In the field test , unsorted metal parts are gripped by a cobot and taken from a bin, placed in a machine, and stored in a precisely defined position after machining. While this is going on, human workers should be able to remove, move, or feed parts. To facilitate this human-robot collaboration (HRC), technologies from image recognition, gripping technology, and robotics are used.

Using CAD-based matching, Roboception’s passive stereo camera system captures the unsorted workpieces. The built-in 3D sensor is the first in the world capable of performing both spatial positioning and 3D measurement. It uses the images created to determine the optimum grip point for the robot from KUKA . A Co-act gripper specially designed by Schunk enables safe interaction with the human worker. The necessary electronics are fully integrated in the interior of the gripper. In the event of interruptions, the robot can resume its work without relearning. According to the test partners, the system can also be used in other scenarios, without the need for extensive knowledge of robotics or image processing and with very little need for training.