How Cobots make my day-to-day work easier

The challenge you are facing

Exhausting, monotone and repetitive work can decrease the motivation in everyday life. These kinds of works can be done easily by a so-called collaborative robot or “Cobot”. The evnvironment, dirty, loud or else doesn´t bother the cobot. It is working together with a corresponding employee.  The human prepares certain work steps for the colleague robot, which then carries out the pre-programmed work assigned to it. This reduces the workload of the corresponding employee, giving him or her more time for more complex as well as artistic activities.

Here we show our demonstrator using a Cobot form the danish company „Universal Robots“ to show exemplary the quality control of a production line.

The Cobot needs a short training period, is simply operated and there is no programming knowledge required. The appropriate training is carried out by means of a touch panel or touch pen.

Another advantage is its compact size. Unlike industrial robots, the cobot does not require a closed-off area in the form of a cage to prevent human injury. Not only does the cobot have a rounded and edge-free appearance, but it is also equipped with various sensors that enable it to detect and react to resistance within its range of motion; up to and including an emergency stop so that any trapped limbs are not damaged.

In addition, the cobot is also much less expensive than a standard industrial robot. A variety of different types of cobots, which can lift different maximum weights, as well as a wide range of gripping tools, round off the functionality of the cobot.

Technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Cobot, robot

Where can you access this demonstrator?
The demonstrator can be tested directly at the company and be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure. This way, companies see directly the benefits of digitization in a low-threshold way and train their employees on modern technologies.

The devil's knot - human-machine interaction

The challenge you are facing  
Assembly in companies and production facilities is essential. Especially where there is a frequent change in production, the assembly instructions should be as simple and understandable as possible, not least for the new employees, for example, to make training easier.

Solution 
The special feature of this technology is the combination of visual assistance and the possibility of going through the various inspection and assembly steps by means of voice control. This leaves the user's hands free and he can concentrate fully on the production steps. Furthermore, appropriate communication with the user is also possible. Queries or requests for repetition of the instructions are therefore very easy to manage.

In addition, the error rate is minimized, since only certain commands can be named. This also speeds up the production process. It also facilitates the training of new employees or new tasks.

Technologies: Artificial  Intelligence,  human-machine  interaction,  voice  recognition, LASER projection 

How does it work?  
The demonstrator shown in the roadshow shows the assembly of the devil's knot with the help of KIM. KIM is an acronym for the german sentence "AI in Medium-sized businesses" and offers the possibility to easily perform the assembly of the devil's knot by means of voice control and a LASER projection. By the voice control the hands are free and one can devote oneself completely to the assembly, in addition, to the examination of the individual parts. 

Furthermore, through the voice control, which can only perform certain commands, the error rate is kept low and productivity has thus also been optimized.

Where can you access this demonstrator?
The demonstrator can be tested directly at the company and be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure. This way, companies see directly the benefits of digitization in a low-threshold way and train their employees on modern technologies.

Digital help for everyone

Hololens and augmented reality can be used to simplify the assembly of various products; virtual worlds are superimposed on the real ones to make a wide range of information available. By using augmented reality applications (AR application), additional information can be accessed from predefined objects with the help of a tablet and its camera.

The ability to combine the virtual world with the real world makes much more information available in a clear way, while leaving the hands free for manual work.    

Furthermore, when using an AR application implemented with a tablet, some non-obvious information from the real world is supplemented by means of camera. Additionally, the tablet's camera can call up more detailed information of a production product or step. 

Technologies: Artificial intelligence, augmented reality / virtual reality 

Where can you access this demonstrator?
The demonstrator can be tested directly at the company and be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure. This way, companies see directly the benefits of digitization in a low-threshold way and train their employees on modern technologies.

Use of a worker assistance system to provide information

A worker assistance system supports workers to complete tasks correctly and tap into the potential of digitization. At the heart of such digital assistance systems is a software solution that displays all the required information of the work steps while documenting the entire process.  

Therefor, preparation time can be reduced and digitally recorded, documentation effort is reduced and training is simplified. These systems provide the basis for process optimization, quality management, employee support for infrequent or flexible tasks or for routine tasks, e.g. recording relevant data, reporting and recording errors, training new employees - the ideal basis for standardized work instructions from batch size 1 to complex task areas. This gives it a clear advantage over hardware-bound pick-by-light systems (or pick-by-voice, pick-by-scan or pick-by-vision). The purely software-operated system can be used more flexibly and independently of the workstation, especially in modern, variant-rich production, but can be connected to the desired hardware via appropriate interfaces. 

The worker assistance system only requires a commercially available PC with web connection and corresponding smart devices for the employees. 

Where can you access this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildau

Automated, intelligent networking of machines in modern production systems

Modern production systems are characterized by automated, intelligent networking of machines and processes through the use of information and communication technologies. 

Manufacturing Execution Systems (SME) are also used to map the value stream of a company in real time. This feature is not possible in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The requirement for process capability, now a verification obligation, results in the need for the manufacturer to align all value-adding processes with the process result and with the customer. MES process control systems are defined by a direct link to the distribution system of the process, enabling control of production in real time. The potential gain from the implementation of MES matches to the need for immediate, up-to-date online information. This allows users of the MES computer system to make the best possible decisions about the use of inventory, operating resources and the workforce. 

Other benefits include: Reduction in manufacturing cycle time, data entry time, work-in-process inventory, lead time and paper use. In addition, customer service is improved and it becomes possible to react better to upredictable events.  
SME systems hold especially for large companies a great advantage. In advance, the potential savings should be compared to the acquisition costs.  

Where can you access this demonstrator?
The demonstrator can be tested directly at the company and be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure. This way, companies see directly the benefits of digitization in a low-threshold way and train their employees on modern technologies.

Self-learning conveyor system for energy-efficient bulk material transport

Bulk solids represent the most widely transported main material and, due to their complex behavior, present great challenges for plant design. Precise and thoughtful planning as well as the experience of the designer are essential in the construction of economically well bulk handling plants. However, since a test phase with the actual bulk solids is useful during design, this is not often possible with existing plants.

SeLFeeS, the test and experimental environment using the example of "corn" with the final product "popcorn", supports many goals by processing bulk solids in different steps. Based on realistic tests and immediate evaluations, prototypical applications can be quickly implemented and ideas derived first-hand. 

The system consists of several stations connected by conveyor belts and a dosing screw at the end. Quality assurance of the bulk material is performed by means of color sensors, camera technology and load cells. Eddy current and heated air jets are used to turn corn kernels into popcorn. 

The interconnected production and logistics process of Selfees shown is representative of a large number of processes frequently encountered in the food and feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical and plastics industries.  

Through a modular design and various extensions, SeLFeeS also offers the ability to develop and evaluate AI applications, as well as quality measures for monitoring from raw material to finished product. 

Where can you access this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildau

Test bed for the development of new gripper technologies

The force measuring stand contributes to the implementation of Industry 4.0 through an intelligent measuring and testing systems, the use of special gripper technologies and communication protocols. Thanks to optimised processes, automation and digitalisation are also possible for challenging materials such as flexurally flexible materials. 

It is no longer possible to imagine our everyday life without flexurally flexible materials. Whether in the clothing or automotive industry or in the production of fibre composites - they play a centrl role. In the production process, especially destacking, feeding, separating or removing and defined depositing, automated handling has a limited pracitcability. Due to their properties, flexible materials are very susceptible to strong deformations caused by external influences, so that process steps are currently only partially automated or handled with a high degree of manual effort. 

Modern hydroadhesive gripper technologies are the key to solving this problem. 
To test and calibrate this technology under field conditions, a test stand was developed at the TH-Wildau. The heart of this system is a 6-component force measuring sensor, which makes it possible to precisely determine the holding forces of the grippers in connection with numerous workpieces. In this way, the usability of gripper technologies can be optimised and adapted to the requirements of different applications. 

