Robotics and Automation
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
The Robotics and Automation research team is part of the Group of Intelligent Systems for Industrial Systems (SISI), a research group of excellence in the Basque university system, recognised by the Basque Government.
This line of research was created in the academic year2017-2018 due to the great demand for profiles in the so-called Industry 4.0.
The research line focuses on researching, developing and transferring innovative machine vision, robotics and automation solutions to the business fabric. To this end, the line conducts research on smart systems, designing, developing and applying signal processing, machine learning and data mining techniques applied to vision, robotics and automation environments. For example, (a) quality inspection and traceability of produced parts (zero-defect manufacturing) and (b) flexible, adaptive and autonomous robotic systems comprise common problems in projects addressed by this group.
The group has its own Industry 4.0 laboratory, featuring vision equipment (cameras, optics, lasers, lighting, etc.), robotics (industrial and collaborative robots), automation (PLC, HMI, security, variators, electric drives, etc.) and computing (servers with GPUs), which allows it to carry out teaching and research activities in the topics mentioned above.
Research lines and fields of knowledge
The group focuses its activity on automation aspects related to the so-called Industry 4.0. Currently, several theses are being developed within the line. Thus, the most important subjects addressed in the group are:
Machine vision
In particular, issues relating to part quality inspection in different industrial processes. Highlights include the recently completed thesis on Deflectometry in Reflection for specular surface inspection.
Robotics
In particular, topics relating to flexible robotics (industrial and collaborative) for the automation of manufacturing processes. Highlights include the ongoing thesis on the development of a flexible robotic system oriented to surface integrity inspection, which addresses the planning and generation of robot trajectories adapted to the objects inspected. Work is also being carried out on the topic of force and trajectory control in the robot head, which can be applied in numerous industrial applications such as robot machining, friction welding, inspection, assembly, etc.
Artificial intelligence applied to Vision and Robotics
In particular, the use of deep learning algorithms and fuzzy logic for image classification and segmentation. Another example is the development of autonomous systems with self-learning mechanisms. Highlights include the ongoing thesis on knowledge transfer between domains to adapt inspection models with the minimum number of labelled data.
System Automation and Control
In particular, work on the concept of Digital Twins and their use in the industry. Highlights include the ongoing thesis aiming to explore the potential of Digital Twins for use in the complete life cycle of automated cells/lines. The group is also working on issues of motion control (axis movement control and coordination).
Process Optimisation
In collaboration with the telematics line, work is being carried out on the monitoring and optimisation of process parameters, to ensure the quality of manufactured parts or the integrity of the machines. Highlights include the ongoing thesis on predictive maintenance of industrial robots.
HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS
Offers of employment and doctorate
Discover the job and thesis offers at Mondragon Unibertsitatea, we can have a position of interest for you.
