Robotics

In the robotics laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, all typical types of industrial robots are available in a practical learning and research environment. These include the classic articulated arm and SCARA systems, a super-fast parallel robot system, two CoBOT systems and a fully autonomous mobile robot system (AGV). Since not only robots, but also the material flow organization in production plants represent an elementary function, the networking of individual fully and partially integrated robot stations is presented in a practical way by means of a workpiece carrier transport system as a central unit in the laboratory. The laboratory environment is supplemented by system- and robot-integrated image processing systems, which, in combination with the self-developed handling solutions and AI methods, lead to "intelligent robotics solutions". The electronics and sensor developments and PLC control technology required for this are used in the laboratory, as is 3D printing for rapid prototyping.

A wide range of control and software solutions are used for process support and robot programming. CAD systems and various virtual and mixed reality systems such as Oculus Rift VR glasses, HTC Vive and HoloLens systems are used in research and teaching to support simulation and digital development processes. The technologies and fields of application required for this in the areas of development, production and service are therefore further focal points of teaching and research.

The practical part of robotics and automation training also takes place in this laboratory environment with 12 additional software development workstations (logoDIDACT network). In addition, the coupling of robot and handling systems with modern ERP systems (including SAP) in the context of Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical systems solutions is demonstrated and further developed using the example of a Fischertechnik process line simulation.

The research and development projects developed in the laboratory are very practice-oriented thanks to the good regional networking and excellent cooperation with companies from the region.

Articulated robots // Stationary robots

• 4x six-axis robot | Omron VIPER S650
• 1x six-axis robot | Omron VIPER S850

SCARA robots // stationary robots

• 2x four-axis robots | Omron e-Vario S600

Delta robots // stationary robots

• 1x four-axis robot | Omron HORNET 565

Collaborative robots // stationary robots

• 1x six-axis robot | Omron TM5-900

Autonomous robots // mobile robots

• 1x Self-navigating robot | Omron LD-90

Further automation systems

• 1x transfer system | Stein WTS 300 NT
• 2x feeding system | Omron AnyFeeder SX240
• 4x image processing | Omron ACE Sight Vision

Other systems

• 2x mixed reality headset | Microsoft HoloLens
• 4x VR system | HTC Vive
• 1x VR system | Oculus Rift