Exoskeletons, Robots working in the dark, Digital Gamers, Industry 4.0 and automation of services.


Just some of the topics that Richard Weston and George Thompson from Comau UK discussed in the Innovative Robotic Solutions For Industrial Applications event organised by the IET London Network held at the IET London - Savoy PlaceThis event demonstrated how Industry 4.0 is a turning point for the world which is driven by robot based automation. Imagine, smart car manufacturing plants that can have 18 weld machines in one build station - this approach brings your manufacturing plant size down by 35% and lets you get a more focused production rate. It’s not only investment optimisation, it is also about the ability to customise and value add using these new robots which reduce the need to stock reserves of inventory and lets you increase personalisation both at the same time, meaning you can create new innovations quicker, with a less error rates and augment core services as required by your customer.


Robots are as smart as their input feeds and a reoccurring theme during the talk was around feedback loops within the robot ecosystem, the more accurate the feedback, the more likely your robots will use A.I to intuitively suggest efficiencies.

Smart factories are a reality now, and by using SMU sensorized Memory Units, Controller Core design efficiencies and CNC programming methods, your robots can perform qualified tasks to move payload, design and create any type of widget with complete precision.

What about the Exoskeleton? So, this is not an iron man suit (yet), but it is like a harness you wear over your shoulders and is designed to absorb stresses and strains that are placed on the human frame, allowing you to increase your time in the manufacturing plant and reducing the wear and tear in your body. I think the next version will let you fly or turn into Inspector Gadget.


With a modular based approach, the smart robots are almost Lego like and will let you customise your factory to build anything - all designed by you on your integrated smart watch.

Speaking with George, I asked him how Cyber Security is accounted for in these factories, he explained that they take the best of the perimeter technology design methods and use a defence in depth approach – which gives assurances that the factories have considered security by design.


Self healing robots, robots as a service, Robocop - who knows where the foundations of Industry 4.0 is going to take us. To see Comau's education robot, e.Do,  in action, click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNqNZxhAuE8


Blog written by Rimesh Patel, IET Central London volunteer