APRIL Project

Multipurpose robotics for mAniPulation of defoRmable materIaLs in manufacturing processes (APRIL).

APRIL is an international research project implemented as a part of the ‘Horizon 2020’ programme

Project objective:

APRIL PROJECT aims at constructing prototypes of multifunctional, all-purpose and affordable robots for manipulation and for use on production lines for the industries processing flexible, deformable materials.

The project will use all-purpose robotic grippers, wireless communication tools, sets of sensors and innovative solutions in the area of precise gripping and optical calculations. The data collected by sensors will be processed to ensure proper interaction between the system and its surroundings, dynamic determination of the centre of mass for a grasped object, correct assessment of the object’s mass and adjustment of the gripping strength. All robots will be connected to a cloud-based federated knowledge base which will store the information necessary to perform the scheduled tasks.

The final stage of the project involves pilot implementation of the system in the manufacturing processes at six companies manufacturing, e.g. passports, delicate food products, shoe insoles, textiles and cables. The system will be used for tasks related to manufacturing, packaging and assuring required quality.

Introducing APRIL system will ensure better safety and work ergonomics for people cooperating with robots on production lines. In addition, it will help boost productivity and improve the final products’ quality, which will increase the competitiveness of the European industry.

The project will be implemented for 48 months by 14 partners from 7 European countries.

Project implementation period: 01/04/2020 – 30/03/2024

Project budget: EUR 7 926 391.25, including EUR 822 375 from ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP

Contract number: 870142

Project type: International research project as part of the ‘Horizon 2020’ programme

Coordinator: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID, Spain

Partners:

  • DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUR KUNSTLICHE INTELLIGENZ GMBH, Niemcy
  • TREE TECHNOLOGY S. A., Hiszpania
  • FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, Włochy
  • SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ – PRZEMYSŁOWY INSTYTUT AUTOMATYKI I POMIARÓW PIAP, Polska
  • SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO SANT’ANNA, Włochy
  • PRENSILIA S.R.L, Włochy
  • INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DEL CALZADO Y CENEXAS, Hiszpania
  • KONTOR 46 DI BONASSO MATTEO SAS, Włochy
  • SILVERLINE ENDUSTRI VE TICARET A.S., Turcja
  • ASOCIACIÓN DE INVESTIGACIÓN DE INDUSTRIAS CARNICAS DEL PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS, Hiszpania
  • PEMU MUANYAGIPARI ZARTKORUEN MUKODORESZVENYTARSASAG, Węgry
  • OSAI AUTOMATION SYSTEM SPA, Włochy
  • IMPRENSA NACIONAL – CASA DA MOEDA, S. A., Portugalia

 

European Union This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870142