Innovative composite end effectors for handling lightweight, flexible elastomers

该项目将开发一系列创新的“抓手”，能够每秒处理大量的小型，轻质和柔性弹性体（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化从成型线上去除弹性体；选择e;移动输送机产生的弹性体；&刚性“工具”变成柔性弹性体。成功开发“抓手”来应对这些制造挑战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，因为成型产品通常需要从快速移动的生产线/输送机中移除；弹性体产品周围的气流会造成困难；产品柔韧性强，形状不均匀。我们有许多强大的概念来开发能够处理弹性体的抓手，这将利用创新机械的组合；电;机电技术和增强的视觉/传感技术。通过这个项目，我们将为不同的抓握技术开发和比较评估几个概念证明。选择最有前途的抓手进行开发&一个或多个抓手将集成在一个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