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Description
The CoBoAGV project focus on designing and developing a new generation of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) that will be integrated with Collaborative Robots. Cooperative-based internal logistics enables increased production flexibility and AGVs have become a key enabling technology for agile production systems. Modern production systems are characterised by frequent changes that result from orders that are changed by customers, low material buffers, the agile production technologies that are performed by robotised production stands and the many variants of production technology that can be used. All of the above-mentioned factors require the production process to be supported online by highly advanced logistic services that have to be optimised locally with respect to the ongoing production tasks, available materials, production equipment and technologies.
The project will focus on developing an autonomous and collaborative internal logistics system that will be fully integrated with the new generation of manufacturing and will include (i) flexibility of internal transport supported by Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs); (ii) versatile production tasks supported by Collaborative Robots (CR); (iii) automatic integration with production facilities based on ontology-based Machine-to-Machine Communication (M2M) and Machine to Production System (M2PS) Communication that is compatible with Reference Architectural Model Industrie 4.0 (RAMI4.0) and (iv) energy and resource efficient production by optimising the production process based on Data Mining Methods and Virtual Factory Models. The industrial partner of the project Aiut Ltd. is one of the largest European system integrators for the industry. Aiut creates advanced solutions in the fields of automation, industrial robotics, IT and IIoT. One of its products is the AGV FORMICA, a self-propelled transport cart, which is AIUT''s response to the growing market demand for automated and digital production.
Summary of project results
The CoBotAGV project focused on a new generation of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) integrated with Collaborative Robots in order to support internal logistics tasks performed in Industry4.0 environment. The main focus was on AI supported new generation of internal logistic system including: flexibility of internal transport supported by AGV, versatility of production tasks supported by Collaborative Robots, automatic integration with production facilities based on ontology based Machine to Machine Communication (M2M) and Machine to Production System (M2PS) Communication; (iv) energy and resource efficient production by production process optimization based on Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining methods.
The key achievements for CoBotAGV project were methodology, software algorithms, embedded solutions including their verification It included: energy measurements (momentary energy consumption and battery cell voltage, the energy consumption measured only at the battery, motors , odometry, brakes , payload lifting , the status of LED strips, natural navigation and path control, alarms and warnings, safety signals, weight strains, driving modes. The most important achievements for industrial partner are prototype solutions dedicated for internal AGVs and collaborative robots. Moreover industrial research components allowed for the exploration of new proactive solutions that will be used in future applications.
The project relied heavily on state-of-the-art solutions which are successfully applied in other sectors and has introduced them for applications in the internal logistic sector. Technical challenges have been actually overcome and this is positive for an industrial research project. The final results of the project are in line with the current technological development of industrial automation, and as such respond to the need to modernize industrial production using technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence. It should be noted that this need is not limited to a single country but is global.
Summary of bilateral results
The consortium consisted of two academic partners (Poland and Norway) and one industrial partner (Poland). The presence of an industrial partner with experience in solutions for automation, process control and production management has been positive for a project mainly focused on technical development. Collaboration between the two academic partners has been effective, as evidenced by joint publications.Scientific cooperation between the Norwegian partner and HVL and SUT resulted in 17 publications. The bilateral collaboration in AI area allowed for joint preparation of the MSCA-DN application entitled “Towards an Understanding of Artificial Intelligence via a transparent, open and explainable perspective” which will allow for further cooperation in this area. Regardless of multilateral projects, further applications for applications from Polish-Norwegian funds are also planned. The prospects for Polish-Norwegian cooperation have been strengthened by establishing scientific contacts between SUT and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).