KUKoMo – New automated solutions for collaborative assembly activities in SMEs

In collaborative assembly systems, humans and robots work together in a shared workspace. Large companies in particular are increasingly using them for production processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also urgently need flexible solutions for assembling complex industrial goods. They could benefit from collaborative assembly systems, but so far they have hardly invested in this potential - due to technical challenges, the difficulty of integrating such systems into existing structures, and the need for training.

Goals

In the “KUKoMo” project, new automated solutions for collaborative assembly activities in SMEs are tested for feasibility and converted into demonstrator solutions for cross-sector applications. Finally, a demonstration center will be created in order to further develop automated components and increase social acceptance in SMEs. The following steps are planned:

• Exploring integration for a human-machine interface
• Developing measures for encouraging acceptance
• Initiating a training and application center
• Developing a business plan for the training and user center to ensure sustainability
• Comparing existing models to investigate advantages, disadvantages, and efficiency
• Deriving requirements from the various application areas

Project Partners 

• HTM - Härtetechnik und Metallbearbeitung GmbH
• HFC Human-Factors-Consult GmbH
• iris-GmbH infrared & intelligent sensors
• ICM - Institute Chemnitzer Maschinen- und Anlagenbau e.V.
• IGF Chemnitz GmbH
• Neustädter Gardinenkonfektion GmbH
• SITEC Industrietechnologie GmbH
• Fraunhofer IMW - Price and Service Management Unit
• Technische Universität Chemnitz, Professur Fabrikplanung und Fabrikbetrieb (FPL)

Project Duration: 8/1/2016 to 12/31/2018 

See project poster (in German)