A gripper developed with SensoJoints collects rubbish from the seabed for EU project SeaClear2.0.
For the EU-funded SeaClear2.0 project to keep the world's oceans clean using autonomous robotic systems, TU Munich has developed a highly-sensitive gripper with the help of SensoJoints, enabling rubbish lying at depths of up to 100 metres underwater to be efficiently collected.
SeaClear2.0 revolutionises marine litter collection.
Between 26 and 66 million tons of rubbish now lie in our oceans, and more than 90 percent on the seabed. As using divers to collect rubbish is costly, expensive and dangerous, an EU-funded project has been launched to develop an autonomous procedure. SeaClear and the follow-up project SeaClear2.0 saw several project partners develop a robotic solution that can autonomously detect and classify underwater rubbish with a success rate of 80 percent, and collect it with a success rate of 90 percent.
Gripper from SensoJoints as a guarantee of success
As an innovative technological partner involved in SeaClear2.0, Sensodrive has provided 8 SensoJoints 5016 actuators for the development of a high-performance robotic gripper.
High-precision, ultra-sensitive gripping action
SensoJoints' unique torque control algorithms allow the gripping force to be adjusted in real time. This means delicate objects such as plastic bags can be picked up with minimal pressure, while more robust objects can be fixed securely in place.
Powerful articulated drives
The powerful SensoJoint 5016 actuators allow the gripper to grip and transport even bulky, heavy objects weighing up to 250 kg with high precision.
Highly-accurate sensory feedback for maximum precision
The SensoJoints torque sensors provide high-resolution feedback that allows the gripper to adjust its grip to the shape, texture and consistency of the rubbish being collected. A real-time feedback loop optimises gripping strategies and increases the efficiency and success rate of marine litter collection.
Conclusion: SensoJoints are a game-changer underwater too
The role Sensodrive has played in the SeaClear2.0 project is impressive proof that the ready-to-install SensoJoint robotic drives are setting new standards in maritime robotics too. The ready-to-install drive modules can be optimally integrated into a wide variety of robotics solutions.
More information about the innovative SensoJoints
More information about the SeaClear2.0 project
