Flexible Manufacturing

research question

project approach

In the Flexible Manufacturing project, we are investigating how generic industrial robots can be optimally used in business. This involves the use of software and ICT in robots to optimize production. At the moment, robots are mainly used for relatively simple, structured and repetitive work. However, in combination with different sensor systems, robots can perform very complex tasks in which the robots adapt to the situation. A possible explanation for the above situation is that robots cannot be (re) programmed easily and quickly enough, combined with different sensor systems and combined with other software packages to enable them to perform new tasks.

In the preliminary phase of this project proposal, a striking difference emerged between the working method at universities on the one hand and the business community on the other. In the business world, the commercial and brand-specific software of the robot manufacturers are mainly used. Universities, on the other hand, mainly use open-source and generic development frameworks. The framework most commonly used worldwide is Robot Operating System: ROS.

project goal

In this project we want to gain more insight into these two different approaches. To do this, we analyze the existing commercial software for the major brands of robotic arms and compare it with ROS. In addition to a study of the similarities and differences, a large meeting is organized within the project with companies from the region to find out which considerations companies made by applying robots and what obstacles they encounter in the actual use of robots.

This application is made in parallel with the Raak KIEM Smart Industry application: Twentse ROS. The aim of the current application is to get to the heart of the problem: why are robots not yet optimally used in industry? The aim is to develop a Raak PRO on this subject based on both KIEM applications.

duration project

Start project: 01-01-2018 - End project: 31-07-2018