Collaborative robotics primarily involves the development of robots that can operate safely in a space shared with humans. In its most advanced form, it provides solutions that allow the robot to be cognitive, understanding the intentions of the human being, and responsive to the latter's actions, allowing the execution of tasks in cooperation.
The CCG/ZGDV Institute develops collaborative robotics solutions for different application contexts. In industrial and social environments, the focus is on mobile platforms, capable of operating autonomously and safely in spaces shared with humans, as well as on collaboration in joint object manipulation tasks. In the automotive context, it develops solutions that place the vehicle as a collaborative agent that interacts with humans (vehicle occupants and external people).
Activities
CCG/ZGDV supports organizations through the following activities:
- Study and development of anthropomorphic robotics
- Mobile (human-aware) robotics solutions
- Human – robot interaction
- Multimodal interaction (vision, gestures, voice)
- Development of cognitive algorithms
- Learning by demonstration
- Generation and control of vehicle and manipulator trajectories
Benefits
01
Sharing spaces with humans
Enable the use of robots in contexts close to humans, without the need for physical barriers. In this way, one can benefit from the advantages of robots (e.g. their repeatability and precision) in less structured contexts, in addition to the automated factory environment, typical of classic industrial robotics applications.
02
Allow programming by non-specialized operators
Program collaborative robots in a simple and intuitive way, without the need for employees with advanced knowledge of robotics. Through demonstration programming techniques, it is possible for the operator to physically manipulate the robot, demonstrating the intended movements.
03
Facilitate mobility and flexibility
Speed up the transfer of collaborative robots between different applications within the production process. Easy to (re)program, as they are small and light, it is possible to maximize their applicability and optimize the profitability of the investment.
04
Reduce production costs
Taking on the most repetitive and highest precision tasks, freeing the operator from these functions, focusing them on more useful processes, leading to gains in productivity. Collaborative robots as a complement to human operators.
05
Improve the ergonomics of human operators
Taking on tasks that, when performed by humans, require less than ergonomic positions and that involve handling heavy loads (for example, transporting objects in a warehouse). It is possible, in this way, to contribute positively to the health and well-being of human operators.
06
Enable more intuitive interaction
Include cognitive capabilities in robots and other agents (e.g. cars), in order to allow for a human-machine interaction more similar to that which typically occurs between human partners. In this way, the robot can anticipate its partner's intentions and needs, based on implicit communication, and act to meet them without the need for an explicit request. Interaction thus becomes more fluid and intuitive.
