Visual Robot Programming

Project Information

VRP

Grant agreement ID: 101058252

DOI

10.3030/101058252

Project closed

EC signature date 21 February 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 1 141 648,75

EU contribution

€ 1 141 648,00

Coordinated by

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DARMSTADT
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - VRP (Visual Robot Programming)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This project aims to commercialize the novel technology called Visual Robot Programming (VRP): a no-code gesture-control robot programming solution. The goal is to exploit the results of the FET-Open project GOAL-Robots and raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from TRL 4 to TRL 6 and register a spin-off within 24 months.

Current industrial robots are designed to repeat the same task millions of times to enable high-volume manufacturing of a single product, but are not deployable for high-mix low-volume manufacturing as required by SMEs. To empower SMEs to adopt automation, VRP enables real-time gesture-based robot programming: the user demonstrates the desired motion using hand gestures, and the industrial robot tracks and imitates the identical motion in real-time. Using this intuitive technology, any user is empowered to teach industrial robots without prior knowledge in robotics and with minimal training. VRP unlocks new automation potential in the SME segment and allows the workforce to shift to higher-skilled and more rewarding tasks.

The four objectives of this project are: (1) technology development and maturation of the GOAL-Robots research results to develop AI-assisted VRP (2) industrial pilot projects to demonstrate the solution in industry (3) business validation to demonstrate commercial viability and (4) spin-off and investor readiness.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project focused on two main technical activities:
1. Technology Development and Maturation: The primary endeavor revolved around developing and maturing the GOAL-Robots research results to create an AI-assisted Visual Robot Programming (VRP) system. The team worked tirelessly to advance the technology, integrating cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and innovative programming approaches. This resulted in the birth of a pioneering no-code VRP platform, capable of achieving sub-millimeter precision. Extensive testing and optimization were performed to ensure the system's robustness and suitability for industrial applications.
2. Development of a Robot Brand Agnostic Platform: Another crucial aspect of the project involved the design and implementation of a robot brand agnostic communication platform. This platform aimed to bridge the gap between various robot models and manufacturers, fostering interoperability and flexibility in automation setups. The team meticulously engineered this communication interface to accommodate diverse robot architectures seamlessly. The successful completion of this platform enables industries to integrate multi-vendor robots effortlessly, minimizing compatibility challenges and simplifying the deployment process.

Main Achievements:
The project's technical achievements can be summarized as follows:
1. Sub-Millimeter Precision in VRP: The most significant accomplishment was achieving sub-millimeter precision in the no-code VRP technology. This groundbreaking advancement surpasses industry standards and lays the foundation for highly accurate and reliable robotic automation. The system's ability to operate at such exceptional precision opens up a myriad of possibilities for intricate manufacturing processes, contributing to enhanced productivity and quality in industrial applications.
2. Robot Brand Agnostic Communication Platform: The successful development of the brand agnostic communication platform marks a significant achievement in facilitating seamless integration of diverse robot models. By eliminating compatibility constraints, this platform empowers industries to explore a broader range of robot options and tailor automation solutions to their specific needs.

The outcomes of these technical achievements have far-reaching implications for the field of industrial automation, promising increased efficiency, precision, and adaptability in robotic applications.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project has yielded significant results with promising potential impacts in several key areas:
1. Spin-off and Economic Growth: The successful development of the AI-assisted Visual Robot Programming (VRP) technology has laid the foundation for a spin-off company. This spin-off has the potential to create new job opportunities and drive economic growth. As the technology gains traction in the market, it can lead to increased automation adoption in various industries, driving efficiency and productivity gains.
2. Empowerment of EU in Manufacturing: The innovative VRP technology empowers European companies in the manufacturing sector by providing them with a cutting-edge solution for small-batch production. By reducing reliance on manual labor and offering a cost-effective automation solution, European businesses can stay competitive in the global market and reduce offshoring activities.
3. Addressing Labor Challenges: With the capability to automate complex and repetitive tasks, the VRP technology can help companies combat labor shortages and reduce labor costs. By integrating automation into their processes, businesses can optimize their workforce and allocate human resources to more value-added tasks.

To ensure further uptake and success of the technology, certain key needs should be addressed:
1. Further Research and Demonstration: Continued research and development are essential to refine the VRP technology further and explore its potential applications in various industries. Demonstrations and pilot projects can showcase its effectiveness and build confidence among potential users.
2. Access to Markets and Finance: Access to markets is crucial for the successful commercialization of the technology. Partnering with system integrators can provide the necessary expertise to deploy the solution in real-world applications. Moreover, access to finance will support the scaling of the technology and market expansion.
3. Supportive Regulatory and Standardization Framework: A supportive regulatory environment and standardization of automation processes can facilitate the adoption of the technology across different industries and ensure interoperability between various automation systems.
4. Internationalization: Exploring international markets and partnerships can help broaden the reach of the technology and tap into global opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Overall, the results of the project have laid a strong foundation for transformative advancements in industrial automation. By addressing the identified needs and pursuing strategic initiatives, the VRP technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes, drive economic growth, and empower European industries in the global landscape.