The main result of the project is a new kind of a robot workcell which enables affordable and fast reconfiguration through tight integration of 1. innovative reconfigurable hardware elements with passive degrees of freedom, 2. manual reconfiguration technologies, and 3. modular, ROS-based software for efficient programming and control of robots and other active elements in the workcell (cameras, force-torque sensors, tool exchange systems, pneumatic braking systems, various grippers, robotic screwdrivers, ...). The operation of the system is further supported by digital twin provided through VEROSIM simulation system. Innovative reconfiguration technologies and modularity enable the workcell to be in part automatically reconfigured to execute new assembly tasks efficiently, precisely, and economically with a minimum amount of human intervention.
ReconCell has created large impact during the run-time period of the project and will have an impact after the end of the project. The project has demonstrated how European manufacturing companies with typical SME-like assembly processes can achieve a significant increase in productivity and become more competitive. In the course of the project, the results were demonstrated live during 3 major industrial events (Hanover Fair 2017 and Automatica 2016 & 2018) and one major academic event (IROS 2018).
The project has also brought up new technologies. Already early in the project, a spin-out company called FlexHex has been created for a component of the workcell, the hexapod. Here, investment has been collected from outside of the project to start-up the commercialization of technology from the project. Another hardware component with immediate impact is a plug and produce module called “Robocoup”, initially developed for the needs of the ReconCell project and now offered to the market by Precizika Metal. To support the commericalization process of the complete system after the end of the project, the ReconCell team prepared a detailed business case and a suggestion on how to organize a future ReconCell company.