TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

The Robotics Laboratory of Université Laval has developed a parallel robotic architecture for cobots. The gripper is operated from the base actuators of the robot, similarly to the motion of the end-effector but can be changed if desired. Since the actuators are located close to the base, it is possible to use direct-drive transmissions, which makes the robot mechanically backdrivable eliminating the need for force sensors and making the structure much simpler and very intuitive to interact with.

The robot can also be mounted on a portal robot. This architecture uses 9 degrees of freedom that allows the avoidance of kinematic singularities. Taken together, this cobot unlocks desired robotic features that are not available with serial cobots (see table) such as low reflected inertia and backdrivability. For the same targeted cost, this robot shows the best of both world – the fully automated high-speed robot to highly collaborative side robot.

 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Possible higher speed
• High intuitivity
• Easy to handle
• Possible higher payload ranges
• Very simple and inexpensive
• Compacity
• Large reachable space
• Can be mounted on a portal robot

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

• A complete market study was achieved for this technology
• A demonstration is available
• Technology available for in-licensing
• Seeking industrial partner and entrepreneur
• Eligibility to government financing for industry/academic maturation program

 

MARKET APPLICATIONS

• Manufacturing
• Pick and place
• Agriculture robotics

 

IP PROTECTION

• National phase applications (US, CA, EU, KR, JP, CN)
• WO 2020/176973 A1

 

VIDEOS

Backdrivable Kinematically Redundant (6+3)-DOF Hybrid Parallel Robot

• Part1: Trajectory Control
• Part 2: Human–Robot Interaction
• Part 3 : Micro-Macro