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Automate simple processes with robots and save time and money. This goal is pursued by not only large industrial players, but also more and more small and medium-sized companies. This is also the case for the company Robert Hofmann GmbH based at Lichtenfels. The company for rapid prototyping faced the following problem. In theory, a 3D printer can print continuously, but after every printing process, the building board must be replaced, what is difficult to handle if a print job ends outside working hours. "Our problem was often that we wanted to print parts that should be ready by the next day if possible," explains Tobias Mager, Training Manager at Robert Hofmann GmbH. "Our trainees, who look after our 3D printers, finish work at 4:15 pm, but the ongoing printing does not finish, for instance, until 5:00 pm. Thus, because of 45 minutes, we would lose over 14 hours of building time, which the printer could theoretically achieve." His solution was the automated replacement of the building board with a robolink D low-cost robotic arm from motion plastics specialist igus, controlled remotely via a smart phone. Thanks to the network connection of the 3D printer, new building processes could be started using the app around the clock on the weekend or after working hours, and the printer could be fully utilised. Tobias Mager submitted his innovative idea to the Low Cost Robotics Innovation Competition.

The awards ceremony at Motek

The concept of Robert Hofmann GmbH convinced the jury composed of members from the fields of research, specialised press and manufacturers. Commitment, refinement and the idea of optimisation led to a unanimous assessment. At the Motek, Maximilian König, representing Robert Hofmann GmbH, was the first to receive a voucher for a robolink D articulated arm or comparable robotic components worth 3,000 euros at the igus trade fair stand. Dr. Sebastian Zug and his RoboCup team robOTTO from the University of Magdeburg could also look forward to the second prize, worth € 1,000. The junior professor developed the idea to use robolink in the RoboCup@work league. In this league, various tasks in industrial environments need to be solved, for example, the transport of screws, nuts, bolts or profiles. Since the previous robotics solution was a discontinued model, Dr. Sebastian Zug designed for his team the concept of using a robolink D robotic arm with 5-axis on an existing Robotino platform. This is feasible because the modular system allows the teams to configure different systems and integrate them into the platform according to the individual gripping and manipulation strategies.

Further information on Low Cost Robotics can be found at https://www.low-cost-robotics.com

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