BASF - the gray eminence of robotics

One thing is overlooked about the combination of artificial intelligence or sensor technology with robotics: The right material is becoming increasingly important. RoboSkin, the new cobot protective skin from Oechsler AG presented here, is an example of this. This true innovation incorporates a high-tech material. The polymer called Ultrasint® TPU01 is also used for shoes. It can only be processed by additive manufacturing (3D printing) using a special printer from Hewlett Packard. Ultrasint® TPU01 is developed and manufactured by a subsidiary of BASF AG. BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH emerged from a Dutch startup.

Siasun cooperates with BASF

The Chinese premium manufacturer Siasun has been working with BASF for years. By using plastic instead of metallic materials, the weight of the cobots was reduced by 35%. Energy consumption was reduced as a result. Other advantages include greater design freedom and increased mobility. The related ^Ultramid® Structure LFX is considered a high-performance plastic. It is reinforced with long glass fibers. A major advantage is easier processing, including 3D printing. For large quantities, the feasible injection molding process apparently leads to greater cost advantages. BASF has documented the cooperation with Siasun in a PDF. Further videos on the cooperation are available on YouTube.

Other products carry labels of important suppliers

It seems conceivable that a sticker such as "BASF inside" will be affixed to some hardware. There will certainly be other manufacturers of comparable materials. Even very well-known brands like adidas, Schöffel or Mammut, for example, have a Goretex label. For years, "Intel inside" was a quality label.

Wafer thin film protects from heat

This video from Gore shows what is possible with high-tech materials. Thanks to a thin film, a notebook can do without the previously necessary fan. It gets interesting from 1:50 onward:

If you are interested in this heat insulation: I have a very good connection to Gore and could probably establish a contact.

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The author of this blog is significantly involved in the AI/ robotics project Boost-Bot. He advises robotics companies and investors on market (entry)/business development and funding/subsidies. The standard book on cobots is also written by Guido Bruch. More about him can be found here.