Advanced Robotics - The Next Level of Progress
Increasing complexity especially in industrial surroundings requires the transformation of operations by implementing intelligent and focused systems forming the self-managed factory of the future. Enhanced productivity, quality economic benefits and flexibility to balance incidents in the supply chain come along with greater agility, safety for employees and improvements in sustainability. Robotics make an essential contribution to the automation of processes. That also applies to service robots, which make everyday life easier and provide assistance. Fast achievements mainly base on better performing electronic elements making robots more adaptable, perceptive, communicative, mobile and easier to integrate into processes. The optimum interaction of hardware and software, data generation and processing, real-time communication (TSN), (W)LAN networks ((Industrial) Ethernet), security measurements and sensor technology - right through to the integration capability of individual components - is the decisive prerequisite here.
Rutronik is the automation enabler. From the combination of innovative components based on their features for best-in-class solutions to unique system solutions, partly patented, Rutronik System Solutions offers technologies that provide access to advanced robotics. Close cooperation with various partners ensures rapid implementation of projects and faster time to market.
Industrial Robotics
With the progressive expansion of mobile communication standards like 5G and opportunities to implement dedicated campus networks, robotic systems are increasingly being used in manufacturing sectors that are still at the beginning of their automation history. For example, robots assist people in the assembly in heavy work, and driverless transport vehicles take care of logistics and material flow independently.
Advanced robotics systems contribute to the development of new business models in smart factories enabling the diversification of existing offerings and a quicker response to market demand. A production line, for example, no longer has to be fixed to one product, but can produce different items. That creates a new product mix that can be adjusted in real-time concerning supply and demand.
With an advanced partner like Rutronik, these first steps can already be planned and implemented in detail. The installation of industrial robots requires a precise analysis of which technology is appropriate: autonomous or collaborative, mobile or fixed.
Increase in flexibility, quality, and capacity
Classic production lines, where factory workers perform the same task day after day, are no longer up to date for a variety of reasons:
- Manufacturers must be able to respond quickly and flexibly to changing production requirements.
- High-quality products and high productivity must no longer be mutually exclusive, especially in markets with high and time-critical demand.
- Employees should be able to relinquish hazardous and unhealthy tasks as far as possible, thus freeing up intellectual capacity for planning, development, and control.
Different tasks define different kinds of robots
According to the European standard EN 775 an industrial robot is described as an automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multi-use handling device that can move in multiple, defined directions. It is either permanently mounted in one place or used mobile in automated manufacturing systems.
Flexibility and individualization win
Merging robots and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) provides the flexibility needed. Equipped with advanced navigation technology, AI, sensors and sophisticated safety systems, these systems move between workstations, substantially optimizing operations. Reprogramming instead of costly rebuilding measures for production changes or individualizations is significantly more efficient. The result is an extremely flexible factory concept directly paying into ROI.
Optimizing human-machine-cooperation
The fields of work of robots and employees will increasingly complement each other. While protective fences currently still shield industrial robots, advances in AI, sensor technology and real-time communication will give them more range to operate. In addition, advanced applications using e. g. text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and vision or gesture control simplify the cooperation between humans and robots. This collaboration allows to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality, as well as to improve working conditions.
Small medium sized enterprises invest in robotics
Cost development in the field of robotics in favor of the return on invest in combination with the plus in flexibility opens the doors for a smarter factory in the future for SME. The simpler, more intuitive control of modern robotics applications ensures greater acceptance and interest.
More flexibility
- Localization and regionalization of supply chains
- Batch size 1: Customized product variations for a growing number of products
More efficiency
- Lower total costs of ownership
- Advancements in adjacent technologies
- Sustainability
Higher quality
- Reduction of the error rate in production
- Improvement of working conditions and health
Autonomous, Mobile Robots
Autonomous and wireless interaction
Robots that decide self-controlled on their actions and subsequently execute them are referred to as autonomous mobile robots (AMR). A prerequisite for successful integration into manufacturing processes is the availability of local energy resources. Only then can the AMR navigate wirelessly at times. It must also be able to process complex sensory perceptions, make decisions and perform appropriate actions.
