Innovative composite end effectors for handling lightweight, flexible elastomers

该项目将开发一系列创新的‘夹持器’，能够每秒处理大量小、轻和灵活的弹性体(橡胶和合成橡胶)产品。通过该项目开发的自动化机会包括自动从模塑线上移除弹性体；从移动的传送带中拾取弹性体；以及将坚硬的“工具”转换成柔性弹性体。成功开发出应对这些制造挑战的“夹持器”也将有更广泛的应用。大批量弹性体生产环境中的自动化过程可能很复杂，因为模压产品经常需要从快速移动的生产线/传送带上移走；弹性体产品周围的气流可能会造成困难；以及产品高度灵活，形状不均匀。我们有许多强有力的概念来开发能够处理弹性体的夹持器，这些夹持器将使用创新的机械、电气和电子机械技术和增强型视觉/传感技术。通过这个项目，我们将开发和比较评估不同握持技术的几种概念证明。选择最有希望的抓取器进行开发&一个或多个抓取器将集成到全自动化机器的原型中

This project will development a range of innovative 'grippers' capable of handling high volumes of small, lightweight & flexible elastomer (rubber & synthetic rubber) products every second. The automation opportunities developed through this project include automating the removal of elastomers from moulding lines; picking e;elastomers from moving conveyors; & rigid 'tools' into flexible elastomers. The successful development of 'grippers' to deal with these manufacturing challenges will also have wider applications. Automating processes in high volume elastomer production environments can be complex because the moulded products often need to be removed from fast moving production lines/ conveyors; air flows around the elastomer products can cause difficulties; and the products are highly flexible, & not uniform in shape. We have a number of strong concepts for developing grippers capable of handling elastomers which will utilise a combination of innovative mechanical; electrical; and electo-mechanical techniques & enhanced visioning/sensing technologies. Through this project, we will develop & comparatively evaluate several proofs of concept for different gripping technologies. The most promising grippers are selected for development & one or more grippers will be integrated in a prototype of a full automation machine