Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design 
Robotics Lab
Exploring and introducing automation technology
Against the backdrop of Industrie 4.0 and small batch sizes, robotics and automation solutions are increasingly in demand. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are dependent on new, versatile robotics systems to enable them to operate competitively. In our Robotics Lab, we develop state-of-the-art robotics and automation solutions for industrial applications, tailor them to your individual needs and support you during the implementation process - from the initial idea right through to the market-ready product.
Concept
The Robotics Lab provides you with a modern development and transfer infrastructure for the analysis and prototypical implementation of innovative ideas, products and production systems. The 70 m² laboratory area offers industrial and research partners a wide range of opportunities to experience the digitalization of automation technology at first hand. In the Robotics Lab, we work with you on, for example, the decentralized processing of workpieces, flexible handling and assembly processes and test benches for the development and testing of products.
The Robotics Lab’s key areas of research are collaborative robots (cobots), sensor-guided robot systems, intelligent tools and end-to-end development processes. The Robotics Lab therefore offers companies a wide range of opportunities as they look to automate their own production systems and develop innovative robotics applications. In addition to conceptual considerations and identifying requirements in a structured manner, you can use the existing systems for feasibility studies and develop your own solutions.
Target group
Our customers are companies that require customized robotics and automation solutions. Our needs-based range of products and services is aimed at machine and plant manufacturers and the manufacturing industry and automation component manufacturers, and is of particular interest to small and medium-sized companies. In addition, the Robotics Lab serves as the development infrastructure for our research project TALENTED.
Service offering
We provide you with systematic support all the way from the initial idea to the functional product and production system. Transfer is our mission: The latest scientific findings are transformed into useful innovations in the Robotics Lab. We work with you to design solutions, conduct feasibility studies and develop prototypes and technologies. You can benefit from the extensive equipment available in the Robotics Lab and assess the feasibility and benefits of robot applications for your use case, quickly and without any up-front investment costs.
Insight into the Robotics Lab
Sensor-based robotic welding system enables consistently high process quality.
Cobot detects and picks up component autonomously.
Cobot assists workers with assembly tasks.
User-friendly interface makes the setup process easy and enables the process expert to monitor and intervene in the process.
Sensor technology facilitates component monitoring and quality control as well as component detection.
Welding robot reduces the worker’s workload
Producing a large number of variants economically while also having small production quantities is a challenge for many companies. Using a collaborative industrial robot, we can show you how to automate manufacturing processes, for example in the case of special-purpose machine construction, even for batch sizes of 1.
Welding work that was previously performed manually can be partially automated using sensor-guided collaborative robots. The worker is assisted by a precise robotic arm, which relieves him of tedious and physically tiring work.
Manufacturing automation for batch size of 1
Producing a large number of variants economically while also having small production quantities is a challenge for many companies. Using a collaborative industrial robot, we can show you how to automate manufacturing processes, for example in the case of special-purpose machine construction, even for batch sizes of 1. Using a control panel, the user selects the edges to be machined on a 3D model of a workpiece and configures the welding process. The individual weld track is generated and produced automatically. The simplicity of the system increases manufacturing productivity and improves product quality. The programming effort that would usually be required for each workpiece is no longer necessary.