Complete Industry 4.0 system
Our complete Industry 4.0 system demonstrates the possibilities of automation, digitalization and networking in miniature.
The system provides a practical demonstration of cube assembly, from removal from a magazine to processing with a press and storage in a miniature high-bay warehouse. The cube can then be removed from the rack with the help of a robot.
The factory, which is made up of series components, is fully networked, programmable and secure and provides a comprehensive overview of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Automation of additive manufacturing
How can 3D printers be integrated into an existing production chain? To demonstrate this, we have set up a process chain in which all process steps are fully automated. An industrial computer assigns jobs to the individual 3D printers, monitors the printing progress and communicates with the robot, which removes the printed components from the systems and passes them on to either an assembly station or the warehouse.
The components are produced in a printer farm, a rack with nine additive systems. By using several smaller printers, a relatively high production volume can be achieved with relatively low investment costs.
Augmented reality (AR)
Showing information, operating instructions or three-dimensional objects on the display of glasses: This is made possible by augmented reality (AR).
The IPH is currently equipped with
- Vuzix Blade 2D AR glasses
- 2D AR glasses Realwear HMT-1
- 3D AR glasses HoloLens 1
- 3D AR glasses HoloLens 2
At IPH, we use AR glasses to demonstrate the wide range of possible applications to our customers and to support them in the digitalization of production.
AR glasses are used in assembly, for example: if each work step is superimposed on the field of vision, employees can take on new tasks without a long training period. AR glasses can support order picking by showing warehouse employees which shelves contain the products they are looking for. AR glasses are also useful for the remote maintenance of machines and systems: employees on site can share their field of vision with specialists anywhere in the world who can provide remote guidance for troubleshooting.
We are also developing new applications for AR glasses at IPH. In the ViSIER research project, for example, we are using augmented reality to give forklift drivers an all-round view at the wheel - disruptive obstacles are simply hidden in the display and appear transparent.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
We use two KATE vehicles from Götting KG for training courses, demonstrations and research and consulting projects. These automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can automatically and flexibly transport loads of up to around 50 kg and pick them up or put them down at transfer stations.
We use the KATE vehicles to demonstrate the possible uses of AGVs to companies.
We also deal with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in research projects and use our vehicles for experiments - for example in the MobiMMI and PnPFTS projects.
Cobots and robots
We use the following cobots and industrial robots at IPH for research, demonstration and training purposes:
- Cobot UR10 from Universal Robots (see photo)
- Cobot UR5e from Universal Robots
- TS 80 high-speed scara robot from Stäubli
- Agilus KR 6 R700 sixx industrial robot from KUKA
We primarily use the robots to develop automation solutions for our customers and to test the feasibility of new automation approaches. The robots can also be used in research projects and training courses.
