Automation with industrial robots is combined with artificial intelligence (AI), contributing to an increase in factory automation.
The manufacture of FANUC industrial robots plans on designing a new tool based on artificial intelligence to facilitate the training of robots, thus gaining time efficiency.
Today, taking advantage of the use of new technologies to optimize the work tool of many companies is a trend, as staying competitive in the market requires investment and these innovations allow robotic tools to be improved so that they are more precise, efficient and profitable.
The use of technological innovations will always generate benefits, such as a high level of productivity, better accuracy, time efficiency and cost effectiveness.
This is just what Fanuc is looking to achieve with the integration of artificial intelligence, to be able to offer a training system in which the robot requires less intervention from an operator, thus helping to make automation more affordable for a wide variety of industries.
The process involves applying artificial intelligence so that the robot will be taught how to choose the right objects from a container, simplifying the process; the human operator only needs to look at a photo of the mixed parts in a container that is seen on a screen, then point out some examples so that the robot recognizes them and can know which elements to choose. Likewise, the human operator must tell it when it makes a mistake in order to adjust the instructions. This represents a shorter learning time compared to AI-based vision sensors, and this method can even be used with several robots at the same time.
Dr. Kiyonori Inaba, head of Fanuc’s robot business division, explained how complicated it is to train robots for garbage collection tasks. Additionally, the robot needed to be taught several rules, which was achieved through various tests and errors. This resulted in a prolonged training process, which delayed future operations.
She also said: “It is really difficult for the human operator to show the robot how to move in the same way that the operator moves things.”
“But by using artificial intelligence technology, the operator can teach the robot conventional methods more intuitively.”
This type of intuitive training that this new AI technology incorporates has caused a big impact compared to traditional methods, which has led it to be accepted in the robotics field and in delicate and monotonous industrial processes.
Although this project is in its initial stage of development, specialists hope to use it in the assembly process.