Siroco has partnered with the University of Aveiro to develop the Cobot On Lab, an innovative project presented at DETI X-Change as part of the Industrial Project course (2024-25). This project aims to transform traditional laboratory processes through intelligent automation.
From Challenge to Solution
At Cork Supply, lab technicians dedicated significant time to repetitive tasks, such as handling cork sample containers and measuring TCA levels. Automation was needed to enhance precision and allow professionals to focus on higher-value activities.
We developed a low-cost robotic platform that seamlessly integrates into laboratory workflows while remaining flexible for new manipulative tasks. Key features include:
- Collaborative Robotic Arm: Ideal precision and cost-effectiveness for container handling.
- Robust Support Structure: Aluminum profiles ensure stability and safety.
- Multifunctional Robo Tool: Developed by Siroco, it integrates three essential functions: removing, gripping, and operating mechanisms.
- Adapted Dispenser and Vacuum: Simple solutions for cork deposition and transfer.
- Programming in ROS: 3D coordinates and inverse kinematics techniques ensure precise movements, operating in an open-source ROS environment.
DETI X-Change
The project was presented at DETI X-Change, an event connecting academia and industry. Students from the Integrated Master’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Aveiro showcased the Cobot On Lab, demonstrating how automation can enhance the quality of life for Cork Supply technicians.
As highlighted on LinkedIn, “When talent meets opportunity, great things happen!” The solution was praised for its creativity, functionality, and industrial application potential, proving to be an inspiration for the future of laboratory automation.
Impact and Future
The Cobot On Lab represents a significant transformation in industrial laboratories, offering:
- Increased efficiency and precision in processes
- Freeing technicians for strategic tasks
- A practical example of economically viable innovation
- A foundation for future laboratory automation applications with numerous manipulative functionalities
The Cobot On Lab is a symbol of the collaboration between Siroco and the University of Aveiro. By combining industrial expertise with academic innovation, we are shaping the future of automation and redefining laboratory standards.
This solution demonstrates that innovation can be simple, practical, and economically viable, paving the way for new industrial applications.
The success of this project reinforces Siroco’s commitment to investing in partnerships that drive digital and technological transformation.
Join us on this journey of innovation and excellence.
Published by Hugo Nogueira – Siroco Team
