SMARTHANDLE’s dexterity, reconfiguration and reasoning enabling technologies will be validated and will demonstrate their advances through three real-life manufacturing scenarios. Those originate from Metal (ALUMIL), Consumer goods (MENICON) and Automotive tier-one supply (ABEE) industrial sectors. These use cases have been selected for covering a wide spectrum of dexterous handling operations. In overall, the project’s outcomes will tackle handling challenges for small to large sized parts, made from rigid or deformable materials, presenting simple or sophisticated geometries that require conventional or specialized handling treatments.
Pilot Use Case implementation
SMARTHANDLE
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Partners: |
TF-CC, LMS, ALUMIL |
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Pilot Use Case implementation title: |
Pilot robotic cell for variform large part packaging (pilot use case implementation) |
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Pilot Use Case implementation description: |
The system features an overhead dual-arm robot configuration for enhanced grasping and packaging efficiency. It coordinates between multiple systems, including robotic control, perception modules, AI-decision making and advanced handling strategies. Key functionalities include object perception, digital twin simulation, and optimized pallet loading algorithms. The solution aims to automate the packaging processes for heavyweight, large-sized, and multi-variant aluminum profiles. |
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Pilot Use Case implementation photo, video, or online link: |
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Who can use the Pilot Use Case implementation: |
Industrial end-users handling large, variably shaped parts, and sectors requiring automated handling and packaging of heavy components with complex geometries. |
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What purposes can the Pilot Use Case implementation be used for: |
The solution, either as a whole or in selected parts, can be applied to automated production lines requiring advanced decision-making capabilities, such as stacking irregularly shaped packages, intelligent grasping, and advanced object recognition and classification. Production lines that currently rely heavily on experienced personnel for cognitively demanding tasks, or on operator strength for heavy lifting, can benefit from this Pilot Use Case implementation, as it meets all requirements for automated, error-free handling and packaging of complex objects. |
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Success stories: |
The pilot phase for this Pilot Use Case implementation is ongoing. The solution has demonstrated its ability to autonomously package complex-shaped parts while remaining reconfigurable and intuitive for operators. It has reduced the cognitive load on operators, who no longer need to recognize and package multiple profile variants. In addition, it has lowered ergonomic strain, as packaging is automated and does not require heavy lifting, allowing the human workforce to focus on higher-value tasks. |
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Value proposition: |
Automated, dexterous, and reconfigurable handling and packaging solutions for large, complex, and heavy parts in metal production. The approach significantly improves productivity, ergonomics, and packaging quality while reducing human-related errors and operator cognitive load. It supports the handling of multi-variant components, physics-informed packaging of irregular objects, and advanced object grasping and perception. |
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Contact information: |
SMARTHANDLE
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Partner(s): |
DEMCON, MENICON, STT |
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Pilot Use Case implementation title: |
Pilot cell for robotic-assisted manufacturing of delicate and deformable parts (pilot use case implementation) |
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Pilot Use Case implementation description: |
The solution presents multiple concepts for the automated (robotized) handling of small, delicate, and deformable parts within a manufacturing environment. It encompasses innovative approaches for perceiving deformable components, manipulating fragile items, and intelligently integrating production control with shopfloor operations. Key features include real-time digital twin simulation, intelligent production scheduling, and comprehensive process monitoring, all aimed at optimizing efficiency and responsiveness in dynamic production settings. |
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Pilot Use Case implementation photo, video, or online link: |
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Who can use the Pilot Use Case implementation: |
Companies working in the assembly/manufacturing industry handling similar sized products |
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What purposes can the Pilot Use Case implementation be used for: |
Since the solution offers automated ways to locate and handle small deformable parts, the concepts shown can be applied to similar applications in assembly and manufacturing industry. It can contribute to creating a seamless bridge between ERP systems and shop floor automation. The solution can optimize machine-tending operations and logistics while maintaining precise quality control. |
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Success stories: |
Pilot phase ongoing, however first result of the tactile gripper shows we can use it to determine the correct grabbing of small objects as shown in the video. Furthermore, our partner AIMEN showed they are able to localize and grab small translucent parts. |
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Value proposition: |
Automated handling concepts for handling small delicate and/or deformable parts contributing to a seamless bridge between ERP systems and shop floor automation. |
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Contact information: |
SMARTHANDLE
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Partner(s): |
TECNALIA, ABEE |
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Pilot Use Case implementation title: |
Pilot cell for Battery Recycling (pilot use case implementation) |
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Pilot Use Case implementation description: |
The solution offers an automated (robotized) way to identify fixing elements (screws, cables) of the battery cover and the internal modules, and to unscrew and / or cut them. The aim is to disassemble in a safe way and avoid any electrical hazard for the human workers and to obtain separate components which can be reused or discarded in an environmentally friendly way. |
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Pilot Use Case implementation photo, video, or online link: |
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Who can use the Pilot Use Case implementation: |
Companies working in the area of disassembly / reuse / recycling of discarded batteries (and similar products, such as electronic / electric products) |
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What purposes can the Pilot Use Case implementation be used for: |
Since the solution offers automated ways to locate, identify specific fixing items (screws, cables), it can be applied to similar applications in the assembly / disassembly sectors (manufacturing, fixing of discarded products which can be sold in the secondhand market, separation of components to obtain raw materials, etc) |
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Success stories: |
The PILOT USE CASE IMPLEMENTATIONS has been applied to disassemble two different types of electric car batteries. The process of identification and separation of components includes the location and identification of the screws in the battery cover, the unscrewing phase, removal of the cover, location and identification of screws and cables in the battery modules, and the unscrewing. |
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Value proposition: |
Automated location and identification of fixing elements and battery components, in a hazardous environment involving electrical risks and handling of heavy parts. Additionally, the lack of uniformity of batteries configuration and inner components poses new challenges to the robotization of the entire process. |
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Contact information: |
