Prof Karl von Ellenrieder’s team at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is currently testing new technologies from the European SestoSenso project in the LIDO digital orchard.
The project centres on the development of innovative systems for collaboration between humans and robots. The robots should be able to adapt flexibly to different working conditions and switch seamlessly from autonomous work to cooperative mode – for example, when a human intervenes or guides the robot.
At the heart of this technology is a new generation of sensors: numerous small touch and proximity sensors on the robot surface enable the system to perceive its surroundings precisely and act safely – both alone and in direct contact with humans.
The same sensor technology is also used in wearable devices such as exoskeletons. They are intended to increase safety when working with robots and improve the spatial orientation of users.
One specific area of application is agriculture, in particular grape harvesting in steep vineyards, as is typical in many regions of Central Europe. Workers have to harvest and place grapes by hand – a physically strenuous activity.
The goals are:
1. Safe and simple collaboration between humans and robots – through better communication and a shared understanding of the situation.
2. A noticeable relief for the labour force – through the targeted use of exoskeletons and mobile robot systems.
The aim is to make grape harvesting easier, safer and more efficient.
The research is being conducted as part of the project Sestosenso — “Physical Cognition for Intelligent Control and Safe Human-Robot Interaction” — funded by the European Commission under the HORIZON EUROPE Research and Innovation Actions programme. More information is available at: http://sestosenso.eu/.