Reconfigurable Robotic Solution for Effective Finishing of Complex Surfaces

In nearly every sector of industrial manufacturing, especially the mould and die making industry, polishing techniques are used. Most often, manual polishing is the only option because the tasks are too complex to be automated in terms of surface quality demands, geometrical features and restricted tool accessibility. Therefore, the European H2020 Project SYMPLEXITY 'Symbiotic Human-Robot Solutions for Complex Surface Finishing Operations' developed a CNC-machine-based machining concept comprising a composition of different finishing technologies. The solution is complemented with an objective metrology surface qualification device, which is capable to also measure big parts holistically. The SYMPLEXITY approach combines both a collaborative, intelligence-based and a cooperative human-robot-based technological approach. The demonstrator machine concept is being introduced and first fine machining experiments, comprising polishing and measurements have been conducted to generate an initial parameter set-up. The experiments have been conducted on an empiric basis to identify the main steering parameters for a future semi-analytic, model-based finishing approach.