SeConRob

Oct. 1, 2023 - Start of the research project Self-configuring multi-step robotic work-flows | SeConRob | Project | Fact sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission (europa.eu). The project was funded within the EU-Topics AI, Data and Robotics for Industry optimisation (including production and services) (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (IA) (europa.eu) under the Grant agreement ID: 101118511.

The SeConRob project is currently developing techniques for robotic process self-configuration, whereby every manufacturing stage hinges on the outcomes of previous steps to boost efficiency and conserve energy and resources. Such configurations are frequently seen in the reprocessing of premium components, where reworking is contingent on the results of prior inspection stages. The transmission of information from the prior stage (e.g. inspection) to the subsequent step (e.g. rework) is handled by human specialists, who frequently construe the inspection outcomes and perform the required modifications. Presently, automating these processes is impeded by the requirement to program the robot for each specific part, which is not achievable technologically or economically using the current technologies available. The development of SeConRob technologies will automate multi-stage manufacturing processes, comprising inspection, gouging, welding, grinding, and polishing. Robotic processes will be configured for each part, enabling seamless automation.

Two use cases, comprising demonstrations on a real production line, will function as test cases for the developments. The first use case pertains to the production of safety-critical metal components by Safe Metal SA. The second use case concerns the inspection of forged aerospace components produced by Otto Fuchs KG.

The Fraunhofer IZFP will conduct AI-driven data analysis to extract information from inspection data. This will be used to create a robot program and process parameters for the downstream finishing process. Initial planning is based on physical process models, and a long-term feedback loop is established to optimize the process and consider features not included in the original model.

The consortium comprises of seven project partners from four EU countries:

• Profactor GmbH (AT)
• Safe Metal (FR)
• ACS-Solutions GmbH (DE)
• Marposs Societa per Azioni (IT)
• Ecole Centrale de Lyon (FR)
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren IZFP (DE)
• Otto Fuchs KG (DE)