Botfellows Revolutionizes Human-Robot Collaboration with Dynamic Safety Software
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Chemnitz, Germany – The future of manufacturing is here, and it’s safer and more collaborative than ever.The innovative team at Fraunhofer IWU, known as Botfellows, has developed a groundbreaking software solution, “Botfellows Dynamic Safety,” that seamlessly integrates with robot controls to create flexible, dynamically adjusted safety zones. this technology eliminates the need for rigid protective fences, paving the way for true human-robot collaboration (MRK) in industrial settings.
Lead by CEO Dr. Ing. Mohamad BDIWI, alongside sebastian Krusche, Paul Eichler, and Jayanto Halim, the Botfellows team has spent years refining high-tech solutions for optimal safety in dynamic work environments. Their software intelligently adapts robot movements,reducing speed or bringing them to a standstill when humans approach a work area. Conversely, when sensors and cameras confirm no collision risk, robots resume their intended tasks at full speed.
Seamless Integration and Enhanced Efficiency
A significant milestone for Botfellows is the recent integration of their software into the robot control system of ESTIT, a Chinese manufacturer. This direct integration, without the need for additional interfaces, underscores the team’s commitment to simple implementation and operation.”this is the key to being able to automate and ensure maximum security – because our software fits perfectly into the robot control instead of increasing complexity,” emphasizes dr.BDIWI.
Transforming Palletizing Operations
The “botfellows Dynamic Safety” software unlocks a new era of human-robot collaboration in palletizing, allowing for diverse scenarios without physical barriers:
- Coexistence: Robots handle automated pallet tasks like stacking and sorting boxes, while humans perform quality checks or supply materials in the same shared workspace.
- Cooperation: Humans and robots alternate palletizing tasks.Robots manage heavy lifting, while humans handle smaller, sensitive items and ensure pallet stability, allowing for flexible product adaptation.
- Collaboration: Humans and robots work concurrently in the same area, directly complementing each other. Robots lift heavy loads,while humans precisely position items,fill gaps,and verify final alignment,boosting efficiency and ergonomics.
Key Advantages of Botfellows Dynamic Safety
The elimination of physical safety fences offers ample benefits, including reduced investment and maintenance costs, as well as a smaller required footprint. Furthermore,production layouts can be rapidly and easily reconfigured,offering unparalleled adaptability in adapting to evolving manufacturing needs.
