Research and Development Updates

Robotic assisted inkjet technology on 3D surfaces

Standard plastic chair utilized as demostrator object for inkjet printing of dedicated heating elements using conductive ink, 6-axis robotic automation system, adapted process steps and state-of-the-art technique.

The heater is capable to be integrated on any kind of chair dimension suitable for sport stadium and similar application sector and fully adjustable for various temperature regime.

3D-Printing exhibits potential for developing R&D parts

Thanks to the technological contribution from C-marx GmbH and Fraunhofer ENAS planning, 3D-printed mechanical arm was manufactured for the installation of grippers to the Kuka Robot (FPT Robotik GmbH & Co. KG) at the Fraunhofer ENAS facility, where the aim is to implement functionalized gripper extensions.

As next step, these gripper extensions will be functionalized directly with inkjet-printed sensor elements and other thin-film electronics, for realizaton of application scenario.

Adaptable Inkjet Print Module for Robotics

Module is fully operational.

Digital library that connects all the process steps

DTK fully operational to perform inkjet printing process guided with Robots.

Project meeting included a LIVE demonstration where printed pressure sensors and electronics integrated on robot's gripper simulate individualization in modern adaptive production.