ROBO-PARTNER

"Seamless Human-Robot Cooperation for Intelligent, Flexible and Safe Operations in the Assembly Factories of the Future"

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Human skills are the main driver that enables producing high added value products in Europe. Thus the manufacturing processes are based on utilizing these skills. ROBO-PARTNER aspires the integration of the latest industrial automation systems for assembly operations in combination with human capabilities, combining robot strength, velocity, predictability, repeatability and precision with human intelligence and skills. Thus, a hybrid solution involving the safe cooperation of operators with autonomous and adapting robotic systems through a user-friendly interaction is proposed. The focus will be given in the following directions: - Development of highly intuitive interfaces for safe human-robot cooperation during assembly by using sensors, visual servoing, speech recognition, advanced control algorithms - Development of advanced safety strategies and equipment allowing fenceless human robot assembly cells - Introduction of robust methods and software tools for determining the optimal planning of assembly/disassembly operations using a multi-criteria, simulation enabled approach - Adaption of simplified robot programming by means of: a) Programming by demonstration & b) Robot instructions libraries - Introduction of mobile robots acting as assistants to the human operators (e.g. for supplying parts to the assembly line) - Development of more flexible integration and communication architecture by utilizing a distributed computing model and ontology services. The project will be based on industrial applications, bringing its development to a maturity level that allows the introduction in industry, as well proven production technologies. Two demonstrations in automotive will involve the assembly of seat and suspension by robots in cooperation and workspace sharing with humans. A second demonstration will focus on capital goods assembly and the last one on the white goods industry for sealer’s assembly.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The time has come for robots and operators to work alongside each other on assembly floors. An EU initiative is proposing a solution where they safely cooperate with each other via a user-friendly interaction system.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

With EU funding, the http://www.robo-partner.eu/ (ROBO-PARTNER) (Seamless human-robot cooperation for intelligent, flexible and safe operations in the assembly factories of the future) project seeks to combine the capacities and cognitive abilities of humans with cutting-edge industrial automation systems for assembly operations.

To achieve its aims, the project is introducing a broad range of technological solutions for seamless cooperation between workers and robots in industrial settings. These include: highly intuitive interfaces for safe collaboration during assembly; user-friendly support systems; advanced safety strategies and equipment; robust methods and software tools; simplified robot programming; mobile ground and overhead robots; and a flexible integration and communication system for shared data.

During the first project period, partners defined pilot case scenarios concerning the automotive, white goods and large parts inspection industries. The demonstrations involve the assembly of a car's rear axle and a refrigerator part by robots and operators, as well as a joint 3D inspection of large parts.

Focus was also placed on end-user requirements that can be applied to other industries, including identification of requirements for human-robot collaboration and workspace sharing, definition of validation metrics for each pilot case, and the capturing of hardware and software requirements for safe human-robot cooperation.

The project is currently in the design, implementation and integration phase. Design work has been completed in technologies and devices for human-robot collaboration, programming libraries, mobile unit hardware and software components, as well as common integration and communication architecture.

ROBO-PARTNER envisions an assembly line where robots assist human operators in successfully carrying out tasks. This will result in a more productive and safer industrial workplace that produces better products.