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Company April 2024

HERMES AWARD 2024: 2D Grasping Kit sets new standards in flexible and intelligent automation

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? The solution lies in automation. The 2D Grasping Kit reliably tackles repetitive, monotonous handling tasks, and is easy to operate even without expert know-how. The intelligent solution also impressed the jury of the HERMES AWARD 2024, which chose the innovative 2D Grasping Kit to receive with the coveted technology prize at the Hannover Messe.

HERMES Award – Award ceremony The HERMES AWARD 2024 was presented during the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe trade show. Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, presented the award to Kristina I. Schunk and Timo Gessmann in the presence of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

(from left to right): Dr. Jochen Köckler (CEO, Deutsche Messe), Timo Gessmann (CTO, SCHUNK), Kristina I. Schunk (CEO, SCHUNK), Bettina Stark-Watzinger, (Federal Minister of Education and Research), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka (President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Chairman of the HERMES AWARD jury).

"The journey into automation still poses a challenge for many companies. That is why small and medium-sized companies in particular are not yet using their full potential. This is exactly where we come in," emphasizes Kristina I. Schunk , CEO of SCHUNK. "Innovative, highly flexible and easy-to-use automation and digitalization modules such as the 2D Grasping Kit make so much more possible than just reliably fill gaps in the skilled workforce and increasing productivity. They also create a healthy and attractive working environment where humans and machines form a symbiosis."

Application image – EGU/2D Grasping Kit The HERMES AWARD-winning 2D Grasping Kit makes it easy to get started with AI-supported handling processes for unsorted parts.

AI makes it easy

With the 2D Grasping Kit, companies can implement intelligent pick & place processes for randomly arranged parts with very little effort. The 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. Due to the intuitive user interface, the AI software can be taught in just a few simple steps and requires no prior knowledge of programming or image processing. Once it is done, the AI trains itself and recognizes components based on characteristic features such as shape, size and color. The AI compensates for variations caused by changing in the light, color or background conditions, for example. What sets this system apart is that it not only detects objects but also automatically calculates the gripping points for the specific gripper being used. In addition, it transmits parameters such as angle of rotation and opening width, to the robot control system. Monotonous, recurring sorting or logistics tasks can be automated easily and reliably, with very little effort.

Sustainable and future-proof

"Our aim is to counter the shortage of skilled workers and increase productivity potential and resource efficiency. In times when healthy and sustainable production environments are becoming increasingly important, our 2D Grasping Kit offers a solution that not only increases efficiency but also improves working conditions," explains Gessmann. Automation solutions such as the 2D Grasping Kit play a central role here. "Winning the HERMES AWARD has encouraged and motivated us to continue working on solutions that enable companies to utilize the potential of automation simply and effectively."

About the HERMES AWARD:

The HERMES AWARD is the international technology prize presented at the HANNOVER MESSE. As part of the trade show, it is an annual award that honors outstanding products and innovative solutions that demonstrate a particularly high degree of technological innovation.

Further information about the 2D Grasping Kit

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