Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
This opportunity is not published. No applications will be accepted.
Switching Tools on the Fly - Design and Fabrication of a Small-Scale Tool Changing System for a Miniature Robot Arm
We are developing a versatile robotic micro-assembly system. The miniature robot arms incorporated therein need to be able to quickly switch between various end-effectors, e.g. micro-grippers and screwdrivers. The aim of this project is to create a robotic tool changer addressing this need.
In the last few decades, miniaturization has been observed to be one of the main driving forces in various
sectors of industry. Assembling unique prototypes of such small devices is becoming increasingly challenging; hence,
considerable effort has been put into the engineering of flexible, versatile micro-assembly systems, which can be used
for the assembly of a wide range of different micro-systems [1]. Such micro-assembly systems typically combine one
or several micro-grippers or other tools mounted on miniature robot arms with a camera system, a moveable working
platform, and some user interface. In the scope of an ongoing research project, we are currently developing a novel
micro-assembly system with largely increased flexibility and intuitiveness.
In the last few decades, miniaturization has been observed to be one of the main driving forces in various sectors of industry. Assembling unique prototypes of such small devices is becoming increasingly challenging; hence, considerable effort has been put into the engineering of flexible, versatile micro-assembly systems, which can be used for the assembly of a wide range of different micro-systems [1]. Such micro-assembly systems typically combine one or several micro-grippers or other tools mounted on miniature robot arms with a camera system, a moveable working platform, and some user interface. In the scope of an ongoing research project, we are currently developing a novel micro-assembly system with largely increased flexibility and intuitiveness.
Basal tasks in micro-assembly include the precise picking and placing of parts, the insertion of
screws, and the soldering of components. Different tools such as micro-grippers, various screwdrivers, and a soldering
iron therefore need to be employed during a single assembly process. In order to maintain a streamlined and efficient
workflow, we wish to fit the miniature robot arms carrying the tools (a) with automatic tool changers (b), allowing the
system to quickly provide the user with the specific tools currently needed. Your task will be to design, manufacture,
and test such a small-scale tool changing system suiting the given micro-assembly application. The key challenges
will be to implement both automatic mechanical and electrical coupling in a single, highly miniaturized device, and
to seamlessly integrate your prototype with the existing robot arm and micro-grippers.
Basal tasks in micro-assembly include the precise picking and placing of parts, the insertion of screws, and the soldering of components. Different tools such as micro-grippers, various screwdrivers, and a soldering iron therefore need to be employed during a single assembly process. In order to maintain a streamlined and efficient workflow, we wish to fit the miniature robot arms carrying the tools (a) with automatic tool changers (b), allowing the system to quickly provide the user with the specific tools currently needed. Your task will be to design, manufacture, and test such a small-scale tool changing system suiting the given micro-assembly application. The key challenges will be to implement both automatic mechanical and electrical coupling in a single, highly miniaturized device, and to seamlessly integrate your prototype with the existing robot arm and micro-grippers.