FOLLOW US
Welcome to Jasper Vermeulen, our newest PhD Researcher working on the Human Factors in Collaborative Robotics project, as part of the Designing Socio-technical Robotic Systems program supervised by Glenda Caldwell.
Jasper’s primary role is to examine critical human factors related to collaborative-robotic approaches. By leveraging his expertise, we aim to create socio-technical designs that revolutionize work conditions and deliver positive outcomes for all.
Welcome Jasper!
The Australian Cobotics Centre has some incredibly E.P.I.C. researchers. Each month we will be profiling a different researcher.
Nisar Ahmed Channa is a PhD Researcher in the Human-Robot Workforce research program at the Australian Cobotics Centre. His research interests lie primarily in the areas of technology and human resource management, industry 4.0, and organisational behaviour.
We interviewed Nisar recently to find out more about why he does what he does.
I am a PhD researcher working on program 5.2: Manufacturing jobs of the future. This program aims to explore current state of literature on Cobots-workforce nexus, challenges associated with adoption of Cobots for both human workers and manufacturing companies, and implications of Cobots for manufacturing companies. My research helps to address challenges associated with the adoption of Cobots in manufacturing and is of vital importance for both academics and policy makers for workforce policies and practices needed to manage human and non-human resources. Recently, we have completed two studies on the current state of industry, speculative, and commentary sources in addressing the impact of Cobots on future jobs and employment. As a result of this, we developed a framework which helps manufacturing companies to enhance their organizational capabilities to adopt Cobots. The outcomes of this program will pave the way for Cobots to supplement human workers in assembly lines.
The main reason behind this was the fact that Australian Cobotics Centre provide me with an opportunity to work with prominent scholars in this area and to pursue my research interests in this field. Working with centre will also allow me to interact with the industry and to get firsthand knowledge about the workforce issues in manufacturing sector and to work on solutions to those issues. It will be an opportunity to contribute into an effort to enhance manufacturing capacity and increase Australia’s manufacturing potential.
One of the projects on which I worked during my masters was on how organizations going through adversities and uncertainties caused by changes in external environments can bounce back from such situations and remain competitive by developing capacity of resilience through strategic alignment of resources. At that time, the industry was going through a variety of challenges caused by global economic crises. This was one of the initial attempts endeavoured by the academia to provide policy guidelines to industry and government on how to tackle such crises and to remain competitive. I am further expanding this work in my PhD and research I am doing with ACC.
The research I am doing with ACC will lead to address issues related with adoption of Cobots in manufacturing industry. To deal with issues related to unavailability of skilled workforce, manufacturing companies are automating their manufacturing processes and adopting Cobots to meet the unavailability of skilled workforce. However, the adoption of Cobots in manufacturing brings new challenges in form of resistance from employees and workforce policies and practices needed to manage human and non-human resources. I am optimistic that my work will help Australian manufacturing companies to address these challenges associated with adoption of Cobots.
Apart from my current research at ACC, history is a topic which always fascinate me. I can easily present on topics like political history of South Asia for hours.
In this article, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Stine Johansen and PhD Researcher, James Dwyer highlight the pressing need for a #prototyping toolkit to support the design process of human-robot collaboration (HRC).
As robots become increasingly integrated into industry, companies are grappling with uncertainties surrounding their implementation and task allocation. Developing a prototyping toolkit is one way to address these challenges.
By involving manufacturers and end-users early in the design process, we can harness their domain knowledge and tacit expertise to create meaningful outcomes to transform the future of manufacturing.
Read more HERE
Collaboration and information sharing across our research programs and disciplines is vital for our Centre’s success. To support this, we ask that all our PhD Researchers present a short project introduction within their first 6 months of starting their PhD.
Earlier in the month, we heard from Jacqueline Greentree, Nisar Ahmed Channa and Nadimul Haque. Each provided an overview of their project’s goals and objectives, proposed methodology, and expected outcomes. We will continue to share updates on their progress as their research continues. In the meantime, you can find out more about what they hope to achieve HERE
The Australian Cobotics Centre has some incredibly E.P.I.C. researchers. Each month we will be profiling a different researcher.
Alan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Designing Socio-Technical Robotic Systems Program (Program 3). His research works to embed holistic design as a critical factor in creating a seamless integration of humans and machines working together. The aim of this is to improve human work conditions and environments, increase effectiveness and efficiencies in production, as well as workforce acceptance.
We interviewed Alan recently to find out more about why he does what he does.
My background is in three areas – science, architecture, and in human factors design. I worked in all three industries, and I try to bring the experiences to my research. In the ACC, I research socio-technical systems – which focus on the connections between people, the technologies they use, their activities and the use of space. This area of research is growing rapidly along with other areas linked to cobotics. The long-term impact of my research will add to the knowledge and help forge a future direction for interactions between humans and robots, particularly within workspaces.
The curiosity of new technology mainly. I wanted to work with a multidisciplinary team looking at areas I was also interested in exploring. I am interested in emerging technologies such as extended reality (XR) and the next generations of those technologies. Some of these technologies allow connections between our physical environments and the digital realm, with the digital realm becoming incredibly represented as a 3D world. These technologies aren’t just the domain of game design, computer science, or engineering – but increasingly a blend of all research disciplines. I think that’s why so many of us now collaborate with different researchers and industries from diverse fields – because the technology has the potential to impact all of us.
I don’t dwell on many past projects, but some are memorable for a few reasons. I’ve done a few projects that could be considered interactive or artistic installations, and it was interesting to see how people engage with something you’ve designed – especially when it’s not the way you thought anyone would try. It’s always surprising and teaches you to squash any assumptions.
