Human Expertise and Robotic Precision: Towards a Safer and More Efficient Industry

• 20 November 2024
• 1 minute

The Fluently Project, led by the Automation, Robotics, and Machines (ARM) Laboratory in collaboration with an international consortium of 22 academic and industrial partners, aims to enhance human-robot interaction in industrial sectors, such as manufacturing, by leveraging the most advanced artificial intelligence techniques.

The ARM research team leverages artificial intelligence to make industrial robots accessible to all levels of human expertise, combining the precision, strength, and endurance of machines with human judgment, skills, and predictive capabilities.

In the context of industrial and manufacturing applications, the team is developing a human-machine interface that enables robots to understand and interpret gestures, language, and human behavior, fostering effective collaboration. This allows robots not only to execute commands but also to adapt to the psycho-physical conditions of the operator.

Currently, the project focuses on solving automation challenges across various sectors:

• Recycling - targets hazardous or repetitive tasks in the disassembly and recycling of lithium batteries, reducing risks for human operators.
• Aerospace - supports the assembly of engine nacelles, facilitating complex activities such as positioning, fastening, and inserting components.
• Repair and Remanufacturing - enhances processes for inspection, reverse engineering, and defect analysis in the repair of high-value metal components.

In these and other areas, Fluently aims to improve efficiency, safety, and worker well-being while reducing the complexity of industrial processes. This innovative approach demonstrates how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the workplace, making technology a valuable ally in supporting human capabilities.

To create the most natural communication interface possible, the Fluently project also considers the confidentiality of sensitive data, such as voice and biophysical signals, processed by the system. This requires adopting AI models capable of operating on devices with limited computational power while still delivering high performance. To this end, the ARM team benefits from the support and advanced edge computing technologies developed by Qualcomm, a pioneering company in this field.

Further details: Human expertise and robotic precision: how the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland uses Qualcomm AI Hub