Advanced science.  Applied technology.

Search

Collaborative Robot Laboratory

Collaborative robots enable new ways for people to work alongside robots. Collaborative robots typically entail a six- or seven-axis robot arm with power- and force-limited manipulators. Unlike large industrial robots that must be fenced off from humans during operations, a collaborative robot, or cobot, may feature moving parts and sensors that limit torque and resistance. This creates an inherently safer robot that can be customized and automated for human-robot collaboration.

The Collaborative Robot Laboratory at Southwest Research Institute opens new opportunities for our customers and industry consortia to develop agile, mobile, automated capabilities for leading collaborative robot platforms. We develop software, perception, and automation technology that solves technical challenges in manufacturing and assembly where there is inherently a benefit to humans and robots being in proximity. The facility features a flex-lab with collaborative robot workstations in addition to meeting rooms where we host training and industry events.

Collaborative Robots in Manufacturing

SwRI works with industry partners, including ROS-Industrial and Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, to develop enabling technologies for collaborative robots in manufacturing. Some applications may provide input information or lead to development of new ways to enable humans to train robots on specific tasks. These approaches are equally applicable to traditional industrial robots and are an extension of what has been thought of as a collaborative robotic application. Laboratory project examples and capabilities include the following:

Safety note: when equipped for these types of activities, the collaborative robot presents potential safety risks so additional safety measures must be evaluated.

Cobot Blog Series

To learn more, contact Jerry Towler, call +1 210 522 6821 or read the Innovations in Automation Blog series on cobots:

Digitized outline of the brain divided into four sections depicting car networks, AI, security and robotics with the words Intelligent Systems Insights
Visit Robot Blog

Related Services