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01.09.2021

Intelligent robot skin

The combination of conductive textiles and printed functional layers results in innovative product ideas.

Robotic arms already support numerous production processes today. They are able to carry out complex tasks autonomously. However, this also poses a risk to human colleagues, namely when robots and humans come too close to each other. Due to the superior strength of the robot arm, there is a high risk of injury if contact with human employees cannot be safely ruled out. One method of eliminating this is to have the robots work safely behind barriers. However, this reduces the often limited production area. In addition, the robots must be switched off before maintenance work.

Making robots smarter and safer was therefore an interesting project idea for the students on the ‘Interdisciplinary Product Development’ master's degree course at Reutlingen University together with the Innovations- and Technologiezentrum Franz Binder GmbH & Co. KG.

The aim of the AFS (Artificial Skin) project was to equip a robotic arm with a smart textile skin. This can react to touch using printed electronic components and switch off the robot arm in an emergency. A particular focus was also placed on various ways of connecting the individual components with each other. Sensors, conductor paths and display systems were to be integrated homogeneously into the textile product design.

Students from the fields of chemistry, textile science, product design, computer science and mechanical engineering took part due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project.

At the end of the five-month project, the participants were able to present a prototype to developers and management representatives at the IT centre. It is also worth mentioning in this project that all participants were only able to meet virtually for the most part due to the coronavirus restrictions. Nevertheless, the process from drawing up the project plan to the product presentation went smoothly. Once again, a big thank you to the project team and Reutlingen University.

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