smart analytics project – Artificial intelligence for innovation in metal and plastic processing
(Stuttgart) – SHERPA Robotics GmbH from Stuttgart plans to develop a fully automated, AI-supported camera system for loading CNC machines in metal and plastics processing. Small and medium-sized companies in particular should benefit, as they mainly produce batch sizes of 1 to 100 with frequent workpiece changes. The AI-based automated new development saves changeover time and thus working time, avoids operator errors when programming the robot cell and saves costs for conventional rotary tables and lifting devices. “KiKaRo” is the sixth project to be funded as part of the “smart analytics” cooperation network by the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).
Smaller manufacturing companies in particular are faced with the problem of small batch sizes with frequently changing components. To date, special grid templates tailored to the respective blank have been used to feed processing machines. The blanks are placed on these so that the robot can move along fixed grids. The effort required to produce a separate template for each blank and to train a new grid in the robot is enormous. The complex changeover times and costs have a direct impact on competitiveness and make the system uninteresting for many users.
The AI-controlled camera solution developed by Stuttgart-based SHERPA Robotics GmbH will in future enable machine operators to provide blanks at any position on tables, pallets or in boxes of a processing station and to start loading. The loading system automatically recognizes the parts, determines the correct coordinates and gripping points and optimally inserts the parts into the machine. In this way, process, efficiency and flexibility are significantly optimized.
Since camera solutions often exceed the price of the robot and are therefore too expensive for small and medium-sized companies, SHERPA Robotics develops innovative camera systems that take the specific requirements of small and medium-sized companies into account. Medium-sized customers in Germany are already successfully using the systems.
The AI-based new development also solves a particular technological challenge that camera systems have previously had problems with: handling highly reflective component surfaces. In addition to the fact that the user saves changeover time and thus working time and operator errors are avoided, the system contributes to a high degree to quality assurance. Camera-based robotics are finally making both technological and economic sense for small companies.
The “KiKaRo” project is funded as part of the “smart analytics” cooperation network by the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).
Interested companies can contact the BioRegio STERN Management GmbH report: info@bioregio-stern.de, T 0711-870354-0
About smart analytics
The Central Innovation Program for SMEs ZIM of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection BMWK promotes the international cooperation network “smart analytics” for the development of intelligent, innovative analytical methods. The coordinator of the international ZIM network “smart analytics” on the German side is BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. The project is funded by the BMWK and includes 32 partners from Europe. The project partners receive targeted support as part of the project in order to be able to submit applications for research and development to the ZIM.
About SHERPA Robotics GmbH
SHERPA Robotics is the market leader for camera-controlled automation of cutting machines. The Stuttgart company develops and manufactures industrial robot cells for small and medium-sized production batches. What is unique is a 3D camera and laser technology that revolutionize the setup of new orders and make operation child’s play. Machine operators without robotics expertise can easily automate repetitive and unattractive tasks. The mission of SHERPA Robotics is to increase the competitiveness of its customers – from medium-sized metal and plastic manufacturers to corporations such as SIEMENS or BoschRexroth. Further information about the company www.sherpa-robotics.com.
About BioRegio STERN Management GmbH:
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is an economic developer for the life sciences industry. It promotes innovations and start-ups on a public mission and thus contributes to strengthening the location. In the Stuttgart and Neckar-Alb regions with the cities of Tübingen and Reutlingen, it is the central contact point for founders and entrepreneurs.
The STERN BioRegion is one of the largest and successful BioRegions in Germany. Unique selling points are the nationwide unique mix of biotechnology and medical technology companies as well as the regional clusters of automation technology, mechanical and plant engineering.
Company contact
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH
Dr. Klaus Eichenberg
Friedrichstrasse 10
70174 Stuttgart
0711-870 354 0
Press contact
Zeeb Communications GmbH
Anja Pätzold
Alexanderstraße 81
70182 Stuttgart
0711 – 60 70 719
http://www.zeeb.info
Image source: SHERPA Robotics GmbH
Hello and welcome to our interview about the exciting new project “KiKaRo” – Artificial Intelligence for innovation in metal and plastic processing. Today, we have two guests with us: first is Dr. Klaus Eichenberg, Managing Director of BioRegio STERN Management GmbH, and second, we have Mr. Thomas Hoppe, CEO of SHERPA Robotics GmbH. We will be discussing the benefits of this project for small and medium-sized companies, the challenges involved in handling highly reflective components, and the future of AI-based solutions in the manufacturing industry.
Dr. Eichenberg, could you please tell us more about the “smart analytics” cooperation network and its role in funding this project? How does it contribute to the development of intelligent, innovative analytical methods?
Dr. Klaus Eichenberg: Of course! The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) promotes the international cooperation network “smart analytics” for the development of intelligent, innovative analytical methods. The network focuses on different projects that cover various industries, including manufacturing and life sciences. The coordinator of the German side of the network is BioRegio STERN Management GmbH, where I work as the Managing Director. Our goal is to support companies in improving their products and processes through the use of digital technologies and analytics. So, this particular project, “KiKaRo,” was selected to receive funding because it showcases how AI-based solutions can improve efficiency and flexibility in CNC processing, which is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Mr. Hoppe, could you share your thoughts on the potential impact of this project on the manufacturing industry? Specifically, how does SHERPA Robotics plan to address the challenge of handling highly reflective components, which has been a problem for camera systems in the past?
Thomas Hoppe: Absolutely! At SHERPA Robotics, we’re excited about the potential of this project to revolutionize CNC loading processes for small and medium-sized companies. Our mission is to make robotics accessible and user-friendly for these businesses, which often face unique challenges when it
