SCHUNK is Among the Top 3 Nominees
April 22, 2024
Image: SCHUNK
SCHUNK has secured one of the top 3 places in the nomination for the HERMES AWARD 2024 with the innovative 2D Grasping Kit. The AI-supported application kit provides a quick introduction to the autonomous handling of non-position-oriented objects. Expert knowledge in programming or image processing is not necessary.
How can flexible and efficient production be established with scope for future expansion, in view of the shortage of skilled workers and the need to conserve resources? With automation! To facilitate a faster entry into autonomous handling of non-position-oriented objects, SCHUNK has developed the 2D Grasping Kit. It enables the reliable handling of different, randomly arranged parts from a conveyor belt, tray or supply table – even with changing light, color or background conditions.
The application kit consists of a camera with lens, an industrial PC, AI software and an application-specific gripper. All components are perfectly coordinated and can be combined with any robot and any higher-level control system. At the core of the system is the AI software developed by SCHUNK in combination with an intuitive user interface. This means that users need absolutely no prior knowledge of programming or image processing. Once set up, the AI-supported software gives step-by-step guidance through the teach-in process of gripping planning. Once the objects have been photographed and named, the AI trains itself – completely offline. The 2D Grasping Kit allows recurring sorting or logistics tasks to be automated reliably and with little effort.
Image: SCHUNK
Seeking outstanding ideas for the future
The annual HERMES AWARD is the international technology prize presented at the Hannover Messe. It recognizes outstanding products and innovative solutions that demonstrate a high degree of technological innovation and provide benefits for industrial settings, the environment and society. The cost-effectiveness and ready-to-implement design of the product has also played a decisive role in the assessment. An independent jury of experts with representatives from the political, business, research and community fields, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, selected three submissions in a preliminary decision process, including the 2D Grasping Kit from SCHUNK. The winner will be announced at the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe on 21 April 2024.
Expertise for pioneering solutions
The automation expert SCHUNK develops and produces flexible automation solutions for customers in a wide range of industries. The user-friendly solutions support customers in increasing their efficiency and maintaining their competitiveness in a dynamic production environment with a wide variety of parts. With its 2D Grasping Kit, SCHUNK is offering yet another complete solution that makes entry into automated processes significantly easier and most importantly, in addition to more efficient production design, provides potential savings in the use of time and resources.
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HERMES AWARD 2024 Goes to Schunk
This year saw the German company Schunk honored with the HERMES AWARD at the ceremonial opening of HANNOVER MESSE on April 21, 2024, in recognition of an innovative AI-based project. Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Germany’s Minister of Education and Research, presented the award in the presence of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
