This module focuses the abilities and challenges of the industrial robots that can be used for collaborative tasks.
The number of installed industrial robots in production systems are increasing with around 15 percent per year. Even though technologies for safe interaction between human and robots have been around for quite some time, only around 3 percent of the newly installed robots can be used for collaborative tasks. However, it is believed that Human Industrial Robot Collaboration (HIRC) will be more common in the future.
When installing a robot without physical fencing, it is not only the robot arm that needs to be considered, the company needs to have a strategy for implementation and maintaining the robot station. This includes material handling, equipment in the cell such as grippers, fixtures, vision systems and the interaction and collaboration with the robot and operators. Designing a robot workstation with collaborative tasks can be done both virtual and in real life, in order to test and evaluate different solutions in terms of flexibility, ergonomics, and task allocation.
The aim of the course is to gain understanding of the abilities of the industrial robots that can be used for collaborative tasks. Furthermore, the participant will be given tools and methods for analyzing the product design, workstation design and robot application in terms of safety, flexibility, productivity, and ergonomics.
The course have three learning objectives. After the course the participant will be able to:
- Distinguish the differences between a traditional industrial robot and an industrial robot used for collaborative tasks i.e. HIRC-Station.
- Apply at least one design method used for product or production design related to HIRC.
- Evaluate the pros and cons with an HIRC-Station in terms of cost, safety, productivity or flexibility.
The module based on a set of recorded lectures, self-study materials, webinars, and exercises.
To complete this module, the participant is expected to schedule approximately 4 hours per week over 5 weeks (20 hours in total).
Please note that a minimum of 10 participants is required for the module to start.
After applying to the program, please secure dates in your calendar to be able to join planned webinars and assure time available required for learning.
