Human-robot collaboration

Challenges

Collaborative workcells, where robots work side-by-side with their (human) operators, are one of the ways to achieve mass customisation of complex products. This technology is highly suited when human flexibility and adaptability are key in some critical parts of the manufacturing process. However, this kind of collaboration comes with several challenges, such as:

• Communication between operator and robot.
• Task-specific robot programming.
• Design of layout of ergonomic collaborative work cells.
• Balancing productivity with safety.

Solutions

By offering proof-of-concept demonstrators, we allow you to gauge feasibility, validate the cost-benefit analysis and ensure technology acceptance. We build on an extensive range of cobots to support state-of-the-art technology development and high-TRL validation:

• Methods and algorithms for dynamic multi-objective task allocation, based on CAD-controlled task breakdown and optimally distributing assembly subtasks between humans and cobots.
• Methods for easy, fast, skills-based and intuitive robot programming.
• Constraint-based robot programming for complex robot tasks.
• Controlling robots with AI algorithms for flexibility and learning capabilities.
• Architectures for flexible multi-variant grippers.
• Virtual validation of cobot work cells.

Next to testing the functionality, we can also test physical and mental fatigue in industrial settings, think of ergonomics, cognitive load & stress, etc.  Additionally, we provide exoskeletons to physically support operators in situations where ergonomics cannot be improved by optimising the work cell design or through cobot integration. You can test these exoskeletons in a specific use case, both on an ergonomics and technology acceptance level.