Robotics: From the Lab to Real-World Applications
COBOTASSIST Makes the News
Cobots taking over heavy finishing work: at Traflux in Houthalen-Helchteren, this has now become part of daily operations. The Flemish media picked up on the story. VRT NWS covered the European program that allows companies in Limburg to test robots, TVL filmed the mobile robot at work, and POM Limburg described how a robotic arm takes over the precision work.
Great examples of what COBOTASSIST is all about: technology that doesn't stay confined to the lab, but makes its way onto the factory floor.
A Look Back: Innovation Day on Robotics, Computer Vision, and AI
On Thursday, September 10, companies, researchers, and technology partners gathered at PXL University of Applied Sciences in Diepenbeek for an innovation day organized as part of the Interreg project COBOTASSIST. The event focused on the question of what robotics, computer vision, and AI are already contributing to the manufacturing industry today.
The Robotics & Vision Lab featured a rotating program of demos and testimonials, complemented by an introduction to AI by PXL Digital and plenty of opportunities for matchmaking. The morning concluded with a networking lunch.
Five New Robotics Projects Get Underway
Five new projects involving High Tech NL have been launched this year.
CAMoRo
CAMoRo develops autonomous mobile robots that communicate with one another and coordinate their actions. Currently, robots often still operate in isolation, which leads to bottlenecks and inefficiency. In this Flemish-Dutch project, Ghent University (UGent), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven), imec, Avular, and Zeal Robotics, among others, are collaborating on a platform that enables robots to work together in warehouses, in industry, and in healthcare. High Tech NL is the lead partner. More about CAMoRo
AgroBots 3
AgroBots 3 builds on AgroBOTS 1 and 2, but now focuses on the large group of conventional growers. Together with growers and technology companies, we are developing six solutions for chicory, asparagus, and tree cultivation, as well as for soil health—ranging from autonomous laser weeding to the automatic measurement of tree diameters. High Tech NL is the lead partner for this project as well. Learn more about AgroBots 3
SAFT-Solutions
SAFT-Solutions brings smart technology to agricultural and horticultural practices. Seven innovation and demonstration projects across four technology areas: lighting and camera technology, weed detection, data-driven smart farming, and harvest robotics. Each project is driven by a specific need from a grower. Learn more about SAFT-Solutions
Healthcare Robotics
ZorgRobotica, across borders, is tackling the strain on the healthcare system with robotics that lightens the load on healthcare professionals and gives clients greater independence. Four applications are being tested in real-world healthcare settings: an autonomous wheelchair, autonomous material transport within facilities, a device for independent toilet transfers at home, and logistics transport within and between hospital locations. Designed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients. Learn more about ZorgRobotica
MAPS
MAPS is working on something you only think about when things go wrong: knowing where you are. Outdoors, a GPS signal can be disrupted by buildings, biomass, or jamming. MAPS is developing an open-source localization solution that combines multiple sensors, so that vehicles and robots can continue to navigate reliably even under such conditions. Learn more about MAPS
SAFT-Solutions Kickoff Event, September 30
On Wednesday, September 30, SAFT-Solutions will officially kick off at Treeport Zundert in Rijsbergen. You’ll receive an overview of the project, learn about the three technology areas in a talk show format, and see pitches for specific case studies.
If you’re an agribusiness entrepreneur, a technology or robotics company, or a research institution, now is the time to get involved. After lunch, you can visit the GrootGroenPlus trade show on your own, free of charge.
From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participation is free; registration is open until September 23.
NL@MWC: Semiconductors, Telecom, and Digital Innovation
On Wednesday, September 23, High Tech NL, in collaboration with the NL@MWC Community Event and Ecosystem Services, is organizing a meetup at the Noviotech Campus in Nijmegen as part of Dutch Digitalization Week.
Autonomous robots stand or fall on the reliability of their connections and computing power located close to the sensor. Edge AI, wireless networks, and energy-efficient connectivity are therefore just as much robotics topics as they are semiconductor topics. At CAMoRo, we are working on real-time communication between robots.
From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to Participate in COBOTASSIST: Two Ways
At COBOTASSIST, we’re investigating which robots and cobots can make the post-processing of steel and plastic faster and more consistent, especially for smaller production runs where a fully automated cell isn’t feasible. There are now two ways to get involved.
Inspiration and Hands-On Day, October 1
On Thursday, October 1, the project team will showcase the current status of the research at the Brainport Industries Campus in Eindhoven. You’ll get an up-close look at applications during demonstrations, present your own automation challenge to the researchers, and get hands-on experience working with a cobot in a workshop.
The morning consists of presentations and discussions, and the afternoon consists of workshops and knowledge sharing. You can register for either one or both.
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participation is free, including lunch. You can register until Monday, September 28.
Sign up for the hands-on workshop
Learning Network
In addition, a learning network is being launched in which manufacturing companies from Flanders and the Netherlands will share experiences, insights, and concrete case studies related to flexible automation. There will be four half-day sessions, each held on-site at a company within the network. There is room for up to fifteen organizations, large and small, and you can register with up to two colleagues. Participation is free.