Project KMUmanoid takes off

The appearance of humanoid robots is more or less modeled after the human body. They could thus be used in workplaces originally designed for humans. This would open up new automation possibilities, for example in handling, and relieve companies in times of skilled labor shortages. Accordingly, the potential that many associate with the technology is high.

This potential was also identified by a study recently published by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) as part of the AI Progress Center "Learning Systems and Cognitive Robotics": "Humanoid Robots: Game Changer or Dead End?" The result of the survey of over 100 experts: 45 percent of the participating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) see potential in humanoids and are interested in their use. At the same time, the study highlights uncertainties associated with the new technology. These are mainly in realistic application possibilities as well as economic and safety-related questions.

Making applications with humanoids tangible

This is exactly where the research project KMUmanoid comes in. The research teams involved from the Fraunhofer Institute IPA are taking important steps to make the use of humanoid robots accessible to SMEs and thus secure production and jobs in Baden-Württemberg in the long term. To this end, four promising application possibilities for humanoid robots in SMEs are identified and simulated based on extensive research work.

In addition to technical feasibility, the economic viability of the application is particularly examined. For SMEs, in addition to acquisition costs, it is also crucial how complex it is to train the robot for a new task.

As a demonstrator, a humanoid robot is set up for the assembly of a gearbox, and three other application examples are implemented in simulations. Furthermore, the scientists consider challenges for safety and develop proposals for supplementing safety standards.

The simulated application possibilities are projected into real work environments using augmented reality, so that applications become intuitively accessible even if no experience has been made with humanoids. In addition, the simulation will provide information on critical points such as accessibility, space requirements, and necessary safety distances.

Project results for practical application

The real and simulated demonstrators are intended to show companies the application possibilities for humanoid robots. In addition, KMUmanoid is creating two guidelines: one for the economic and another for the safe use of humanoid robots. With these results, the project aims to pave the way for SMEs to experiment with humanoids.

At the same time, it provides a foundation for further research projects to advance the technology in small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies interested in using humanoid robots are welcome to contact the project manager, Theo Jacobs, with their application idea.

The Fraunhofer IPA continues its research and testing of humanoids with the project and offers companies its expertise in contract research beyond the project.