NRI: NSF: Challenges and Opportunities in Utilizing Robotics in Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

This grant supports organization of the workshop that brings together thought leaders from industry and academia to discuss use-case scenarios for use of robots in small and medium sized enterprises. The objective of the workshop is (1) to present and discuss industry use-cases for robotics in manufacturing and in particular examples where a move from fixed automation to flexible automation is an economic enabler and (2) to have broad discussions across academia and industry to internalize a common set of challenges and opportunities. The workshop participants gain new insights into what advances needed to deploy robotics in small and medium manufacturers. The workshop report provides a roadmap of challenges and research opportunities to guide the robotics community. The workshop stimulates future research towards development of robots for manufacturing applications. These activities directly impact the U.S. manufacturing.