Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MOZART (Morphing Computerized mats with Embodied Sensing and Artificial Intelligence)
Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2023-09-30
The MOZART project has two main objectives. On the one hand, we aim to develop a fundamentally new technical approach for the manipulation of soft objects, and on the other hand, demonstrate that this approach can be used to solve a pertinent challenge in the food processing industry of high societal value and relevance.
The MOZART project aims to advance the state-of-the-art in the robotic handling and manipulation of soft and heterogeneous objects. The approach the MOZART consortium is pursuing is a radical departure from existing manipulator approaches as we will develop a novel concept for manipulation using a deformable manipulation surface supported by AI-powered control and learning tools. The manipulation surface can change its curvature locally, and through this, it manipulates objects on the surface. Current robot technology is largely unable to manipulate soft, heterogeneous objects beyond simple pick-and-place operations. We, therefore, take the first step towards solving this problem by developing a completely new approach based on manipulation surfaces, which we refer to as Autonomous Manipulation using Morphing Modular Mats (AUTOMATs). This approach is coupled with an AI-based control and learning framework and an integrative social science and humanities study that anticipates the challenges of deploying AUTOMATs in actual production environments.
The AUTOMAT technology is expected to have applications in a wide range of industries. However, for the MOZART project, we have chosen to demonstrate the technology in the food processing industry with a specific focus on handling of poultry and fish. MOZART will enhance food safety and improve work conditions in the food industry, by reducing the need for manual handling of food products and increasing the number of knowledge-based jobs in the sector.
The food processing industry heavily relies on manual handling. There is a growing demand for food products with low CO2 footprints, such as vegetables, fish, and chicken. These consumption trends are likely to continue growing as more people and governments pursue environmentally conscious behaviors. Automation can reduce production costs and selling prices, thereby fostering the transition towards more sustainable food choices like fish and chicken, which have a lower environmental impact compared to red meat consumption.
Through an integrative approach towards interdisciplinarity, MOZART seeks to establish a concept of sustainable, inclusive automation technologies in the food processing industries that will not only overcome disciplinary boundaries but will also enable forms of technological development that embody sustainability and inclusiveness and considers the impact of technological change on society.
The MOZART project aims to advance the state-of-the-art in the robotic handling and manipulation of soft and heterogeneous objects. The approach the MOZART consortium is pursuing is a radical departure from existing manipulator approaches as we will develop a novel concept for manipulation using a deformable manipulation surface supported by AI-powered control and learning tools. The manipulation surface can change its curvature locally, and through this, it manipulates objects on the surface. Current robot technology is largely unable to manipulate soft, heterogeneous objects beyond simple pick-and-place operations. We, therefore, take the first step towards solving this problem by developing a completely new approach based on manipulation surfaces, which we refer to as Autonomous Manipulation using Morphing Modular Mats (AUTOMATs). This approach is coupled with an AI-based control and learning framework and an integrative social science and humanities study that anticipates the challenges of deploying AUTOMATs in actual production environments.
The AUTOMAT technology is expected to have applications in a wide range of industries. However, for the MOZART project, we have chosen to demonstrate the technology in the food processing industry with a specific focus on handling of poultry and fish. MOZART will enhance food safety and improve work conditions in the food industry, by reducing the need for manual handling of food products and increasing the number of knowledge-based jobs in the sector.
The food processing industry heavily relies on manual handling. There is a growing demand for food products with low CO2 footprints, such as vegetables, fish, and chicken. These consumption trends are likely to continue growing as more people and governments pursue environmentally conscious behaviors. Automation can reduce production costs and selling prices, thereby fostering the transition towards more sustainable food choices like fish and chicken, which have a lower environmental impact compared to red meat consumption.
Through an integrative approach towards interdisciplinarity, MOZART seeks to establish a concept of sustainable, inclusive automation technologies in the food processing industries that will not only overcome disciplinary boundaries but will also enable forms of technological development that embody sustainability and inclusiveness and considers the impact of technological change on society.
