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Testbed for manufacturing processes using robots: Image of research results. Credit: Korea Institute of Mechanical Materials (KIMM)
We have developed the world’s first AI (artificial intelligence) technology for robot work that allows robots to be easily applied to manufacturing processes. The technology developed this time can be used in a variety of processes, including the manufacturing, assembly, and production of automobiles and mechanical parts, and is expected to contribute to improving the working environment at manufacturing sites in the future.
A research team led by Kim Chang-hyun, director of the AI Mechanics Department at the Korea Institute of Mechanical Materials (KIMM), has successfully developed AI technology for robot work that can be easily applied to manufacturing processes.
This new technology is currently being applied to the manufacturing processes of electronic component manufacturers. The research team plans to gradually expand the range of manufacturers to which the newly developed technology can be applied.
The AI technology developed by KIMM for robot work at manufacturing sites is based on large language models (LLM) and virtual environments. It is a technology that understands the user’s commands and automatically generates and executes the commands for the tasks that the robot should perform.
This technology allows task sequences and actions to be automatically generated via voice or text. Pre-learning in virtual space allows you to select the best work point for your site. On the other hand, this technology also helps to minimize the work process and automatically detect objects to avoid collisions.
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On-site application testing of manufacturing processes using robots: Image of research results. Credit: Korea Institute of Mechanical Materials (KIMM)
Until now, when working with robots at a manufacturing site, it was necessary to modify the site itself to suit the robot, rather than the work environment or target object. Therefore, the range of tasks that robots can perform is quite limited. In addition, it is necessary to develop technologies that integrate various technologies related to the issue, such as transportation technology and recognition technology, but only some of these technologies have been developed so far.
Recently, AI technologies such as LLM and robots have been combined and used for a variety of tasks. However, these technologies have been tested only in laboratory environments, not on actual work sites, making it difficult to apply them to real-world situations.
The newly developed technology makes it possible to specify the tasks that robots should perform. In addition, by performing preliminary training in virtual space, the robot can perform tasks easily while minimizing modifications on site. Field tests are currently underway, and it is expected that the newly developed technology will be useful in effectively responding to a variety of situations that may occur at manufacturing sites in the future.
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AI robot with electronic components: images of research results. Credit: Korea Institute of Mechanical Materials (KIMM)
“For the first time in the world, we have combined AI technology and robot technology to develop intelligence specialized for robot work, and have applied it to actual manufacturing sites,” said Kim Chang-hyun, head of the AI machinery department. . ”
“The technology is currently being tested in the manufacturing process of electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturers, and its application will be gradually expanded,” he added.
