Collaborative Automation Robot Platform (COLARP)

Background and goals

The project responds to the growing importance of AI in manufacturing systems, especially through collaborative robotics (cobots).

The goal is to advance applied AI in manufacturing by integrating educational cobot/s (Niryo Ned2) with machine vision and AI model, to support automation, safety, and sustainability.

Objectives and benefits

Implement object detection models for manufacturing applications (e.g., waste sorting).

Investigate safety using computer vision-based person detection.

Contributes to open-science and supports Arcada’s strategic goals in digital infrastructure.

Strengthens expertise in automation and prepares students for future industry roles.

Enhances engineering education through integration in courses and thesis projects.

Results

A peer-reviewed scientific article presented at an international conference.

Development of an open-source AI-powered collaborative robot platform (COLARP) for manufacturing.

Improved methods for object detection and human-robot safety using machine vision.

Integration of research findings into Arcada’s engineering education and thesis topics.

Societal impact

Improves industrial automation processes, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

Promotes open and accessible AI technologies, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Builds competencies that benefit regional innovation ecosystems and future workforce development.

Abstract

This project aims to advance AI-driven automation by integrating a collaborative robot (cobot) with machine-vision. The research focus is on implementing object detection models for manufacturing applications and enhancing human-robot safe interactions. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and potential industrial applications. The project will foster expertise in automation, AI, and Industry 4.0 while creating opportunities for local AI solution development and industry collaboration in Finland.