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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SPARK (Smart PArallel Robotic Kinematics)

Teaser

Summary

SPARK is an innovative robotic manipulator, composed of a series of elements interconnected by rotary joints arranged with their axes of rotation parallel, thus producing planar motion of the manipulator end point. Thanks to an innovative, patented control system architecture and redundant degrees of freedom, it is characterised by excellent dynamic response, providing high accelerations, low inertia and precise control of tool speed along complex paths.
Following the successful Phase 1 submission to Horizon 2020, a feasibility study has been conducted, specifically for the exploitation of the technology as the basis for a fibre laser cutting machine. SPARK is ideally suited to this application as the finished quality of the cut surface is highly dependent on tool speed, something which heavy conventional gantry machines cannot guarantee.

Work performed

Prior to commencing the feasibility study a prototype of the robotic manipulator has been built. This has been used to study the dynamic response of the system and control algorithms in use. The prototype has been the subject of a research paper presented in collaborations with Politecnico di Milano and has been analysed by Italyâ€™s Machine Tools and Production System Laboratory (MUSP).
SPARK is built on core technologies that are already patent protected, however a Freedom-to-Operate analysis was performed to ensure no IPR obstacles exist. This identified that there have been similar attempts to solve the very same problems SPARK tackles, however no IP has been found that conflicts with the exploitation of SPARK.
An important step has been the inclusion of a new partner, Warcom, a manufacturer of machine tools, who bring valuable marketing and commercial knowledge of the industry, as well as production capacity.
Our market study shows that the machine tool industry is recovering to its re-crisis levels and is growing, particularly in the area of laser machine tools. We have identified our main competitors, specifically two products that are similar to SPARK in performance characteristics.
We have analysed the costs associated with producing an industrial laser cutter based on SPARK, using that costs structure and market research to determine an appropriate sales price. From there a preliminary financial projection was prepared.

Final results

The initial exploitation of the SPARK technology will be in the development of a new industrial laser cutting machine, incorporating the latest developments in fibre laser technology and delivering best-in-class performance for dynamic response (tool speed and acceleration), work-rate (jobs per hour) and finished edge quality. The reduced cost and complexity of this type of construction will allow us to bring SPARK to the market with a highly competitive pricing, yet consistent with a premium product, while maintaining a respectable margin.
Innovations like SPARK are necessary for European machine tool manufacturers to maintain their technical edge as competition from countries renown for less expensive products are improving their technology.
As such, SPARK is expected to deliver a good ROI, growth for the partner companies and new employment in the construction and sale of these machine tools.