Advanced partner for dynamic developments
Mobile robotics is moving forward extremely dynamically. Advances in both hardware and software are enormous: machines are becoming lighter and more versatile. Developments in sensors and software algorithms allow an even more precise navigation and better vision capabilities. Whether power supply/BMS, sensor technology, positioning, machine learning, AI, or edge computing: Rutronik offers components and system solutions for the optimal implementation of individual robotics projects.
Advantages
- Adaptable in relation to the operating environment
- Task-oriented and efficient
- Independent
Applications
- Logistics and transportation
- Inspection, maintenance and repair
- Manufacturing
- Construction
Collaborative Robots
More compact, more versatile, and easier to program
The difference between AMR and collaborative industrial robots (cobots) is the direct contact between humans and robots. The complex machines support and relieve humans during a specific work process. Robots handle lifting heavy workpieces, while the employee takes on delicate tasks. The close proximity between persons and various robot elements requires a comprehensive safety system consisting of sophisticated sensor technology, machine learning, AI, control, and monitoring units. Compared to conventional industrial robots, cobots enable versatility and easy adaptation to new manufacturing processes.
Colleagues for the factory of the future
The integration of cobots does not a rationalize employees. As a complementary automation tool, it can increase productivity. Companies that are already using this construct speak of an increase of 30 to 50 percent. Employees benefit from the physical relief and take over tasks in newly created areas of activity such as programming the machines or quality control at the end of the machine-based production process.
Advanced technologies for safe and secure collaboration
Precise planning is essential, especially in the area of safety precautions. Controls must work reliably and precisely at all times. At the same time, the cobot setup must remain simple. Rutronik shows which solutions and components represent the best possible choice and where there may be a need for further development and investment in a joint analysis meeting.
Advantages
- Relief of the employees
- Increase in productivity
- Quality increase, reduction of failure and rejects
Applications
- Logistics and transportation
- Manufacturing: welding, soldering, machine tending, assembling
- Quality inspection
Service Robots
When defining service robots, they are assigned services and assistance of all kinds outside industrial context. Service robots interact even more closely with humans and are integrated into everyday private life as part of home automatisation. That creates unique requirements in the area of data security and protection mechanisms. Their high autonomy also requires special solutions in terms of energy consumption, charging options and energy management.
Everyday heroes who facilitate many things
Equipped with extensive sensor technology, machine vision, communication options, AI and a "memory", they are becoming almost omniscient, semi- or fully autonomous everyday household helpers.
Rutronik, accompanies developers and manufacturers of service robots from pre-development phase to market launch with
- A deep understanding of AI, sensors, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR)/mixed reality, energy, safety, data security, cloud and communication networks and
- Offering a comprehensive portfolio of corresponding components and solutions that meet the highest demands in terms of safety, efficiency, and innovation.
Robots understand where they are needed and involve self-managed
Advances in the development of sensors, software algorithms and energy storage systems lead to service robots becoming increasingly independent. With high-precision positioning through Real Time Kinematic (RTK), for example, they navigate with pinpoint accuracy in indoor and outdoor areas.
A remedy for people who are dependent on assistance
For people with limited mobility, service robots provide a low threshold means of participation. As "social robots", the machines are everyday companions, associates or even pets for people who are restricted in their radius due to age, illness, or disability. The decisive factor here is the integration of high-precision AI in combination with machine learning, edge solutions and movement flexibility.
Fuel attendant for the mobility of the future
With the progress of vehicle electrification demand rises for innovative charging systems: refueling robots can be an efficient service option as part of the smart grid. If these are integrated into public parking garages, for example, the charging process can be initiated via appropriate sensors and local status analysis, without the driver intervention. Prerequisites here include the compatibility of charging systems, type-independent measurement and analysis tools, and a comprehensive, particularly secure energy management system.
- Routine tasks are relieved from users
- Higher productivity and efficiency
- Higher standard of living
- Safer working and living environment
- Enabling participation in social life for all
Security and Surveillance Robots: Rescue Bots for 24/7-Safety
These robots work in urban districts, retail and on company premises. They act fully or semi-autonomously, controlled by humans if necessary. They are a construct of sensors, mobility, AI, cameras, software and HMIs, whose individual components must work together in a particularly safe, precise, and analytical manner. Usually, they are integrated into communication networks, which requires additional security mechanisms. At Rutronik, there are experts for every specific application who work together across all business units to create the best matching solution.
