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Effective integration of Cobots and additive manufacturing for reconfigurable assembly solutions of biomedical products

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Abstract

Collaborative robotics and additive manufacturing are two enabling technologies of the Industry 4.0 manufacturing paradigm. Their synergic integration requires novel and effective design approaches, aiming to the development of new reconfigurable solutions for customised processes and products. This work presents an integrated approach that exploits the capabilities of Cobots to mimic the repetitive and exhausting operator’s movements as well as the competitive advantages offered by additive manufacturing to realize tailored equipment. In particular, the case study shows the development of a customised device for the manipulation of biomedical components by means of a Cobot, which is introduced in a workstation to replace manual operations. Moreover, the flexibility and the effectiveness of a Cobot can be improved thanks to customised devices for gripping and pick-and-place operations based on a specific application. During the development phase, we simulated the assembly process, and tested different options. The final configuration, with conformal circuits and suction cups, can pick, manipulate and assembly the biomedical components, and thanks to a Fused Filament Fabrication technology is additively manufactured. In conclusion, this developed prototypal solution proves the real capabilities offered by integrating Cobots and additive manufacturing for the lean automation of a biomedical workstation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Giuliana Gavioli and Enrico Corazzari from B.Braun Avitum Italy S.p.A. for their support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10, 41125, Modena, Italy

    Filippo Rossi, Fabio Pini, Andrea Carlesimo, Enrico Dalpadulo, Francesco Blumetti, Francesco Gherardini & Francesco Leali

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  1. Filippo Rossi
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  2. Fabio Pini
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  3. Andrea Carlesimo
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  4. Enrico Dalpadulo
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  5. Francesco Blumetti
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  6. Francesco Gherardini
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  7. Francesco Leali
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Correspondence to Francesco Gherardini.

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Rossi, F., Pini, F., Carlesimo, A. et al. Effective integration of Cobots and additive manufacturing for reconfigurable assembly solutions of biomedical products. Int J Interact Des Manuf 14, 1085–1089 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-020-00682-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-020-00682-9

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