At Realize LIVE 2024, the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics (CIIRC) from the Czech Technical University showcased their groundbreaking work on a vacuum gripper generator. This innovative project, which has been in development for the past year, promises to significantly reduce costs and effort in creating end effectors, transforming a process that used to take hours or days into one that can be completed in mere minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alex Lazarov, the head of the additive manufacturing lab, introduced the team and their mission. \u201cWe are from the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics, part of the Czech Technical University. Our department, Three Cape Testbed Prague, focuses heavily on Industry 4.0,\u201d <\/em>he explained. Since 2013, CIIRC has invested 50 million euros in 20 robotic workplaces and nearly 3 million euros in additive manufacturing machinery, emphasizing their commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The session highlighted the development journey of the vacuum gripper generator, a tool designed to automate and streamline the creation of end effectors. \u201cWhat it brings to you is lowering your costs and effort to make end effectors on a daily basis,\u201d<\/em> Lazarov noted. The generator reduces the time required to create an effector from hours or days to just minutes, a significant improvement for manufacturing efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom\u00e1\u0161, a researcher and developer at CIIRC, emphasized their long-term partnership with Siemens, which has spanned over a decade. \u201cOn our 20 workplaces, we are utilizing hardware and software components from Siemens, including PLCs, HMIs, and NX for CAD and CAM,\u201d<\/em> he said. This collaboration has been crucial in developing and validating the vacuum gripper generator.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inspiration for the vacuum gripper generator came from a project with Lego. \u201cLego came to us and said, \u2018Guys, we are in big trouble. Our bin picking is not working. We need a solution in one month,\u2019\u201d <\/em>Tom\u00e1\u0161 recounted. The team developed a 4-kilogram gripper, but it was too heavy and affected the work cell\u2019s performance. This challenge led to the creation of a lighter, more efficient design using NX, which incorporated pathways for compressed air or vacuum.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The need to automate the design process became evident as CIIRC managed 20 workplaces. \u201cIt\u2019s not possible to design such a complicated gripper each time manually,\u201d<\/em> Tom\u00e1\u0161 explained. The project, initiated with Siemens Czech Republic and validated with Stoibli, aimed to create a user-friendly plugin that simplifies the design process. \u201cThe inputs from the users should be as little as possible,\u201d<\/em> he added, highlighting the plugin\u2019s ease of use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The session also covered the technical aspects of the vacuum gripper generator. \u201cUsing this plugin, a designer can create the necessary geometries in a few seconds,\u201d <\/em>Tom\u00e1\u0161 said. The plugin also considers forces and loads, ensuring the gripper\u2019s functionality and efficiency. The team utilized additive manufacturing to create functional parts with integrated threads, allowing for easy assembly and use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n CIIRC\u2019s use of powder bed technology in additive manufacturing enables the creation of hollow structures, which serve as both mechanical structures and pathways for compressed air or vacuum. \u201cWe can print them and use them as a mechanical structure of the whole gripper,\u201d<\/em> Tom\u00e1\u0161 explained. The team also leveraged lattice structures in NX to enhance the stiffness and reduce deflection of the parts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A key highlight of the session was the integration of Simcenter 3D into the design process. \u201cWe use Simcenter 3D to generate the outer shell and meshing surface automatically,\u201d<\/em> Tom\u00e1\u0161 noted. This automation simplifies the evaluation process, allowing users to generate heat maps and reflect on the results with just one click. \u201cWe wanted to make it as simple as possible while ensuring valuable results,\u201d<\/em> he added. This approach also supports the use of various materials, making it versatile for different applications.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n CIIRC\u2019s innovative software solution integrates seamlessly into the Siemens NX environment, making production in Siemens AM a simple one-click solution. \u201cUsing advanced powder-based polymer printing, our add-on ensures that complex structures retain all crucial details and functionalities,\u201d Tom\u00e1\u0161 explained. The modular architecture guarantees optimal geometry, lightweight design, and cost efficiency, perfect for agile manufacturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With this add-on, users can effortlessly select the ideal vacuum effector for their industrial manipulators. The software adapts the geometry based on specific parameters like the center of gravity and load conditions, ensuring precise and stable gripping. Before production, users can validate the strength and suitability of the designed gripper, ensuring it meets their requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The system features a variety of customizable modules, including robot flange attachments, effector identifiers, pressure sensors, and suction cups. \u201cWe\u2019ve also integrated an external product catalog from Festo, Schunk, and others, allowing for seamless incorporation of additional components based on user needs,\u201d<\/em> Tom\u00e1\u0161 highlighted. This flexibility ensures that the solution can be tailored to meet diverse industrial requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vacuum gripper generator has already proven its value in real-world applications. Tom\u00e1\u0161 shared an example of a project involving the disassembly of EV batteries for a company. \u201cWe used this gripper for disassembly of BMW i3 batteries,\u201d<\/em> he explained. The gripper\u2019s mechanical side was used to pick up modules, while the vacuum side dismantled other parts like covers. This project demonstrated the gripper\u2019s effectiveness and versatility in industrial settings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vacuum gripper generator developed by CIIRC represents a significant advancement in manufacturing technology. By automating the design process and utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, CIIRC has created a tool that not only reduces costs and effort but also enhances the efficiency and functionality of end effectors. This project exemplifies the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that drive progress in robotics and manufacturing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe vacuum gripper generator <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Collaboration and innovation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Lego project <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Automating the design process <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Functional and efficient design <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Advanced manufacturing techniques <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Simcenter 3D integration <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Seamless integration with NX <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Customizable modules <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Real-world applications <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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