Top Robotic Innovations At Automatica 2018

The World’s Largest Industrial Robotics Exhibition Gives Valuable Insight Into The Future Of Automation

Automatica is a gathering of exhibitors showing off the world’s largest assembly of robotic and machine vision innovations in the industrial sector. Every two years some of the biggest robotic developers and researchers in a wide range of industrial fields gather in Munich, and the result is a tantalising insight into the future of the workplace. Robots first saw common usage through the industrial manufacture and assembly sectors, so keeping tabs on the latest creations entering this sphere yields considerable insight into the future of consumer robotics, as well as their applications further afield — much further in some cases!

We’re always interested in biomimicry in robot design, so this robotic end effector inspired by the mechanics at work in a gecko’s fingers was particularly inspirational. NASA needed a robotic hand capable of adhesion without requiring considerable force, which would push the desired object away in space. Gecko hands use microscopic flaps to form molecular bonds with the surfaces of objects they need to stick to, creating a strong adhesion instantly and without the requirement for force behind it. The adhesive gripper also looks set to challenge the conventional vacuum grippers widely used in “pick and place” industrial robots. Undeterred by the porous or unconventionally shaped surfaces that often halt the work of a vacuum gripper, similar adhesive technologies are certainly an interesting development to watch.

From the Danish Technological Institute, Refind Technologies, and STENA Recycling comes a, perhaps, less glamorous robotic innovation. Nevertheless, the impact this sorting robot could have on the environment, and our own approach to our waste is abundant. The AAWSBE 1 aims to pluck discarded batteries from electrical waste. It goes further than that, however. The robot can detect different items and sort them according to value or classification for more efficient recycling. It adapts to new information all the time, adjusting its behaviour and process to new items appearing, changes in value, and changes in priority picks.

While you won’t exactly become Iron Man, the MATE exoskeleton by Comau will certainly see you through the work day easier. Introduced for the first time at this year’s Automatica, the wearable skeleton eases movement and relieves effort and weight while offering a breathable wearing experience. The suit has been developed in collaboration with leading Icelandic orthopaedic company OSSUR, and IUVO, a descendent of the Italian BioRobotics Institute which specialises in weareable tech.

Assistance in repetitive movement and strain is the primary goal of the MATE, with extra postural support and non-resistant movement support providing a naturally comfortable, lightweight experience. The suit replicates all movements of the worker across the shoulders, reducing muscular and cardiac fatigue and improving the precision of repetitive tasks.

CLARC aims to ease and improve the process of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments. The mobile humanoid robot is kitted out with a sensors, touch panels, and microphones that will aid a physician in order to carry out the assessment faster and to a higher quality of care. The robot is even able to greet each patient and bring them and their family to the physician. The project seeks to reduce the time taken to complete a CGA as well as yield higher quality data — all with a robotic smile!

Just as consumer robotics are moving towards universal visual programming potential, robots on the shop floor with Drag and Bot’s graphical programming technology will also offer easily coded automation. The software has been designed for use by non-experts, with specific intention being set on employees themselves. Simple to control, and easy to explore, Drag and Bot offers the ability to drag and drop functions as blocks to program a sequence of actions. Particularly impressive is the built in functionality for robots from different manufacturers under the same interface, with extensions available in the form of additional software packages for new hardware or special-use cases.

The LIMarm is an existing device aimed at neuromuscular rehabilition of the upper limb, however developers at the Instituto di Tecnologie Industriali ed Automazione displayed their plans to update their system with impressive new tech. As well as a wearable electrical stimulation system and VR scenarios, developers are looking to integrate improved sensory systems and dynamic, adjustable training perameters. Emphasis is on an affordable system that will bring clinical recovery and rehabilitation to a wider range of individuals without accessability barriers such as travel and finance.

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