Advantages
- Variety of application areas
- Relief for security personnel
- Risk prevention
Applications
- Smart city
- Building surveillance
- Access management
- Event management
- Order and security forces
Transport and Delivery Robots: Your Smart Shopping Assistant
They either transport parcels or purchases from A to B completely autonomously or take over transportation as companions of pedestrians and cyclists. Prerequisite for care-free implementation is comprehensive, digitized route planning, as integrated into smart city concepts. Rutronik’s wireless competences match with the forward-thinking software developments of Rutronik System Solutions: Sensor technology, intuitive HMI through (touch) displays, voice control and recognition, edge intelligence, energy harvesting and management systems, as well as communication interfaces and tamper-proofing all play a role here – and Rutronik knows how to find the most efficient solution.
Advantages
- Relief of employees
- Takeover of routine tasks
- Lower costs
- Safer and more efficient transport
- Higher productivity
Applications
- Shipping
- Delivery services
- Shopping assistance
- “Meals on wheels" care services
Information and Navigation Robots: The Perfect Companions
Design and performance of HMI is one of the most important areas for this type of robot as information is beeing retrieved or reproduced graphically (text, image, video) or via audio (speech). Since non-technophile people also interact with these systems, a high level of robustness of the visible components is required (e.g. displays, controllers). That guarantees that, for example, after an inappropriate use, the operational capability remains given. Input and output systems also require high flexibility and fault tolerance. An appropriate speech recognition software, text-to-speech or speech-to-text solutions reduce language barriers. Rutronik System Solutions created its own RutAdaptBoard-TextToSpeech, which ideally suits HMI applications that need voice guidance and audio playback.
Intelligent navigation systems, e. g. with RTK and an integrated database for environmental information, historical facts, gastronomy tips, etc. turn robots into travel mates.
Advantages
- Intuitive handling
- Location independent
- Permanently available
Applications
- Tourism
- Public institutions
- Educational institutions
Entertainment and Toy Robots: Safety First, then Fun
Since the focus here is on entertainment quality, complexity of applications is reduced. In most cases, the purchase decision is rather influenced by appearance than by a robot’s actual capabilities. Thus, many toy robots have an almost human- or animal-like appearance.
Since this application is primarily tailored to at children and young people, the development focuses on safety issues: How is power supply ensured and which protective mechanisms are in place? Is the robot tamper-proof? What safeguards protect microphone and camera from unauthorized access, for example? Since the selection of the right components already plays a decisive role, Rutronik's interdisciplinary team is on hand to provide advice right from the start.
Advantages
- Low-threshold
- Continuously available
- User-specifically adaptable
Applications
- Social Robots
- Pet substitute
- Learning assistant
Medical Robots: Reliable Assistance in Surgical Rooms, Nursing and Therapy
A surgical robot can only work in such a delicate and (partially) autonomous way thanks to an extremely complex system of sensors and control algorithms leaving to human surgeons the role of a supervisor. The term “care robot” refers to socio-assistive systems that support caregivers as well as people with assistance needs. Therapy robots, on the other hand, are advanced therapy devices that (re)establish a patient's physical and psychological constitution.
Precision and reliability
Precision and above-average reliability are indisputable parameters in medical environments. Control, AI, machine vision, cameras, sensors, failure protection, power supply, robustness, data analysis and security, and HMIs: Every component in these areas must offer the best possible performance. Rutronik's linecard includes many manufacturers who specialize in the requirements of the medical technology market. The close cooperation between distributor and manufacturers creates a close relationship of trust and expert synergies.
Advantages
- Continuous usability
- Support of medical staff
- Higher precision
- Increase of efficiency
Applications
- Hospitals
- Retirement residences and nursing homes
- Rehab
- Outpatient and inpatient facilities
Household and Garden Robots: Little Helpers for Every Day
Used for automatable household tasks or in the garden, this type of robot is already used widely. By means of various sensors and cameras, e.g. for detecting the degree of soiling and position determination, integration into home networks, battery management system and, if necessary, machine learning, non-stop available everyday helpers are realized to provide comfort and safety. Robustness, long service life and simple handling define these robots right down to the component level. With its interdisciplinary units, Rutronik is a solution provider in the development of these helpers.
Advantages
- Time-saving
- Relief of people
- Improved safety
- Continuous usability
Applications
- Lawn mowing robot
- Vacuum cleaning / mopping robot
- Window cleaning
- Refuel robot
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