A Framework for Enhanced Human–Robot Collaboration during Disassembly Using Digital Twin and Virtual Reality

This paper presents a framework that integrates digital twin and virtual reality (VR) technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of human–robot collaborative systems in the disassembly domain. With the increasing complexity of the handling of end-of-life electronic products and as the related...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Robotics (Basel) 2024-07, Vol.13 (7), p.104
Main Authors: Hoebert, Timon, Seibel, Stephan, Amersdorfer, Manuel, Vincze, Markus, Lepuschitz, Wilfried, Merdan, Munir
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automation
Collaboration
collaborative robotics
digital twin
Digital twins
disassembly
Disassembly tasks
Dismantling
End of life
industrial robot
Industrial robots
Manufacturing
Manufacturing engineering
Real time operation
Robotics
Robots
Software
Support systems
Task complexity
Virtual reality
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Summary:This paper presents a framework that integrates digital twin and virtual reality (VR) technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of human–robot collaborative systems in the disassembly domain. With the increasing complexity of the handling of end-of-life electronic products and as the related disassembly tasks are characterized by variabilities such as rust, deformation, and diverse part geometries, traditional industrial robots face significant challenges in this domain. These challenges require adaptable and flexible automation solutions that can work safely alongside human workers. We developed an architecture to address these challenges and support system configuration, training, and operational monitoring. Our framework incorporates a digital twin to provide a real-time virtual representation of the physical disassembly process, allowing for immediate feedback and dynamic adjustment of operations. In addition, VR is used to simulate and optimize the workspace layout, improve human–robot interaction, and facilitate safe and effective training scenarios without the need for physical prototypes. A unique case study is presented, where the collaborative system is specifically applied to the disassembly of antenna amplifiers, illustrating the potential of our comprehensive approach to facilitate engineering processes and enhance collaborative safety.
ISSN:2218-6581
2218-6581
DOI:10.3390/robotics13070104