Comau has introduced advanced collaborative robotic solutions as part of the European Union’s Converging Project, which aims to revolutionize modern manufacturing through the development of smart and reconfigurable production systems. By combining collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), artificial intelligence, and human operators, the project seeks to create human-centric production systems capable of perceiving, reasoning, adapting, collaborating, and innovating.
During the project’s second review on November 5, 2023, at the Teaching Factory Competence Center in Patras, Greece, Comau showcased two innovative robotic prototypes. This event was organized by the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation at the University of Patras and included a delegation from the European Commission, comprising the project officer and two reviewers.
The first prototype, a medium-payload MyCo collaborative robot (cobot), is designed for the collaborative post-processing of additive manufactured parts. This solution merges human-safe operation with the precision and adaptability needed in advanced manufacturing environments. The second prototype focuses on the aerospace sector, where Comau developed a collaborative remote inspection robot for non-invasive aircraft wing inspections, a task traditionally performed manually.
Developed within the Aeronautics Open Pilot Line of the Converging Project, this innovative inspection robot is powered by the 6-axis MyCo medium-payload cobot. It integrates advanced kinematics, precision mechanics, and remote-control capabilities to enhance inspection accuracy and safety, reduce maintenance times, and optimize the aircraft maintenance lifecycle.
Nicole Clement, Chief Advanced Automation Solutions Officer at Comau, stated, “The Converging project reflects a strategic effort to enable next-generation manufacturing by promoting reconfigurability, efficiency, and human-centric automation.” She emphasized that Comau leverages its extensive expertise in robotics and industrial automation to contribute to this project, aiming to redefine the future of manufacturing and maintenance processes.
As industries continue to face evolving challenges, initiatives like the Converging Project are crucial in paving the way for innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and safety in manufacturing environments. Comau’s contributions highlight the importance of collaboration between technology and human operators, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of industrial automation.
