Robotics

For each of the above services we present here a reference project. See also the collection of projects at the top of the page.

APPLICATIONS – Autonomous waste management

In cooperation with the company Brantner, LCM is working on an autonomous robot system with which full waste containers can be replaced by empty ones as needed.

Within our K2 center “Symbiotic Mechatronics” we support this project in many ways. We advise on hardware selection, implement the waste garbage container handling (concept development, development of grippers and holding devices, prototyping, testing) and create a concept for the overall process of the mission “waste container exchange”.

We integrate the robot control into the AGV control and support the chassis realization (implementation opening and closing of the chassis for robots (construction mechanics, actuator selection), design: University of Art Linz). Furthermore, we implement the data connections (level sensors, trackers, etc.) and the monitoring of the development platform.

Using our virtual commissioning tool (Industrial Physics), we simulated the process during container changeover to check accessibility and collision-free operation.

TOOLS – Screwing and adjusting unit

In a project with the company Testfuchs, a robotic tool was developed that enables the automation of pump test benches. There was no available solution on the market for loosening and tightening locknuts as well as fine-tuning adjustment screws in a wide variety of variants.

LCM created a tool with integrated sensors and actuators that perfectly meets the requirements regarding available space, required torque, and accuracy.

Goals

• Test Stand Automation for higher Throughput
• Data Monitoring

Methods

• Concept, Design, Prototyping
• Sensor and Actuator Integration for limited Spaces

Solution, Benefits for Customers

• Automatic Screw Head Recognition and Tool Change
• Realization of highly accurate Adjustments
• Data Monitoring for automatic Test Protocol Generation

PROGRAMMING – Object recognition and localization

A key component for flexible automation is reliable object recognition and localization. These methods allow the robot to handle a wider range of variants, as it can independently detect target positions and their orientation.

An appropriate robotic middleware supports the easy integration of various software modules and sensors. As a result, ROS is increasingly used in the industrial sector when flexible process control and the use of existing software libraries are important. In the project with the company Keba, a solution for automated connection was implemented.

Challenge and Motivation

• Robust and reliable Object Detection
• Large range of View

Methods

• ANN-based Object Detection
• Feature Extraction, Pose Estimation,
  Instance Segmentation
• ROS2, RPC

Benefits for Customers

• Application of Consumer Camera
• Independent of Robot Supplier

Especially for SMEs which are not yet using robotics in production, the (mostly still unknown) costs are often difficult to estimate. In addition to the costs for the feasibility study itself, the effort required for the introduction of robotics is particularly relevant. How long it will take for the robot to pay for itself is determined, for example, with a return on investment (RoI) calculation.

For SMEs, there are numerous (national and regional) funding opportunities for these analyses and modernization processes. LCM is happy to advise here together with the funding agencies. LCM is also continuously involved in various (national or European) funded projects. Here, too, there are always opportunities for Austrian companies to receive attractive funding.

In the context of the DIH² project, for example, LCM was able to successfully support 2 consortia (RoWa Automation with Huber Kunststofftechnik and TCM Systems with RoRa Aviation) in receiving €248,000 each in EU funding.