Comau + Comau for ARGOTEC (case001)
Argotec Srl operates in the aerospace sector and although it was founded only a few years ago (2008), it already has numerous projects underway and other important activities in the works. The international scope is strong: in addition to the Turin headquarters, there are two laboratories in Germany and the Netherlands where Argotec instructors, who have been certified by NASA, train astronauts and ground personnel.
Our approach
WHAT ARGOTEC SAID:
“With the hardware and software tools available to date, we could only reproduce an event and get an instant simulation, a series of fixed shots showing what could happen during the mission. But the functional test needs to take into account the entire chain of operations that are carried out by the subsystems involved in the process.
After acquiring the information from the sensors / payloads, the on-board computer could activate a propulsion system to modify the position, or activate the attitude control system. Because the sequence of operations cannot be verified entirely on the ground except through a software simulation, it was necessary to have a robotic handling arm that would allow us, within our laboratories, to put into practice all the movements calculated by the computer”.
The turning point was a Comau robot from the Racer family: “In the search for our ideal robot, we compiled a list of requirements to be met. For example, given that in space there is no “above” and “below”, the robot had to be able to act on all 6 degrees of freedom, be flexible and be able to respond to the characteristics of inertia, mass, and the implementation speed of commands. We did market research and Comau met all our requirements with its Racer-7-1.4 robot. Comau is also a successful Italian international company and we want to focus on our territory. We’ve worked together with excellent results. As we are not robot experts, we relied on them for settings and programming.”
“For their part, the response was based on a real enthusiasm for the project, which is certainly out of the ordinary for a company like Comau that is used to riding the crest of the technological innovation wave”.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROBOT
The system allowed Argotec to file a patent on its ability to emulate the mission phases of a cubesat. Through the interaction of hardware and software, the mechanism is able to implement complex movements in three-dimensional space, replicating the movements and the relative reaction times that the hardware would adopt in the real conditions of outer space.
Through the interaction of hardware and software, the mechanism is able to implement complex movements in three-dimensional space, replicating the movements and the relative reaction times that the hardware would adopt in the real conditions of outer space.
The robot is fully able to handle the required speed and can move with linearity, fluidity and with a wide degree of freedom.
Comau Racer-7 for deep space simulation
Precise satellite robotic movents
About Comau
Comau is a leading company in the industrial automation field, at a global level. Combining innovative engineering solutions with easy to use, open automation and enabling technologies, Comau helps companies of all sizes - and across a wide range of industrial segments - leverage the full potential of digital manufacturing. Comau’s competency stems from over 45 years of field proven-experience and a strong presence within every major industrial country.