Doosan Robotics, SEA Mechanics to jointly develop AI robot deburring solution

Doosan Robotics signed an MOU with SEA Mechanics on Tuesday at its Innovation Center in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to jointly develop a manufacturing process automation and AI-based robot deburring solution, the company announced Wednesday.

At the heart of the agreement is the development of an AI-based collaborative robot deburring automation system. Deburring is the process of removing burrs — small protrusions or residual material left on the surface of metal or plastic parts after machining.

The two companies agreed to cooperate on joint development and proof-of-concept verification of an AI deburring system and other manufacturing process automation robot solutions, research and development of next-generation robot solutions, and information sharing on new technologies and market trends.

The jointly developed solution will use 3D vision and AI technology to enable robots to detect the location and shape of burrs and remove them automatically. Once deployed, the solution is expected to improve quality consistency and shorten production cycles.

Doosan Robotics will supply AI and collaborative robot hardware and software, and handle overall technical support including the design of robot automation solutions. SEA Mechanics will contribute component design expertise, mass production technology and production floor know-how, and provide the equipment and personnel needed for prototype manufacturing and testing.

The two companies plan to first develop the relevant technology and conduct a proof-of-concept using eight collaborative robots, then gradually scale deployment to 50 or more units based on the results. They also plan to expand the scope of automation to include melting and palletizing processes.

"Based on the results of future demonstrations, we will expand the scope of automation to cover a wider range of manufacturing processes and contribute to building a smart manufacturing automation ecosystem," said Park In-won, president of Doosan Robotics.