Tech Briefs Magazine - August 2023 - MD-16

control and other variables that then control how much pressure
the robot applies to the glass.
The robot's reach extends 1.1 meter. According to Blum,
" One of the biggest factors in Skyline choosing KUKA was not
only the credibility of the brand and the world-class team that
stands behind it, but also because KUKA's robot arm can handle
the rigors of an outdoor environment, while the majority
of other brands fail to do so. "
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Blum added that the robots are IP65 rated and very reliable,
and that their six-axis motion was also important to
Skyline, especially when it comes to approaching complex
façade geometries they encounter on a building. KUKA KR
C5 micro controller also played a big role in meeting basket
weight limitations, which vary on a global basis. The controller
weighs as much as 35 lbs less than other options and takes
up considerably less room. In some instances, this will allow
Skyline to place multiple arms in one basket, even with lower
weight limits.
" We want to dominate the frontier when it comes to bringing
robots outside of controlled environments, " said Blum.
" And to accomplish that, we believe KUKA is the right automation
supplier with which to partner. They are willing to take
robotics beyond the typical applications. "
All the technology incorporated into Ozmo is extremely advanced,
especially its software and hardware components. The
technologies allow Skyline to not only control and adjust the
robot's movements on the fly but also to stabilize - in real
time - the system basket/platform in which the robot rides.
What makes this so challenging is having to adjust for unexpected
variables such as wind gusts or crane malfunctions,
which could cause one side of the basket to descend further
than the opposite end. Ozmo can process all these variables
and compensate instantaneously to ensure quality cleaning
and the most efficient descent path to do so.
For stabilization, Ozmo uses the KUKA robot arm itself as a
method to apply a counterforce to an unstabilizaed basket.
The robot's arm stays against the building window for an additional
half second to keep the basket from rocking. According
to Blum, Skyline is the first and only robotics company to
successfully use the robot's arm in this fashion.
" A lot of robotics companies want to get into the automated
window cleaning business, " said Skyline Robotics
Chairman and CEO Michael Brown. " The truth of the matter,
however, is that doing so is very complex and mathematical,
especially in terms of AI and machine learning. You can't
just slap a robot in a basket and think that's all there is to it.
We've been working with window washers for years to perfect
our system and ensure that it has the necessary algorithms
for all possible variables. "
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He also noted that partnerships have been key to the development
of Ozmo. " KUKA has been advising us every step of the way,
and we really couldn't ask for a better partner, " he said. " Once
we've completed what I call the proof-of-concept stage in New
York City, we plan to reconvene with KUKA to discuss and gain
insight as to how we might tweak or further improve our product
with their technology. For us, collaboration with KUKA is critical
to the success of our business. "
This article was contributed by KUKA (Sterling Heights, MI).
For more information, visit www.kuka.com/en-us.
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WE CREATE MOTION
Motion Design, August 2023
http://info.hotims.com/84482-729 http://www.kuka.com/en-us
Tech Briefs Magazine - August 2023

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