Exploring Co-located Collaborative Visual Programming ofIndustrial Robotic Workplaces in Handheld AR

15-05-2026

In this paper by Brno University of Technology, user interfaces for collaborative robot programming are explored through a handheld augmented-reality system enabling co-located users to jointly create and edit robot programs. The study highlights coordination, workspace awareness, and interaction challenges in shared industrial robotic environments.

Download ↓

CPG-Based Manipulation with Multi-Module Origami Robot Surface

29-04-2025

Abstract: Robotic manipulators often face challenges in handling objects of different sizes and materials, limiting their effectiveness in practical applications. This issue is particularly pronounced when manipulating meter-scale objects or those with varying stiffness, as traditional gripping techniques and strategies frequently prove inadequate. In this letter, we introduce a novel surface-based multi-module robotic manipulation framework that utilizes a Central Pattern Generator (CPG)-based motion generator, combined with a simulation-based optimization method to determine the optimal manipulation parameters for a multi-module origami robotic surface (Ori-Pixel). This approach allows for the manipulation of objects ranging from centimeters to meters in size, with varying stiffness and shape. The optimized CPG parameters are tested through both dynamic simulations and a series of prototype experiments involving a wide range of objects differing in size, weight, shape, and material, demonstrating robust manipulation capabilities.

Read more

DLP-Printable Porous Cryogels for 3D Soft Tactile Sensing

10-01-2025

Abstract: Three-Dimensional (3D) printed porous materials hold the potential for various soft sensing applications due to their remarkable flexibility, low density, and customizable geometries. However, developing versatile and efficient fabrication methods is crucial to unlock their full potential. A novel approach is introduced by combining Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing and freeze-drying to manufacture deformable cryogels featuring intricate morphologies. Photocurable hydrogels based on Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)Polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), Polyethylene glycol Diacrylate (PEGDA) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are successfully printed and lyophilized. In this way, porous cryogels with tailorable properties are achieved. Microporosity varies from 68% to 96%, according to the chemical composition. Ultra-soft cryogels with a compressive modulus of 0.13MPa are fabricated by adding a reactive diluent. As a result of the cryogelation process, which effectively removes water from the hydrogels, microporous structures with details as fine as 100 µm are obtained. The achieved freedom of design is exploited to fabricate resistive force sensors with a honeycomb lattice morphology. The sensitivity and the working range of the sensors can be tailored by tuning the size of the cells, paving the way for sensors with programmable architectures that can meet diverse requirements.

Read more
Join the newsletter