At the forefront of robotics research, the Interactive and Robotic Systems Lab (IRS) at Universitat Jaume I in Castelló has made significant strides in developing a new generation of manipulator robots. This innovative robot is designed to be mobile, lightweight, and highly modular, which renders it suitable for a range of applications, particularly in environments deemed hazardous to human health. The lab’s initiatives reflect a commitment to not only advancing robotic technology but also ensuring that these advancements can be practically applied in challenging scenarios.
The new manipulator robot is equipped with a sophisticated remote control station that utilizes 3D perception, providing operators with enhanced situational awareness during inspections. In addition to this, the system employs modular, multi-device 3D simulation software, which incorporates a digital twin for operator training. This feature is particularly crucial as it allows users to practice in a simulated environment that mimics real-world conditions. Originally aimed at inspecting plastic pipes using probing and artificial vision, the technology has shown promise in various other sectors, including nuclear energy and healthcare applications.
The robot has been validated through experiments at the Centre for Research in Robotics and Underwater Technologies (CIRTESU), confirming its reliability and effectiveness in inspecting plastic materials, especially in the vicinity of particle accelerators and nuclear plants. Its development reflects the growing need for automated systems that can operate in environments hazardous to human life without compromising safety.
The system is bolstered by significant software advancements, most notably through integration with the Robot Operating System (ROS). This incorporation allows the technology to support multiple clients, enhancing its versatility in meeting mission-specific requirements. On the hardware side, the robot features wireless communication capabilities, various vision devices, and advanced localization techniques. Not only does it promise mobility and efficiency, but it does so while maintaining a low weight, reduced power consumption, and an open architecture that promotes modularity and adaptability.
These enhancements make this robot an economically viable solution for industries that demand high-performance inspection tools without the prohibitive costs often associated with advanced robotic systems.
The initiative is part of a broader European project titled “EU H2020 El-Peacetolero,” which seeks to advance embedded electronic solutions for innovative diagnostic methods. Cooperation and collaboration are at the heart of this effort, involving partnerships with eight other European universities and research centers. The Universitat Jaume I plays a crucial role in technological transfer through its Offices for Cooperation and Technological Development and Scientific Transfer.
Through strategic agreements and licensing opportunities with businesses, this groundbreaking technology will see adaptations for varied applications, which could include medical fields, public health environments, and any other area where worker safety is paramount. With the ongoing exploration and application of this mobile modular robot, the potential for revolutionary changes in the inspection and maintenance of facilities in hazardous settings is clearer than ever. This reflects a significant movement toward integrating advanced robotics into everyday operations across critical industries, emphasizing safety and efficacy.