Enhancing Industrial Painting Through Remote Expertise and Safety with the Inverse3 and UR10
Context and Challenge
The Centre Technologique en Aerospatiale (CTA) has a client who’s facing a common challenge in industrial painting: the need to balance efficiency and safety in high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing environments. Traditional manual painting methods demanded skilled labor for precision tasks, exposing workers to harsh chemicals and ergonomic strain. Meeting stringent safety regulations also added complexity, while onboarding new workers to these specialized roles was time-consuming and costly.
Solution: Inverse3 + UR10
The CTA leveraged Haply’s Inverse3 haptic controller and a UR10 robotic arm to develop a hybrid painting solution that combines the precision of robotics with the intuitive control of human expertise. This setup enables:
Enhanced Working Conditions for Painters:
The Inverse3 allowed the painter to control the robotic arm remotely, reducing exposure to hazardous environments.
Its ergonomic design and intuitive interface made it easier for painters to achieve high-quality results without physical strain.
Remote Deployment of Expertise for Management:
Supervisors could remotely monitor and adjust the robot's performance using the Inverse3, allowing expert oversight even when on-site presence was not feasible.
This enabled quick adaptation to the unique requirements of each job, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Streamlined Safety Compliance:
The UR10, guided by the high-precision input from the Inverse3, consistently executed painting tasks within safety parameters.
Automated workflows made compliance with regulations simpler and less error-prone.
Outcomes
Improved Quality and Efficiency:
The robotic system delivered consistent, high-quality painting results tailored to HMLV applications.
Better Workforce Safety and Comfort:
Painters experienced less physical strain and no direct exposure to harmful substances.
Scalable and Tele-operated Expertise:
Remote operation capabilities allowed the client to deploy specialized knowledge across multiple projects without requiring on-site presence.
Regulatory Confidence:
The robotic system ensured compliance with safety standards, minimizing risks and liabilities.
Future Potential
By integrating the Inverse3 and UR10, the CTA has not only optimized its current operations but also demonstrated the scalability of this solution for other industries requiring precision and adaptability in HMLV manufacturing. This success highlights the potential for robotics and haptics to revolutionize industrial workflows, making them safer, more efficient, and more innovative.
Who is the CTA?
The Centre Technologique en Aérospatiale (CTA) is a Canadian research and innovation hub dedicated to advancing aerospace manufacturing and technology. Located in Quebec, the CTA provides expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge solutions to address complex industrial challenges. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, the CTA enables the development and implementation of innovative technologies, particularly in high-stakes fields like aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
In this use case, the CTA has applied its expertise in robotics and automation to develop a transformative solution for industrial painting processes, demonstrating its leadership in leveraging new technologies to meet industry needs.
Who is Haply Robotics?
Haply Robotics is a pioneering technology company based in Montreal, Canada, specializing in haptic solutions that bring the sense of touch to digital interactions. Known for its industry-leading precision and immersive feedback, Haply Robotics creates intuitive tools for 3D applications across various fields, including virtual reality, simulation, robotics, gaming, and 3D design.
With its flagship device, the Inverse3, and the consumer-focused MinVerse, Haply Robotics is expanding the possibilities of digital engagement, enabling users to feel and manipulate virtual environments with unparalleled precision. Haply Robotics envisions a future where intuitive haptic devices are on every desk, revolutionizing how people work, play, and create in 3D.
