Pallet automatic changeover system and method

A method of changing location pins on a pallet for an assembly line, comprising:

• receiving the pallet at a pin changing unit located on a return line of the assembly line;
• extending an alignment rod through an alignment opening of the pallet to align the pallet with the pin changing unit;
• determining a target pin location for the pallet based on a part to be received on the pallet;
• determining, via an optical sensor, whether the pallet includes a location pin at the target pin location;
• and
• retracting the alignment rod to release the pallet from the pin changing unit in response to determining that the pallet includes the location pin at the pin location.

An apparatus for changing location pins on a pallet for an assembly line, comprising:

• a pin grabber configured to engage a location pin within a first socket, the pin grabber comprising a hexagonal head configured to engage and rotate a hexagonal socket of the location pin;
• a horizontal linear actuator configured to move the pin grabber and the engaged location pin into alignment with a second socket;
• and
• a vertical linear actuator configured to extend the pin grabber into engagement with the location pin and retract the pin grabber away from the location pin.