Coveted German robotics prize awarded to KeTop T10 directMove" handheld control unit

At the fourth "Robotics Award" ceremony at the Hannover Messe, KEBA was awarded the highly coveted first prize for the innovative "KeTop T10 directMove" handheld control unit. This prize recognizes innovative robotic solutions with high practical relevance. Criteria such as technical innovation, economic benefits for industry as well as impact on the environment and society played a crucial role in the judging by the expert panel. The KeTop T10 directMove handheld device permits a totally new and highly intuitive type of robot operation. To teach a robot its movement sequence - known as the "teach-in" process - is no easy task. Repeatedly conceptualizing the three-dimensional movement options for a robot, mapped in the form of a coordinate system, and programming the movement paths, represents an extremely complex task. It really can take a very long time depending on skill level.Thanks to the intuitive operation concept of the KeTop T10 directMove where you simply show the robot the path in effect, both experienced users and novices save around one fifth of the time required for the teach-in process. Using inertial sensors of the 6D Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), the KeTop T10 directMove detects its position and direction in the three-dimensional space. The operator therefore can easily specify the required movement or rotation by indicating the direction of motion and then operating a small joystick – regardless of his/her position relative to the robot. This means that no in-depth knowledge of coordinate systems is required. The motion speed can be changed via the intensity of the joystick operation. This means that individual path points can be set and finely adjusted using the KeTop T10 directMove. Where required, additional standard operating units and screen-based devices such as notebooks can also be used for programming. Practical studies show that time savings of up to 20% are possible, even for experienced robot operators. The user has four operating modes available. It is possible to switch between these modes very simply as required. A 1.5" color display indicates the active mode using icons. directMove mode: The robot follows the direction instructions from the KeTop T10 directMove completely freely in the space. snap2grid mode: Use of defined coordinate systems as reference directions for the KeTop T10 directMove for precisely directed movements of the robot. virtual handle mode: The KeTop T10 directMove acts as a virtual handle on the tool center point (TCP) to change its alignment quickly and easily. axial movement mode: for the direct movement of individual robot axes as with a conventional handheld device. Features and benefits at a glance • Ideal for the teach-in of 6-axis robots • Intuitive usage with no robot programming knowledge required • Particular safe extricating the robot from tricky situations, even for less experienced operators • Around 20% time saving with the teach-in • Optional customizing of keyboard and display icons