Automotive industry: VADER research project launched
In addition to its research landscape, one of the advantages of Germany as a location is the willingness of the state/provinces to invest money in research whose success appears uncertain. This is often a prerequisite for government funding. Because if a company has no development risk, but believes in market success, it should pay for everything itself, is the correct thinking. Having actively participated in various research projects myself, I know their process etc. quite well. Now there is a new joint project. To the press release of the project partner ArtiMinds Robotics:
Assistance system for the automation of production processes with robots
The aim of the VADER research project, which started at the beginning of 2023, is to develop a digital assistance system for faster and flexible automation of industrial production processes with robots. For this purpose, the assistance functions are to cover the entire chain from planning to commissioning of flexible robot-based production systems. In addition to ArtiMinds Robotics, the project partners include ZF Friedrichshafen, Saarland University and ZeMA.
Karlsruhe, April 20, 2023 - The German automotive industry is facing major challenges in order to survive in international competition and compensate for the shortage of skilled workers. A networked tool chain for sophisticated robotic applications is intended to remedy this situation. The aim is to increase efficiency and flexibility in production while safeguarding competitiveness. User companies in Germany can thus reduce their production costs while maintaining quality and thus increase their competitiveness in international comparison.
Partners ArtiMinds Robotics, ZF Friedrichshafen, Saarland University, ZeMA
As part of the VADER research project, the consortium leader ArtiMinds Robotics, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Saarland University and the associated partner ZeMA have set themselves the goal of developing a digital engineering assistant for the data-driven automation of industrial production processes with robots. The assistant offers selected auxiliary functions for the crucial substeps in the entire process chain from planning to commissioning of robot cells. The special feature here is that the assistant digitizes expert knowledge in software and supports the human engineer in every phase of the automation process. This leads to more efficient use of existing specialist capacities and improves resource and energy efficiency for ecologically sustainable production.
Project manager Dr.-Ing. Darko Katic of ArtiMinds Robotics explains: "The VADER project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, is an important step towards implementing innovative production technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of the German automotive industry." VADER enables German automotive suppliers and OEMs to compensate for the shortage of skilled workers through the widespread use of robots. It also promotes the digitalization and flexibility of supply chains and production networks.
The assistant system is based on a modular and scalable software architecture in order to be used in a variety of production scenarios. The assistant fits seamlessly into existing Industrie 4.0 infrastructures and enables flexible integration into existing software landscapes by means of open GAIA-X and CATENA-X compliant interfaces and protocols. After the end of the project in 2023, the project results will be exploited both economically for industrial applications and scientifically for the qualification of young engineers.
Explanation "VADER
VADER stands for "NetworkedDigital Assistantfor Data-Driven Engineeringof Robot-basedProduction Systems". In addition to its role as consortium leader, ArtiMinds Robotics is responsible for the development of core technologies for AI-supported programming, commissioning and maintenance of robots as well as the final technology transfer. The project partners Saarland University and ZF Friedrichshafen as well as the associated partner ZeMA provide support through basic research and practical experience in the areas of digital transformation processes and production technologies.
To the contribution image above: The aim of the research project is to increase the efficiency and flexibility of demanding production processes, such as force-sensitive assembly with robots; Source: ArtiMinds Robotics GmbH.
Are we networking? LinkedIn
-> Go to the Cobot group on LinkedIn (link). The author is also a consultant (robotics, tech & finance). Hardly anyone is likely to have a comparable market overview.