I hope my work will help the frameworks we need for cobotics. Particularly when bringing cobots into existing workplaces. That will be where most cobots will have the most impact in Australia. In the future, I also believe there is a capacity to research the effects that cobotics and energy technology will have on workplace architecture, human well-being, and user experience. Those are areas I’d like to be involved in going forward.
Haha, probably a short list of things considered trivial or geeky. Anything technological, English Premier League, The Simpsons (the ‘golden era’ of seasons 2 to 10), Lord of the Rings or 80s movies. Closer to research, like data visualisation, and graphic design, and could talk about that for a bit.
To implement #collaborativerobotics effectively in #advancedmanufacturing, we must address the both the technological advancements required and the human and design factors that are associated with technological change. These areas form the focus of our research programs, each comprising several PhD projects that explore specific research questions.
Our Human Robot Workforce program is the first of our research programs where all of its PhD researchers have begun their projects. Today, we are delving a little deeper into the program and share the objectives of each project within it.
Program Leads: Dr Penny Williams & Prof greg hearn
Program Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Melinda Laundon
PhD researchers: Jacqueline Greentree, Nisar Ahmed Channa, Akash Hettiarachchi, Phuong Anh Tran
Other Chief Investigators involved: Dr Sean Gallagher
Associate Investigators Dr Claire Mason & Dr Luca Casali
Read more HERE
Earlier this week PhD Researcher, James Dwyer and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Alan Burden got to observe a robotic knee surgery performed by Professor Ross Crawford.
It was a great opportunity for the pair to see Ross in action with Stryker‘s Mako robot. The robot assists in accurate preparation of the bone following balancing of the knee in an attempt to put the implants in the most suitable alignment.
Although this is not a manufacturing environment, there are many elements we can carry over, including:
– how the surgeon uses and adapts their movement to the robot;
– where it is positioned in the room in relation to the patient and surgeon;
– how the surgeon gets ‘feedback’ from the robot;
and so much more.
Thanks very much for allowing us into the operating theatre Ross!
Australian Manufacturing Week was held in Melbourne from 9-12 May 2023.
It provided an incredible opportunity for me (PhD student, Jagannatha Pyaraka) to gain firsthand experience and insights into the world of cobotics in the manufacturing industry. Special thanks to Cornelius van Niekerk, Business Development Manager from Weld Australia for giving us the opportunity to share the stand. Representing the Australian Cobotics Centre (ACC) Jagannatha Pyaraka, Mats Isaksson, Michelle Dunn, Christopher McCarthy, and Anushani Bibile, showcased a demonstration featuring our new UFactory Xarm6 cobot.
Our demo aimed to demonstrate the potential of collaborative robots (cobots) in enhancing manufacturing processes. We highlighted how cobots, designed to work alongside humans, can improve productivity while ensuring safety. By employing the Media-pipe technology in conjunction with D435 RealSense camera, the cobots capability to accurately capture and follow the tip of presenter’s palm was
demonstrated.
Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to interact with a diverse audience. People were intrigued by the capabilities of cobots and had a keen interest in the ACC’s work. We engaged in discussions on various aspects, including safety, efficiency, integration, and the return on investments associated with implementing cobots in manufacturing processes. These conversations provided valuable insights into the practical challenges and applications of this emerging technology.
One particular highlight was the interaction with other exhibitors, who showcased their own advancements and trends in the industry. The most widely shown cobot application was welding. This exchange of ideas allowed us to broaden our perspectives and gain a better understanding of the future developments in cobotics.
The experience at Australian Manufacturing Week 2023 has not only provided exposure to practical applications but has also deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise when implementing cobots. Witnessing the enthusiasm and interest of the audience reaffirmed the importance of the work carried out by the ACC and boosted my passion for further research in this field.
Looking ahead, it is evident that cobotics will continue to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. As we strive to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity, the ACC will play a vital role in driving innovation and shaping the future of cobotics. I am excited to be able pursue my research in this field and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of collaborative robots in manufacturing
processes.
Overall, Australian Manufacturing Week 2023 was a remarkable experience that not only allowed us to showcase our demo but also provided valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for the future of cobotics and the ACC.
On Friday, 19 May, our ‘Designing Socio-Technical Robotic Systems’ research program Co-lead, Dr Matthias Guertler (from UTS Tech Lab) chaired a session and also presented a paper at CIRP Design 2023, hosted by UNSW.
The paper, authored by Matthias Guertler, Theodora Brackemann, Alan Burden and Glenda Caldwell, is entitled, “Mapping Socio-Technical Dependencies to Enable the Successful Adoption of Collaborative Robots in Industry”.
This work will contribute to helping companies in successfully choosing and embedding #cobots into their workplaces by better understanding how cobots and workplace interdepend.
On Wednesday, 17 May, we were very lucky to have Australian Research Council Chief Research Officer, Professor Christina Twomey visit us at ARM Hub (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing).
During the short visit, Research program co-Lead, Glenda Caldwell and ARM Hub (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) CEO, Cori Stewart talked about the Centre’s aims and how ARM Hub supports the translation of research into commercial outcomes for manufacturers.
QUT (Queensland University of Technology) researchers (postdoctoral research fellows (Melinda Laundon, Alan Burden and Stine Johansen and PhD researcher, Barış Balcı ) then provided an overview and demonstrations of some of our recent projects with industry partners, including Cook Medical, B&R Enclosures and InfraBuild. There was even an opportunity to try out the #VR headset!
Thank you for visiting Professor Twomey, we would love to have you back again in the future!
