in real field operations carried out by specialized units such as UDEX