Robot-Robot and Human-Robot Cooperation in Commercial Robotics Applications

Abstract

Abstract. Robot-Robot and Human-Robot cooperation technologies are about to mature in commercial robotics applications. In this paper we outline KUKA's cooperating robot technologya nd show its potential benefit in automotive production. A major step in demonstrating human-robot coexistence has been achieved by the KUKA RoboCoaster, a robotic entertainment system. Further steps are discussed by showing potential technologies for safeguarded human-robot interaction in production.

Decision making logic for flexible assembly lines reconfiguration

“…Such techniques were also used in the past for reducing the number of required fixtures as well as for shortening the process cycle time, whilst addressing the accessibility constraints, introduced by the use of fixtures [16]. In Multi-Robot systems, the robots perform tasks in a cooperative manner.…”

“…robots communicating with each other for carrying out common tasks [14]. The cooperating robots' applications comprise characteristics such as [15,16]: Workspace sharing, Motion synchronisation, Program synchronisation and Linked motion. These capabilities are essential for the implementation of the reconfiguration activities mentioned earlier namely gripper exchange, coordination between mobile and stationary units etc.…”

Methods for safe human-robot-interaction using capacitive tactile proximity sensors

“…Similarily the proximity sensor network of [5] is used for the same task. In [13], concepts for safeguarding human-robot cooperation in commercial robotics applications are presented, which are based on capacitive proximity sensors and haptic input devices. This bandwith of applications for proximity and tactile sensing clearly demonstrates the usefullness of integrated multimodal sensors.…”

Industrial applications with cooperating robots for the flexible assembly

“…The improvement in their performance and the decline in prices have promoted their use in many different applications. For instance, robots belonging to the current generation with 6 degrees-of-freedom (dof) are less expensive than 1-2 (dof) specialised equipment (Koeppe et al 2005).…”