The Smart Flex Effector can sense workpiece position, making it suitable for human-robot collaboration
The Smart Flex Effector by Bosch Rexroth has won the 2023 Hermes Award, presented at the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe. The Smart Flex Effector is a sensor-based compensation module (end effector) for robots with kinematics in six degrees of freedom, which make it suitable for human-robot collaboration. As an add-on device for a variety of robots, the end effector has a wide range of applications and can be used in handling or joining processes with tight tolerances and loads of up to 6 kg.
“Close human-robot interaction occupies a central position in solving pressing economic, societal and demographic challenges: from optimizing industrial assembly to increasing productivity in agriculture to supporting medical and nursing staff in the form of assistance robots,” said Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, president of the Fraunhofer Society and chairperson of the Hermes Award jury. He added: “The Smart Flex Effector is driving efficiency and diversity in the uses of robots, creating quantifiable value for industry, the environment and society. With the award for this project, the Hermes Award goes to Bosch Rexroth for the third time. Congratulations on this excellent achievement.”
The 2023 Hermes Award, presented on April 16, is Hannover Messe’s international technology award. The award is open to all trade show exhibitors and awarded to outstanding products and innovative solutions that demonstrate technological innovation.
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