| Summary: |
The EasySanding project aims to research and develop a prototype of an autonomous sanding system and an intelligent inspection (quality) platform to serve the bicycle frame manufacturing industry, particularly for electric bicycles, due to their higher quality requirements, added value and strong market growth.
After validation and market introduction, the system has the potential to be adapted to other sectors, such as cutlery, automotive, hardware, faucets and aeronautics, thus expanding the impact of the project's results.
The main objectives of the project are:
Development of an autonomous robotic system for bicycle frame sanding - EasySanding;
Development of the iSanding Platform, composed of the following modules:
Expert ScanSanding - a defect recognition and diagnostic tool for frame surface condition, integrating artificial intelligence to propose sanding, polishing and milling strategies;
ControlSanding - a process monitoring and management tool to predict tool replacement needs and anticipate equipment stoppages;
HMISanding - a user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) powered by AI, providing parameterization recommendations and process adjustment guidance for factory operators.
This project aims to create or advance existing solutions for processes with low automation levels, which currently rely on skilled manual labor and subjective quality control, thereby addressing real needs of bicycle component manufacturers and improving their productivity and quality indicators.
From a technological standpoint, the target product is positioned in the industrial robotics sector, valued globally at USD 42.59 billion in 2024, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% through 2029. The project's target market, electric bicycle production, is estimated at USD 34.98 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 51.78 billion by 2029.
The project also seeks to position Anadirobtic a  |
Summary
The EasySanding project aims to research and develop a prototype of an autonomous sanding system and an intelligent inspection (quality) platform to serve the bicycle frame manufacturing industry, particularly for electric bicycles, due to their higher quality requirements, added value and strong market growth.
After validation and market introduction, the system has the potential to be adapted to other sectors, such as cutlery, automotive, hardware, faucets and aeronautics, thus expanding the impact of the project's results.
The main objectives of the project are:
Development of an autonomous robotic system for bicycle frame sanding - EasySanding;
Development of the iSanding Platform, composed of the following modules:
Expert ScanSanding - a defect recognition and diagnostic tool for frame surface condition, integrating artificial intelligence to propose sanding, polishing and milling strategies;
ControlSanding - a process monitoring and management tool to predict tool replacement needs and anticipate equipment stoppages;
HMISanding - a user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) powered by AI, providing parameterization recommendations and process adjustment guidance for factory operators.
This project aims to create or advance existing solutions for processes with low automation levels, which currently rely on skilled manual labor and subjective quality control, thereby addressing real needs of bicycle component manufacturers and improving their productivity and quality indicators.
From a technological standpoint, the target product is positioned in the industrial robotics sector, valued globally at USD 42.59 billion in 2024, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% through 2029. The project's target market, electric bicycle production, is estimated at USD 34.98 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 51.78 billion by 2029.
The project also seeks to position Anadirobtic as a relevant player in the field of innovative robotic systems for sanding and polishing, enabling an increase in export capacity and supporting business growth of 46%, reaching ¤3.2 million by 2027. |
| Results: |
Com este projeto, pretende em termos estratégicos, desenvolver soluções, primeiramente direcionadas para o setor da mobilidade elétrica (bicicletas e cargo-bikes elétricas), tirando partido da atual dinâmica do setor e da proximidade geográfica estratégica do consórcio ao “Bike Valley” (onde se concentra a maioria do conhecimento e produtores nacionais do setor).
As necessidades supracitadas, identificadas em particular no setor das duas rodas, mas transversais a outra indústria metalomecânica, motivaram a definição do presente projeto de I&DT. Deste modo, o projeto EasySanding visa o desenvolvimento de soluções avançadas de acabamento de alto valor acrescentado.
Para tal, o consórcio assume os seguintes objetivos:
- Desenvolvimento de uma Célula (Robot) Autónoma EasySanding:
Desenvolvimento de uma célula multifunções de acabamento de quadros baseada num design de mono chassi. Equipar a célula com unidades de lixagem, polimento e fresagem, além de um robô de manipulação com troca automática de ferramentas, uma mesa dupla orbital de abastecimento contínuo e um sistema de inspeção robotizado para reconhecimento de defeitos.
- Desenvolvimento da Plataforma iSanding composta pelos módulos :
i) Expert ScanSanding: Ferramenta de reconhecimento de defeitos e diagnóstico do quadro, dotada de IA (Inteligência Artificial) para propor estratégias de lixagem, polimento e fresagem.
ii) ControlSanding ferramenta de monitorização e controlo para gerir variáveis do processo, prever necessidades de troca de ferramentas e antecipar paragens do equipamento.
iii) HMISanding : Desenvolvimento de uma Interface (HMI – Interface Homem-Máquina) baseada em IA de fácil utilização para operadores de fábrica com recomendações de parametrização sobre as correções das variáveis de processo.
- Transição Verde e Digital:
Incorporar processos eficientes e reduzir o consumo de recursos, como energia e matérias-primas, contribuindo para a transição digital da indústria 4.0.
- Fortalecimento da marca Anadirobtic:
i) Expandir a capacidade de resposta do mercado, aproveitando o crescimento do setor da mobilidade elétrica.
ii) Reforçar a capacidade tecnológica através da implementação visão artificial e IA.
-Colaboração Estratégica e Sustentabilidade:
i) Reforçar a colaboração com a FEUP para integrar eficazmente tecnologias avançadas e transferência de conhecimento científico.
ii) Assegurar que todos os desenvolvimentos contribuam para objetivos de sustentabilidade, minimizando o impacto ambiental e apoiando práticas ecológicas.
Assim, o consórcio pretende ampliar a gama de soluções de acabamento destinadas ao setor das duas rodas, superando a complexidade e aumentando a competitividade no mercado. Além disso, o projeto procura posicionar a Anadirobtic como líder em soluções de acabamento, promovendo a inovação e a sustentabilidade na indústria. |