In the initial phase of MOZART, the primary focus was on educating the consortium about the application domain. Our company partner, an established food technology provider, offered insights into the technology currently used in food processing. They facilitated a visit to a chicken processing plant, providing the consortium with a firsthand experience of how the AUTOMAT technology could be applied.
Additionally, our network partner raised awareness on the state of the poultry industry in the European Union. Our social science and humanities team provided background information on social science and humanities research and its relevance to the technical work. Lastly, our standardization partner explained the role of standards in the process of commercializing a novel technology.
Based on this background, the technical development commenced with the drafting of AUTOMAT specifications. Our three technical partners then initiated the development of the AUTOMAT, which was divided into three key components: sensing technology, actuation technology, and electronics infrastructure. The AUTOMAT is planned to go through three iterations, and the first one was successfully completed on time at the end of the first year, following the plan outlined in the project description.
In parallel with this work, initial efforts were made to develop the control systems for AUTOMATs through simulation, as we awaited the completion of the AUTOMAT prototype.
The social science and humanities (SSH) team played a crucial role in the project by developing the “Affordance Canvas,” an interdisciplinary tool meant to reflect MOZART's approach to usability and sustainability. The team investigates sociotechnical implications of MOZART combining methodologies, insights and perspectives from the history of technology, women’s history, science and technology studies, and human-robot interaction (HRI). The SSH team also fosters interdisciplinary and integrated collaboration by organizing collaborative workshops and other activities with the STEM team.
The MOZART innovation and IPR (intellectual property rights) management plan was designed to ensure that the multifaceted innovation potential of the project is fully developed. In the meantime, a preliminary mapping of the project results were carried out and potential exploitation strategy were identified for the post-project phase. These strategies will be continually refined and developed throughout the project's duration, guiding our approach to strategic communication and dissemination activities. Adopting this approach since the very beginning of the project is key to maximise the project impact.
Additionally, our network partner raised awareness on the state of the poultry industry in the European Union. Our social science and humanities team provided background information on social science and humanities research and its relevance to the technical work. Lastly, our standardization partner explained the role of standards in the process of commercializing a novel technology.
Based on this background, the technical development commenced with the drafting of AUTOMAT specifications. Our three technical partners then initiated the development of the AUTOMAT, which was divided into three key components: sensing technology, actuation technology, and electronics infrastructure. The AUTOMAT is planned to go through three iterations, and the first one was successfully completed on time at the end of the first year, following the plan outlined in the project description.
In parallel with this work, initial efforts were made to develop the control systems for AUTOMATs through simulation, as we awaited the completion of the AUTOMAT prototype.
The social science and humanities (SSH) team played a crucial role in the project by developing the “Affordance Canvas,” an interdisciplinary tool meant to reflect MOZART's approach to usability and sustainability. The team investigates sociotechnical implications of MOZART combining methodologies, insights and perspectives from the history of technology, women’s history, science and technology studies, and human-robot interaction (HRI). The SSH team also fosters interdisciplinary and integrated collaboration by organizing collaborative workshops and other activities with the STEM team.
The MOZART innovation and IPR (intellectual property rights) management plan was designed to ensure that the multifaceted innovation potential of the project is fully developed. In the meantime, a preliminary mapping of the project results were carried out and potential exploitation strategy were identified for the post-project phase. These strategies will be continually refined and developed throughout the project's duration, guiding our approach to strategic communication and dissemination activities. Adopting this approach since the very beginning of the project is key to maximise the project impact.
The MOZART project is currently in its initial development phase, yet it has already yielded scientific contributions in the fields of sensing and actuation technology. Furthermore, the control methodology developed represents a significant contribution to the field. The first prototype of the AUTOMAT surpasses the current state of the art. However, it remains unpublished as we are exploring options for protecting this intellectual property. At this stage, further research is needed to ensure broader adoption and continued success.