The Future of Robots in Factories

Robots are increasingly seeing use in manufacturing. However, current robot technology is not sufficient to perform all tasks. Researchers have proposed using human-robot collaborations to exploit robots’ ability to do repetitive and boring jobs and the ability of human workers to perform fine-motor skills in unstructured environments.
In the proposed research, we consider algorithms to improve efficiency while maintaining safety. We consider robot-tohuman and human-to-robot handovers, intuitive control schemes, human-position sensing and robot response to human position, as well as behaviours that facilitate robots assisting in assembly such as bin-picking and two-handed coordination for assembly.
We are building the algorithmic fundamentals for an efficient, safe, and enjoyable collaboration between robots and factory workers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Machiel Van der Loos;Elizabeth Croft

Student:

Partner:

Istuary Innovation Labs Inc (Vancouver, BC);Postmates

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Transportation and warehousing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: