The IRCRAM 4.0 (International Research Center for Robot and Additive Manufacturing 4.0) is an Italian project, co-funded by Lombardy Region through the ERSF Programme, that will develop innovative solutions in the field of Additive Manufacturing and heavy robotics for the processing of advanced materials for large-sized pieces.
The 30-month project aims to develop highly innovative solutions in the robotics sector for large applications, through the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. To combine efficiency and sustainability in production systems (increasingly important needs in the manufacturing system), IRCRAM provides solutions that will improve the level of security of operations, giving the possibility to assign the most dangerous tasks to automated robots and plants, networked and remotely programmable.
The Lead partner is Camozzi Group one of the leading international companies in the development of automated and cyber-physical systems. Further Camozzi Group, in parthership with the Italian Institute of Technology have designed and developed a unique robotic system for the safety of the new Genoa bridge, built after the disaster of August, 14th 2018.
A special 3D printer was used, the largest in Europe, which allowed us to create large carbon fiber elements that make up not only robots, but also their handling systems.
The system is made up by 4 robots – 2 Robot-Inspection e 2 Robot-Wash – that verifies the integrity of the infrastructure through cameras and sensors and, through reprocessing of the data through algorithms, allows to intervene with preventive maintenance actions.
The robots are made by carbon fiber structures, actuators and electronic components. In particular, the unique piece beams that will allow the inspection of the deck have been made by using technologies typical of the aerospace and aeronautical sectors and built through 3D molds using the technology of the largest 3D printer in the world made by the Camozzi Group, the MasterprintTM machinery.
The automated production of components through 3D printing is a disruptive element for increasing productivity, reducing waste, improving weary working conditions and reducing the risk for operators.
For more information:
The creation process of the robots for the New Bridge in Genoa (camozzi.com)