ARISE Experiments
RAPSEB
Automating Precision in Biocomposite Manufacturing
RAPSEB introduces a robotic arm and ROS 2 code to improve spraying PHEE’s manufacturing line and reduce exposure of human workers to irritative chemicals. The module will be available in Arise Catalog to be adapted to other composite material lines.
The Challenge: Overcoming Hazards in Sustainable Composite Production
PHEE specializes in carbon-neutral biocomposites from biomass like coffee grounds and Posidonia sea grass, but early-stage manufacturing relies on manual epoxy binder spraying and pressing. Workers face repeated exposure to irritative chemicals, risking respiratory and skin issues despite masks and gloves. Inconsistencies lead to 8-12% overspraying, material waste, and off-line workflows that delay production. RAPSEB tackles this by automating hazardous tasks, ensuring precision, and allowing workers to focus on quality control without health risks.
Our Solution: Robotic Precision for Efficient Automation
RAPSEB deploys a robotic arm (Universal Robot 10e) with an open-source ROS 2 module to automate binder spraying and pressing in PHEE’s line. AI optimizes trajectories for consistent application, while real-time data from cameras and joints enables visual servoing and imitation learning. Integrated with FIWARE for NGSI-LD data handling and analytics, RAPSEB simulates workflows in Gazebo and plans paths via MoveIt2.
Key Features:
- AI-Driven Spraying: Reduces binder use by 8-12% with pre-defined, adaptive amounts.
- HRI-Safe Operation: ROS4HRI ensures collaborative safety, distancing workers from chemicals.
- In-Line Integration: Automates full process on conveyors, cutting execution time by 20%.
- Modular ROS2 Nodes: For motion planning, force control, and FIWARE bridging.
Human Centricity: Empowering Workers for a Safer Future
RAPSEB prioritizes human well-being by automating repetitive, hazardous spraying, reducing chemical exposure and fatigue from protective gear. Workers shift to monitoring, quality control, and creative tasks like custom etching, enhancing job satisfaction and skills. It promotes inclusivity by enabling participation from diverse groups — those with respiratory vulnerabilities, mobility challenges, or varying physical abilities — creating equitable workplaces where robots augment, not replace, human roles in line with Industry 5.0 principles.
The ARISE Contribution: Fueling Innovation with ARISE-Compliant Modules
RAPSEB advances the ARISE ecosystem by releasing reusable, open-source ROS2 modules under Apache 2.0 to the ARISE Catalog, adaptable for composite industries.
Contributions include:
- Path Planning Module: HRI-aware trajectory optimization using ROS4HRI and MoveIt2.
- Visual and Simulation Module: ROS2 nodes for camera-based servoing, imitation learning, and Gazebo simulation.
- FIWARE Analytics Module: Conversion of ROS messages to NGSI-LD for real-time monitoring via Orion-LD.
These interoperable components leverage ARISE middleware (ROS2 + FIWARE), enabling rapid adaptation in carbon fiber or biomass upcycling applications.
Impact & Scalability: Tapping into the Growing Composites Market
RAPSEB addresses the €100+ billion global composites market (projected €200 billion by 2034), driven by sustainable applications in automotive, renewables, and fashion. It offers scalable automation for binder spraying, yielding 8-12% material savings, 20% faster production, and 90% worker approval. PHEE expects 18-25% ROI over 3 years from efficiency gains. Parity Platform anticipates €800,000 in year-2 revenues from customizations and services. Aligned with EU Green Deal, RAPSEB reduces CO2, promotes inclusivity, and accelerates HRI deployment via open-source tools.
Partners
Discover more about ARISE experiments and how we’re
building the future of robotics for a better society!