ROBOTOOL: Advanced kinematics for manufactoring applications

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0610

Key words (English)

Parallel kinematics; linear actuators; cadicam

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BRPR-CT97-0577

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 2.1 Industrial and materials technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Uni Hannover (D) (Koordinator) und 8 weitere

Abstract (English)

The partners of the ROBOTOOL-project worked in a close cooperation for the ongoing development in different key technologies for parallel kinematics as well as the determination and evaluation of different suitable applications. The project takes part in the thematic network TEAMS (Thematic Network-Advanced Manufacturing Systems). In this network the project is integrated in Cluster II: New manufacturing systems and subsystem integration. The project belongs to the framework of projects concerning incorporation of new technologies into production systems.
ROBOTOOL as a basic research project forms part of a mid-term oriented strategy to reduce time-to-market, lower costs, improve production flexibility and minimise environmental impacts in order to increase European competitiveness. It is aiming at developing enabling technologies for and concepts of fast and accurate machining systems for future manufacturing applications which synthetically combine the advantages of both robots and machine tools.

The ROBOTOOL approach focuses on parallel kinematics architectures which principally have structural advantages, like better stiffness and higher dynamics, compared to serial ones.

figure: Parallel kinematics
The targeted characteristics include:
n modular design for fast and easy configuration
n agility like robots
n machining abilities like NC-machine tools
n lead times like special purpose machines
n forces like in forging machine tools

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0610