As part of automatica 2022, the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics and Schaeffler AG announced a cooperation in the field of robotics in industrial production environments.
Uwe Wagner, Chief Research and Development Officer at Schaeffler AG: "Innovative robotics solutions play a central role in Schaeffler's Roadmap 2025 corporate strategy [...]."
automatica 2023 will take place from 27 to 30 June 2023 and the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics will once again be represented with a trade fair stand.
From 21 to 24 June 2022, the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics will be showcasing highlights and special projects from robotics research at automatica 2022.
After the trade fair for intelligent automation and robotics took place digitally under the name automatica sprint in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a face-to-face trade fair will take place again in 2022. The institute's main topics are the factory of the future and the SMiLE care assistance project.
Factory of the future
The aim of the Factory of the Future Extended project is the digital transformation of robot-supported production processes. The flexible production network developed in the project, which consists of several variable workstations, is shown. The variable workstations have a modular design and consist of a substructure and the SARA robot arm. Depending on requirements, the modular system can be customised with regard to the position of the components and suitable tools, and difficult tasks can be programmed intuitively by demonstration thanks to the special force sensor technology of the robot arm.
The Swarmrail and FlappyBot systems are also part of this project. The special feature of Swarmrail is the combination of omnidirectional mobile units with a grid-shaped rail system that is attached to the ceiling. This means that the space near the ceiling can be optimally utilised, several mobile units can be used simultaneously and is therefore an innovative solution for industry, logistics or even vertical farming. This idea was further developed in the FlappyBot system, which comprises several units that co-operate and are wirelessly and autonomously mobile. In the future, it could be used to manufacture large, flat fibre composite structures for commercial aircraft using the fibre placement process.
The hybrid gripper is also all about logistics. The hybrid gripper is a further development of the DLR Clash. The advantage of this gripper is that objects can be released from full crates more easily than with a two-finger gripper, as they can be sucked in from above. Unlike pure vacuum grippers, however, the hybrid model can also lift a plastic tray as it also has two finger modules.
Assistant robotics
With David, the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics presents an anthropomorphic robot modelled on humans. David currently has two arms, a torso, a neck and a head and is being continuously expanded into a complete, humanoid robot so that it can be used in an environment designed for humans. The aim is to make David as human-like as possible in terms of size, strength and dexterity. David's mechatronic concept is based on powerful and efficient brushless motors combined with highly integrated power and digital electronics in the robot. The hands are slim and light, yet highly efficient. The skilful manipulation of objects is made possible by a specially developed method that combines information from tactile sensors, proprioception and visual perception to estimate the gripping state.
Visitors to the trade fair can also explore new technologies for people around the care assistance project SMiLE (service robotics for people in life situations with disabilities). The SMiLE "ecosystem" for robotic care assistance consists of various robotic systems such as the humanoid robot Rollin' Justin and the wheelchair robot EDAN. In addition to the further development of the robots' autonomous capabilities, the research project SMiLE2gether is currently investigating how a control centre can expand the robots' range of applications by providing remote support. To this end, an initial prototype for a control centre has now been set up from which the DLR robot systems can be remotely controlled using haptic teleoperation, among other things.
The DLR trade fair presence will also lead to the MIRO Innovation Lab, the competence centre for medical robotics. Here, medical technology manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized companies, receive expertise in the development of new robotic systems. This also includes access to the institute's own MIRO research platform with various robotic arms for surgical procedures. As an interface between industry, research and clinical partners, the Innovation Lab team is available to answer questions and discuss product developments as part of automatica 2022.
In addition, numerous DLR spin-offs will also be at this year's DLR stand at automatica 2022.
You will find us in Hall B4 Stand 318 and in the special exhibition area Stand 218.
If you are unable to attend automatica 2022 in person this year, we invite you to visit our research labs virtually with the 360°Tour.
