Questions to be answered

1. How can additive manufacturing revolutionize robotics, e.g. with high-performance and functional components?
2. What are the advantages of robot-assisted additive manufacturing in achieving novel applications across industries?
3. How can this workshop support the creation of consortia for EU-funded projects and foster the establishment of a euRobotics Topic Group?

Description

The integration of cutting-edge technologies has propelled us into a new era where the development of functional components is not only feasible but transformative. These components play pivotal roles in advancing the capabilities of robotics, highlighting the synergy between robotics and additive manufacturing (AM) as a mutually enriching partnership.

This workshop convenes experts from diverse fields of additive manufacturing and robotics to explore recent innovations, future opportunities, and challenges. Through collaborative discussions, participants will address key gaps and identify actionable solutions to advance the integration of these technologies.

Main topics:

• AM for Robotics: Focusing on advancements in creating robotic components through AM (e.g., in flexible, adaptable designs suited for soft robotics but also for a lot of other applications requiring high material performance.)
• AM with Robotics: Examining the use of robotics to assist in additive manufacturing processes (with insights into increased efficiency, complex geometries, and scalable production.)

By combining knowledge from these diverse domains, the workshop aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics and additive manufacturing, fostering innovation and collaboration across Europe and beyond.

Organisation of the WS

The session is designed to foster active participation and collaboration through the following format:

1. Keynote Presentations (30 minutes): Renowned experts will share insights into advancements in both "AM for Robotics" and "AM with Robotics," focusing on current projects, challenges, and future trends.
2. Interactive Group Discussions (40 minutes): Attendees will be divided into thematic groups, each addressing one of the workshop’s core questions. Facilitators will guide discussions to encourage knowledge exchange and outline pathways for collaborative innovation.
3. Plenary Session (10 minutes): Group findings will be presented to the entire audience, fostering a collective understanding and ensuring all participants benefit from the discussions. Outcomes will be documented to serve as a foundation for future initiatives.

Intended outcome

Outcome of the WS:

1. Establish clear goals for forming consortia targeting EU funding opportunities.
2. Lay the groundwork for creating a euRobotics Topic Group on AM in robotics, enabling sustained discussions and collaborations.

Speakers, Panelists, etc

• Speakers: Experts in robotic AM applications from academia, industry, and research centers

Erik Paessler, CEAD
Sigrid Brell-Cokcan, RWTH Aachen University
Oliver Refle, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA)

• Moderator: Mathias Brandstötter, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences

Topic Groups and/or Innovation networks involved

TG Industrial Robotics

Projects involved

We provide an insight into numerous European projects that deal with additive manufacturing.

Further information

• CEAD: https://ceadgroup.com
• RWTH Aachen: https://www.ip.rwth-aachen.de
• Fraunhofer IPA: https://www.ipa.fraunhofer.de

Organisers

• Mathias Brandstötter (ADMiRE Research Center, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences),
• Jyrki Latokartano (Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, RoboLabTampere, Tampere University)