New AI-based capabilities for robots: research findings from the Fraunhofer Institute

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Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

World's Only Speed And Distance Monitoring

However, cognitive robotics still faces a general challenge. Currently, there is no way to execute AI-generated robot movements in a way that meets safety standards. To enable AI-based robots to interact with humans in a safe environment (robot-human collaboration), the IFF experts have developed a new, patented method called PARU for monitoring workspaces. PARU uses modern projector and camera technology to project visible warning and protection fields directly around the machine, recognizing when people enter the safety zone. After calibrating the projector and the two cameras, virtual expectation images are initially generated. Then, the projector projects a visible light curtain around the robot and the part to be grasped according to the distance formula from the relevant standard ISO/TS 15066, as the researchers explain. This light curtain visualizes the safety line to employees, indicating the protection area that must not be breached by humans (see headline image). If a body part contacts the line, it breaks. The cameras detect that the expectation image and the real image differ. Depending on the need, the robot either stops immediately or slows down. Additionally, the worker knows where the robot will move next. The safety areas are dynamically adjusted to the machine's movements because PARU continuously considers the robot's current state—ideal for use in cognitive robotics.

CAS—the Digital Safety Guarantee When Working With Robots

And with Computer Aided Safety (CAS), the IFF also offers digital safety guarantors that efficiently enable economic and safe human-robot collaboration tasks. Ready-to-use software modules are already available for the rapid calculation of safe distances and speeds. Digital assistants support risk assessment and safety approval, making it especially easier for beginners to meet all obligations according to the European Machinery Directive correctly and effortlessly. The tool for safety approval functions entirely digitally, unlike collision measurement, as emphasized. It considers parameters such as collision force and pain threshold, determining the robot's maximum permissible speed. The modules can be optionally integrated into any robot controls or existing simulation environments for planning purposes to align economic specifications precisely with applicable safety requirements. This helps prevent planning errors in advance, saving engineering costs, as it is concluded.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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Robot Awakening