The force measuring stand also has sensors for ambient temperature and humidity, a PLC and a human-machine interface. These components are all digitally networked with each other and are in constant exchange. This system detects malfunction measurements and enables precise and efficient production through automatic correction of measurement results. All in all, the force measuring stand represents an important demonstration object for modern test stands and measuring systems. 

Areas and sectors of application: This technology is particularly suitable for companies that carry out R&D as well as for research institutions. The following industries can benefit from the knowledge gained from research with this technology: Automation, Material sciences, Logistics

Where can you access this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildau

KILEAN - Learning and Applying Artificial Intelligence

For the understanding and development of AI-based applications, suitable, complex application scenarios are required with which development and testing can be carried out.

KILEAN provides as a teaching and transfer complex value creation process, prepares foreseeable trends for teaching, research and transfer and creates a corresponding teaching platform.

This practical presentation of Ki-based applications in a modern production environment enables the sustainable and long-term education and training of tomorrow's skilled workers. KILEAN plays a central role in the interdisciplinary training of AI specialists and strengthens cross-system AI application competencies.

Topics include autonomous driving, image processing, process optimization (initial logistics, operational production, marketing or sales) and human-machine interaction, which examples can be tested. The system shows various sensor systems, product variations such as different coloured containers, variations of the bulk material such as corn, millet, balls alias tablets, individual components (cubes in different colours and shapes); packaging including cardboard boxes to be folded, labelling and storage in small load carriers for shipment of the products from incoming orders via product merging, heat treatment, quality assurance and delivery.

In addition, AI use cases in the areas of infrastructure, human resources and technology development can be used. A test platform for the application of data-driven methods, such as from the field of deep learning, machine learning or even for expert systems is made possible by a smart AI infrastructure. For self-sufficient operation, various driverless transport systems support the transport of the components between the individual systems. The modular design allows different work plan sequences as well as location changes for further experimentation and processing installationen.

Using the example of the system, a production plant for processing bulk materials is depicted, which is equipped with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), a web shop and energy measuring boxes. Based on the open source approach and open interfaces and communication protocols such as OPC-UA, Node-Red, MQTT as well as various databases a wide variety of approaches for data processing, for example for AI applications, can be picked up or tapped into. With its 18 stations, the system itself represents an extensive and complex development environment and thus represents the scope of a classic company by means of matrix production.

Kilean systems mediate operation of systems during commissioning, defects or for regular maintenance, servicing and assembly processes. Fear of contact with such complex systems can thus be reduced. In addition, the system also records long-term data sets for new AI applications, so that future synergies can be created and worked out.

Technologies: artificial intelligence, autonomous driverless vehicles, machine learning, forced learning, digital partnerships, visualization of process data, RFID, robotics.

Where can you get to know this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the Technical University Wildau
Technical University Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildle

Automatization of processes with the Wildau Smart Testbed.

The Wildau Smart Testbed (WST) is a fully automated production line, including logistics and picking robots. Serving as learning and testing environment for digital solutions it aims to streamline processes. The modular structure of the Testbed allows for easy learning and testing experiences, and the system can be scaled up to form a complex network with other systems in a factory environment.

The WST offers a variety of test and presentation options for development companies, PLC manufacturers, as well as production companies which are considering automating their product lines. The use of mechatronics, robotics, sensor technology, pneumatics, and drive technology, among others, provides insights into possibilities of a fully automated and intelligent production line.

The Testbed also features various drives, motors, and pneumatic cylinders that can be controlled in combination with the system, as well as different sensor technologies like lasor or color sensors for various test tasks. Handling components such as vacuum switches, pressure switches, and pneumatic muscles are used to assemble and ultimately, the WST's manufacturing execution system (MES) generates customer-specific orders, monitors the processes, and derives production key figures.

Technology: Mechatronics, robotics, mobile robotics, sensor technology, pneumatics, drive technology, commissioning, communication technology, HMI visualization, automated guided vehicles, digital twin technology, AR, energy monitoring, Scada-system

Where can you access this demonstrator?
Hub Wildau. At the University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau; Hochschulring 1; 15745 Wildau