A new sensitive and teachable robot available to everyone is intended to democratise robotics. The system can be set up and programmed in just a few minutes.
A cheap, sensitive robot that can be deployed as a universally accessible multifunction tool – that is the vision of start-up company Franka Emika. With this goal in mind, the Munich-based company will release the first “out-of-the-box” robot onto the market in 2017: Franka Emika – the robot bears the same name as the company – can be set up and programmed in no time at all. Including a control unit and cloud software for management and programming, Franka Emika will cost less than 10,000 euros to buy. This will make the model particularly appealing to smaller companies. However, the price and hardware aren’t its only unusual features.
Working with sensitivity
The robot’s arm – with its seven axes and torque-based design – can immediately detect even the lightest touch and switches off when a human colleague comes too close, for example. This is crucial in scenarios where man and machine have to work in close quarters with one another. The modular, ultra-light construction, highly integrated mechatronic design and the ability to handle objects skilfully and sensitively enable the robot to fulfil tasks which necessitate direct physical contact with its surroundings. In turn, this means that frequently occurring but predominantly monotonous actions such as delicate insertion, twisting, joining or testing, inspection and installation tasks are able to be automated for the first time ever.
Programming via drag & drop
Instead of programming algorithms directly into Franka, workflows can be compiled in a visual user interface in the space of a few short minutes. To do so, users are able to select from pre-programmed motion sequences such as pressing a button or gripping an object. Franka is already pre-programmed with a selection of these so-called “skills”, while others can be purchased as add-ons in an online store. The store is also envisaged to offer apps soon. In other words: complete, pre-configured workflows.
The democratisation of robotics
For the start-up, the robot is an opportunity to completely re-think automation. The company’s founder, Sami Haddadin, views this as a democratisation of robotics: the key technology is not only powerful, but also affordable for anyone, flexible in operation and globally available.
