Maria Kyrarini with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department has received a $879,044 subaward from Wright State University.
The proposed work contributes fundamental research to bridge the technological barrier in translating a user’s end product description to instructions on using on-site recyclable materials that can be acted upon by a human assembler with assistance from a collaborative robot. The technological barrier is covered through novel AI algorithms that translate textual and 3D model descriptions into components, identify optimal scrap parts from depth images of scrap heaps and conveyor belts, generate object-specific cut and assembly instructions for AR, and drive robotic manipulators to perform proactive anticipatory assistance of human assemblers. Through multi-modal data on textual descriptions of objects and depth-image-based study of recyclable materials, the work contributes scientific advances in quantification of structural integrity and safety of scrap items, and sociological advances in understanding human perception toward the circular economy. The work contributes novel industrial and ecological benefits by transforming the recycling industry to have agile manufacturing, promoting early reuse of recyclable materials and conserving energy used in traditional recycling. The work provides economic benefits by increasing the productivity of SME recycling firms and upskilling recycling facility employees, improving their future job outlook in agile manufacturing and working with automation technologies.