NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks, particularly in the service industry. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, thought to be an industry first. Through a combination of versatility and affordability, this innovative new product will contribute to the automation of manual work that involves grasping a broad variety of objects.
Many countries around the world, including several in Europe, are facing serious labour shortages across a number of important industries. Robots that can take on manual work represent a good way to overcome this increasingly prevalent situation. However, the introduction of robots has not progressed sufficiently in the retail, restaurant and some manufacturing sectors for tasks that require a high degree of dexterity. A significant factor here is price. While the price of robot hands that can grasp only a single type or size of object is low, robot hands that can grasp a diverse range of objects are extremely expensive.
Against this backdrop, NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are working in tandem to develop a robotic hand system with finger modules that offer easy reconfiguration according to each use case. The individual finger modules enable the construction of robot hands with the minimum configuration required to meet customer needs. It is easy to create a robot hand that grips only standard products or a robot hand that grips a variety of objects.
Notably, by limiting production to individual finger modules, NSK aims to achieve a low unit cost through mass production. This should prove highly appealing to companies with target applications that require smooth finger movement, easy layout changes and optimised finger module placement.
The smooth motion and gentle gripping of diverse objects arrives through the wire drive technology of the German Aerospace Centre, while NSK’s proprietary detachable magnetic mechanism makes it quick and easy to alter the layout of finger modules simply by pulling a lever to attach or detach accordingly. In terms of finger module placement, NSK’s digital twin technology led to the development of an algorithm that optimises this task according to object size and shape.
To contribute to mechanisation and automation in a wide range of industries, including food service, retail, manufacturing, logistics and agriculture, NSK is now in the process of making solution proposals to robotic system integrators and customers with existing robot equipment. Field tests will commence imminently.
Plastics improve machine performance and reliability igus
Motion Control & Drives
Engineered plastics from German polymer manufacturer, igus continue to revolutionise mechanical systems across various industries worldwide, with a pledge to ‘improve what moves’ by replacing moving steel components with polymer equivalents.
Read more...Integrated solutions power the future of mining ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has a diverse array of solutions that cater to multiple industry sectors, and especially mining. Mining companies across South Africa are embracing automation and control technologies.
Read more...Keeping the ball rolling Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Fluid Technology team has recently completed the design, supply and commissioning of an advanced lubrication system for a main bearing on a ball mill, which has been developed to optimise productivity and minimise maintenance requirements and downtime.
Read more...Get your bearings right Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Bearings Division offers a comprehensive range of bearings, which comprise ball, roller, and linear bearings ranging in size from miniature to extremely large units.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE prioritises ecology and economy SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
Committed to environmental sustainability principles, SEW-EURODRIVE has developed the ECO2 design to offer drives with uncoated aluminium, with no compromise in their performance and durability.
Read more...A year of innovation and milestones for ISO-Reliability Partners
Motion Control & Drives
For ISO-Reliability Partners 2024 was a transformative year marked by innovation, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to advancing industrial reliability. Guided by CEO, Craig FitzGerald, the company has introduced cutting-edge technologies, expanded its product portfolio and strengthened its reputation as a leader in lubrication, filtration and tribology.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...Global geared motors market
Motion Control & Drives
The global geared motors market experienced significant growth from 2021 to 2023, driven by market recovery following the pandemic in 2020, and high backlog levels in 2022.
Read more...Innovative new products from maxon DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
A series of innovative new products has been launched by maxon. These include a drive with a diameter of just 16 millimetres, a controller that can be easily integrated into even the tightest of spaces, and a robust and reliable robotic actuator.
Read more...Effective dust control
Motion Control & Drives
BLT WORLD, in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team, plays an important role throughout Africa by assisting companies, during conveyor handling, to manage dust emission and material spillage effectively.
printer friendly version