Background of Composite Robot Project
This project was one of the ARM Institute’s Quick Start projects that were not selected from a formal project call process but were part of ARM Institute’s formation. This project sought to take a highly manual process and automate it both for worker safety and increased productivity. The development of sensor-based robotics technology automates composites manufacturing with faster cycle time, increased precision, and process repeatability.
While the immediate application of this technology is evident in the composites manufacturing sector, its implications extend far beyond. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and others stand to gain immensely from these advancements. The ability to produce composite materials with robotic precision can lead to lighter, stronger, and more durable products across these sectors. The initial motivation behind this project was clear: to address the challenges posed by manual processes in composites manufacturing. Manual handling of composites not only posed safety risks to workers but also led to inconsistencies in product quality. The introduction of robotics into this equation serves as a solution to these challenges, ensuring that products are manufactured with consistent quality while also safeguarding the well-being of the workforce.
Objective of Composite Robot Project
Improve ergonomics, product quality, and process efficiency in wind turbine blade manufacturing.
Technical Approach to Composite Robot Project
Demonstrate safe, robust, efficient robotically assisted fixtureless precision blade assembly. Develop sensor-based robot control software for manipulation of large, heavy, flexible loads. The resulting CDIP is anticipated to include:
- User directed path planning
- Multi-RGBD based safety system
- Robot motion control with payload vibration suppression
- Learning-based robot dynamics compensation using robot dynamic simulator
- Integrated robot motion planner and controller with sensor (vision, force, vacuum pressure) and user inputs through robot external guided motion.
Harnessing the power of intuitive user guidance, advanced safety mechanisms, precision in motion control, adaptive learning techniques, and seamless integration of sensory feedback, the CDIP framework encapsulates a holistic vision for the future of robotic advancements in composites manufacturing.
Participants in Composite Robot Project
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Principal Investigator), GE Global Research, Southwest Research Institute, IEEE GlobalSpec, Vistex, Fuzehub, SME, Army Benet Laboratory