Smart Flexibility: the way to embrace uncertainty
27.02.2024
In the rapidly evolving realm of manufacturing, innovation isn't merely a trendy term; it's a necessity. To remain competitive in today's landscape requires not only embracing change but also rethinking conventional approaches to automation.
In the past, automating certain production processes presented significant challenges, often resulting in simplified solutions that either bypassed automation altogether or relied heavily on manual intervention. However, with the rapid growth of the robotics industry, new opportunities for automation are emerging. Yet, scenarios where precise positioning is uncertain introduce a new challenge for automation.
Facing Uncertainty in Automation
For decades, manufacturers have emphasized accuracy and repeatability as the gold standards of robotic performance. But what if there's more to efficiency than hitting millimetric targets? What if the key to unlocking innovation lies in embracing uncertainty?
Throughout the history of robotics, from the early industrial robots of the 1960s to the advanced automation systems of today, manufacturers have strived for ever-greater levels of accuracy and repeatability. This drive was largely influenced by the needs of mass production industries such as automotive manufacturing, where precision and consistency were essential for efficiency and quality control. As a result, robotic systems were primarily designed to execute pre-programmed tasks with high precision, often in controlled environments with minimal variation.
However, this historical emphasis on precision and repeatability has posed limitations in applications requiring adaptability to changing conditions, such as those found in the emerging fields of collaborative robotics, service robotics, and autonomous vehicles. In dynamic environments, rigid adherence to predefined trajectories or actions can lead to inefficiencies or even safety hazards. Consequently, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of imbuing robotic systems with greater autonomy, learning capabilities, and the ability to perceive and respond to their surroundings in real-time.
This shift in perspective reflects a broader evolution in the field of robotics, moving beyond the traditional paradigm of automation towards more intelligent and versatile systems capable of interacting with the world in a manner similar to human cognition. As such, contemporary research and development efforts are increasingly focused on integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors to enable robots to adapt and learn from their experiences, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in diverse applications.
New Approach in the Realm of Robotics
In recent years, the field of robotics has seen remarkable advancements, leading to the development of innovative solutions that are transforming manufacturing processes across industries.
One notable development is the emergence of adaptive control systems, which enable robots to dynamically adjust their actions based on real-time feedback. This approach gives robots the ability to handle variability and uncertainty, paving the way for greater flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing operations.
Sensory feedback technology is also playing a crucial role in the evolution of robotics. By combining new software technologies with sensors, manufacturers can give robots sight, kinaesthetic sense, and hearing. This improves their ability to interact with their surroundings and perform complex tasks with greater precision and reliability.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that companies across diverse industries are increasingly drawn to these methods. For example, in automotive manufacturing, robots equipped with adaptive control systems excel in tasks such as polishing, deburring, welding, painting, and assembly. They adapt to variations in materials and components, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency on the production line.
These new solutions in robotics are driving unprecedented levels of efficiency, productivity, and quality in manufacturing, paving the way for a future where robots play an integral role in our workplace. These approaches are far from being merely concepts and theories; existing use cases are proofs of their necessity.
AICA x Schaeffler
At AICA, we are redefining the role of robotics in modern manufacturing. Instead of shackling robots to rigid programming, AICA software empowers them to dynamically adapt their actions based on real-time feedback. This is not just about improving efficiency; it's about changing the entire production process.
reflecting the need for a new robotics approach is found in the realm of gearbox assembly. Here, the traditional focus on precision is being challenged by the demand for adaptability.
Unlike standardized components, gearboxes can vary significantly in complexity, featuring multiple levels with numerous parts undergoing dynamic rotations. Predicting the exact position of these components is challenging, requiring a nuanced understanding of their final configuration and having the tactile sensation of their proper alignment. Therefore, the emphasis shifts away from mere mechanical precision. Endowing robots with the intelligence to navigate variability and uncertainty, similar to human sensitivity, ensures efficient and effective assembly processes.
AICA force-control approach, supercharged by AI algorithms, gives robots the ability to perceive and respond to changes in their environment, just like their human counterparts. Whether it's polishing, assembly, or disassembly, AICA technology ensures optimal performance in the face of unpredictability.
But why prioritise smart flexibility over millimetric precision? The answer lies in the inherent capabilities of humans. We're not always precise or repeatable, yet we excel in various manufacturing roles. By imitating human-like adaptability, AICA software opens doors to automations that were once unimaginable.
Find your Balance
In numerous scenarios, precision is the answer to product quality. However, emerging solutions are now surfacing to confront this conventional perspective. At AICA, we believe in striking a delicate balance between precision and flexibility. It’s not an either-or scenario; it’s about leveraging the strengths of both approaches, and increase performance and quality.
In giving robots a sense of touch, AICA isn't just advancing technology; we're empowering companies of all sizes to achieve new heights of efficiency, productivity, and quality. The future of manufacturing isn't uncertain — it's excitingly adaptable.
Every company is unique and requires a tailored approach. It's crucial to identify the solution that aligns best with your specific requirements. While some organizations prioritize precision and quality over flexibility, others are actively pursuing the adaptability of automation. Striking the right balance between these factors is key.
Once the optimal fit is found, automation can unlock previously inaccessible possibilities, bringing a new value to your operations.
