Internet of Production - Design of Robotic Hands as Variable Gripper for Transient Resource Supply in Future Assembly Scenarios
Motivation
Besides the classic line assembly, there are numerous assembly scenarios that cannot currently be automated because a large number of different objects have to be handled. These differ in geometry, weight and size and cannot be gripped by a single conventional gripper. Such assembly scenarios are also usually not automatable, due to the varying requirements and changing conditions.
Robot hands are a promising possibility to realize such variable grippers. Analogous to the human hand, it is possible to handle and manipulate a multitude of different objects. In such a scenario, robotic hands do not replace the human workforce, but are able to support it in close cooperation.
Approach
For the development of suitable robot hands, a methodology is developed at IGMR.
This methodology uses the approach of functional design. The basic qualities of a robot hand are captured and defined by the underlying capabilities. The required capabilities may vary depending on the requirement profile of a scenario to be realized. Against the background of factors to be minimized, such as costs, a minimal set of required capabilities can be identified.
The capabilities of the hand are additionally linked to existing procedures and methods. Thus, a selection of the capabilities can be used to identify the methods to be applied.
The project is funded as part of the Internet of Production - IoP Excellence Strategy with the aim of facilitating integration into the fourth generation of the Industrial Revolution.