"We are researching technologies to integrate humanoid robots safely into production environments"
ZUTIK will research key technologies to prepare Basque industry for the arrival of humanoid robots
Humanoid robotics is undergoing rapid development on an international scale, driven by advances in robotics, perception, Artificial Intelligence and control systems. However, their use in industrial environments still poses significant challenges relating to their ability to understand and navigate complex environments, robust object management, coordination of the different parts of the body and integration with existing digital and automation systems in production plants.
The ZUTIK project seeks to anticipate the future integration of humanoid robotics into production environments, by developing and validating the scientific and technological capabilities required to ensure that this type of robot can be integrated safely, reliably and efficiently into Basque industry.
Research into technologies, algorithms and software
ZUTIK does not intend to develop a new humanoid robot, but rather research the technologies, algorithms and software components required to adapt existing platforms to production tasks of industrial interest.
- The project will focus on areas such as the perception and understanding of the environment, locomotion and safe navigation, autonomous manipulation using multi-fingered hands and the whole body, and humanoid coordination, orchestration and interoperability with plant systems.
- Therefore, research will be carried out into a modular, vendor-agnostic architecture that enables different capabilities to be combined and facilitates their future industrial integration.
- The expected outcomes include algorithms for autonomous bipedal locomotion, manipulation and grasping technologies, tools to facilitate skill-based programming and solutions to coordinate the robot with the OT/IT systems at the plant. These developments will be progressively integrated into laboratory demonstrators that are representative of future industrial applications.
Build knowledge and capabilities
The focus on real applications will be one of the central elements of the project. The developments will be validated in laboratory demonstrators at TRL 4, using industrial scenarios as a reference to analyse requirements related to the preparation of kits and materials, assembly, inspections in complex or confined spaces, internal logistics and operations combining movement and handling, among others.
The aim is to generate knowledge and transferable capabilities that will reduce the uncertainties associated with the future adoption of humanoid robots by companies, system integrators and engineering firms.
- As a result of all this, ZUTIK aims to lay the technological foundations for the future integration of humanoid robotics into the Basque industrial sector, drawing on existing knowledge of flexible and collaborative robotics and adapting it to the specific characteristics of these new platforms.
- The results will be validated using demonstrators based on real industrial scenarios and will serve as the basis for subsequent technology transfer and technology readiness activities.
A consortium specialised in advanced robotics and manufacturing
ZUTIK brings together six members of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTI) with complementary expertise in robotics, Artificial Intelligence, perception, control, automation, advanced manufacturing and the integration of technologies into industrial environments.
Led by TECNALIA, the project involves AUTOTECH ENGINEERING, IKERLAN, MONDRAGON MU-EPS, EHU and INVEMA.
The project also includes a Business Committee responsible for providing the industry’s perspective, monitoring the project’s progress and helping to guide the future transfer of the results. Eight leading industrial companies in the Basque Country are taking part, covering a range of sectors and potential uses.