Training in Robotic Fibre pLacement using EXtended reality for Collaborative programming
Manipulating microfibres, which are approximately 7 microns in size, presents significant challenges due to their minuscule size and fragility. Despite these difficulties, techniques like Fracture Toughness are crucial for evaluating their strength and other mechanical properties. Traditionally, operators manually loaded these delicate microfibres into specialize fragmentation test specimen holder. However manual placement is error-prone and poses challenges such as:
- Risk of misalignment
- Microfibre breakage due to excessive grip pressure
- Time inefficiency
- Occupational health risks, such as eye, hand, and spine strain during repetitive sample preparation
Technology
The Structural Composites Unit at LIST is addressing these challenges by automating this process using robotic arms equipped with piezo-gripper, aiming for greater efficiency and consistency. However, integrating robotic arms for microfibre manipulation introduces a new need for specialized expertise. Programming these robots safely and accurately is essential for all users, including engineers, researchers, interns and PhD students.
To meet this demand, TRiFlex-C proposal suggests an XR-Educational scenario for Manipulating Microfibres called XR-EMM. This latter will allow users to visualize and refine a collaborative robot (cobot) behaviour, offering educational sessions focused on setting up cobot workflows with an emphasis on safety and efficiency. It will also provide a deeper understanding of collaborative task programming principles.
