By Bram Vanderborght – VUB
Description:
The manufacturing industry is undergoing a profound transformation through the integration of digital and sustainable practices. This twin transition is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about creating a harmonious synergy between humans and robots, leveraging their complementary skills to achieve unprecedented efficiency and innovation.
We’ll delve into the pivotal role of exoskeletons, which enhance human capabilities and reduce physical strain. Following this, we’ll discuss collaborative robots, or cobots, which are designed to work alongside humans. These cobots are equipped with advanced features such as programming by demonstration and situational awareness, making them adaptable and intuitive partners in the workplace, while still able to work at fast speed and hence productivity.
Lastly, we present exciting advancements in self-healing soft grippers and self closing suction cups, which represent a leap forward in robotic dexterity and resilience. These grippers can adapt to various shapes and textures, ensuring gentle yet firm handling of objects, and can even repair themselves, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
These groundbreaking developments and uncover how the twin transition is reshaping the future of manufacturing.
Presenter bio:
Prof. dr. ir. Bram Vanderborght obtained his PhD from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2007. He performed research at JRL lab in AIST, Tsukuba (Japan) and did his post-doc researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology. Since 2009 he is professor at the VUB and since 2020 affiliated with imec. He leads Brubotics, the Brussels Human Robotics Research Center. He had an ERC starting grant and coordinates three EU projects on self healing robots. His research interests include cognitive and physical human robot interaction with core technology of using variable impedance actuators in applications for health and manufacturing like exoskeletons, prostheses, social robots and cobots.