Easily communicate with mobile manipulators using smartwatches
What is the PlugBot project?
In the FFG-funded PlugBot project, which was coordinated by PROFACTOR and carried out by the project partners Sony DADC Europe GmbH, WB Wittmann Group Holding GmbH, HABA Verpackung GmbH, Blue Danube Robotics GmbH, Lenze Austria GmbH, FH OÖ Forschungs & Entwicklung GmbH, FOTEC Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH and JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, a modular robot system was developed that simplifies the use of robots in industrial companies. These include, for example, mobile manipulators, which are robot systems that consist of a self-propelled base and a robot arm, or injection molding machines with an integrated robot system.
These so-called heterogeneous robot systems are often so complex because they use different components that have to cooperate with each other. Due to this complicated structure, more work has to be invested in programming and operation is not necessarily easy either. Specially trained personnel are necessary to be able to operate the machines.
The PlugBot project relies on a modular robot system that is programmed by experts but can also be used by non-specially trained personnel. The aim is to simplify what was so complex and resource-intensive in the past for users. The integration, configuration and programming as well as the operation and operation of heterogeneous systems should be carried out, for example, through standardized interfaces or the simple integration of existing devices into simple programming tools.
Smartwatch notifications
FOTEC was able to contribute its experience with user-friendly applications and developed a notification system for smartwatches. This informs system operators whenever problems arise or support is required from them or when it is foreseeable that support will soon be necessary.
When the robot has performed certain actions, such as completing a job or registering an error, messages are created. The system generated by FOTEC forwards these messages to smartwatches, so smartwatch users are informed about the action. Messages can be sent to different user groups, not only “normal” users who operate the robot are informed, but also service technicians or shift managers can receive the same notification. If a user is informed and does not respond, the message is escalated and forwarded to higher-level employees.
More information about the project: