Advanced Manufacturing 2023 Winners Awards

Meltio, Meltio LMD Technology
The multi-laser head processes metal wire and powder using an array of six off-axis lasers and on-axis material feeders. It enables direct metal additive manufacturing and part repair as well as additional laser applications such as cladding, autogenous and filler welding, cutting, texturing and polishing.

Awards 2023

Markforged, 3D printer with CFR technology (continuous fibre reinforcement)
With Markforged’s patented CFR technology, thermoplastic material parts with continuous fibre reinforcement can be produced. Carbon fibre, aramid (kevlar) and glass. These fibres give the parts mechanical characteristics such as Aluminium T6 60/61 (in the case of continuous carbon fibre). Markforged also has its own material, Onyx, which is a polyamide 6 with short carbon fibre. These parts are used today for tooling of all kinds in industry, for spare parts, end-use parts and for the production of parts that are impossible to machine.

Eurecat, Sharework
The SHAREWORK project equips an industrial work environment with the ‘intelligence’ and methods necessary for the effective adoption of Human Robot Collaboration (HRC) without fences. The project develops a modular software and hardware system capable of understanding the environment and human actions through knowledge and sensors, future state predictions, intelligent data processing, augmented reality and gesture and voice recognition technology to enable the robot to overcome human barriers and ensure more effective cooperation. The developed mechatronic framework is human-centric and is composed of different integrated software modules to provide robots with the intelligence to work cooperatively with human operators and methods to assess and address human-related barriers.

In the ALSTOM scenario, a collaborative robotic solution was applied during the assembly of the metal door and window frames of the trams, focusing on riveting operations as well as other tasks to assist the operator in preparing the parts and performing quality control. The cobot (collaborative robot), mounted on a linear axis system, performs heavy and repetitive tasks, such as riveting and applying sealant glue. The cobot assists the worker during the frame assembly process. The worker oversees the overall task, being able to communicate with the robot, by voice and gestures, to check the process and is responsible for positioning the frame and rivets. The introduction of a robotic co-worker in ALSTOM’s sub-assembly area has increased human well-being, while ensuring proper assembly order and part quality.

Antolin, Vehicle interior roof made from sustainable materials and reuse of production waste.
The aim of the project is to manufacture and market a roof for the interior of the vehicle, specifically for the Volkswagen T-Roc, with materials of recycled origin and sustainable materials obtained from organic waste. This increases the sustainable content of the product while reducing its carbon footprint.
On the other hand, the reuse of the waste generated during the production of the roof is used for the production of construction materials, which represents an additional saving in the carbon footprint and a clear example of Circular Economy.

Eurocontrol S.A., Acoustic Emissions for APQ
Research and development of a new acoustic emission method as a substitute test for the interior inspection and leak test in oil (IP02) and chemical (APQ) storage facilities.

Iveco Valladolid total vision control panel, IVECO SPAIN SL
Connection of all the data systems deployed in the development of the smart factory and which have been recognised by organisations such as the Spanish Ministry of Industry as the best digital factory in an integrated control panel that allows the entire company structure to have real-time visibility and use of the entire production chain: vehicle position, quality certification with artificial vision, traceability of parts with RFID, status of machine sensors for maintainability.

Beckhoff Automation SAU, ATRO
Modular industrial robot system.

The new ATRO system from Beckhoff is a modular system that allows the ideal robot structure to be custom-built for any application, thus offering a high degree of flexibility. Defined mechanical and electrical interfaces enable fast, precise and tool-free assembly of any robotic kinematics. The modular mechanics are supported by modular software that provides functions such as image processing, artificial intelligence or scientific automation in addition to robot motion.
ATRO is designed to minimise energy consumption during operation. Some of the key energy efficiency features include:

1. Efficient motors: The robot uses energy-efficient motors that reduce energy consumption and maximise work output per unit of energy consumed.

Intelligent energy management: The robot is equipped with intelligent energy management systems that monitor and control energy consumption in real time. This allows to identify and correct possible waste or inefficiencies.

3. Efficient standby mode: When the robot is not in use, it enters a low-power standby mode to minimise energy consumption. This is especially useful in situations where the robot spends extended periods of time without activity.

4. Energy recovery: The Beckhoff ATRO robot uses energy recovery systems, such as energy regeneration during braking, to harness and reuse energy generated during certain operations. This helps to reduce the demand for energy from external sources.

5. Path optimisation: The robot is programmed to follow optimised paths and avoid unnecessary movements. This reduces operation time and therefore energy consumption.