SCHUNK among top 3 nominees

With the innovative 2D Grasping Kit, SCHUNK has secured one of the top three spots in the nomination for the HERMES AWARD 2024. The AI-supported application kit offers a quick introduction to autonomous handling of non-position-oriented objects. There is no prior knowledge of programming or image processing required.

How can flexible, efficient and future-proof production be achieved in the face of skilled labor shortages and resource conservation? With automation! SCHUNK has developed the 2D Grasping kit for a quick introduction to the autonomous handling of non-position-oriented objects. It enables the reliable handling of different, randomly arranged parts of a conveyor belt, tray or supply table - even under changing light, color or background conditions. The application kit consists of a camera with lens, an industrial PC, AI software and an application-specific gripper. All components are perfectly matched and can be combined with any higher-level robot and control system. Central to this is the AI software specially developed by SCHUNK in combination with an intuitive user interface. This means that users do not need any prior knowledge of programming or image processing. Once set up, the AI-supported software guides companies step by step through the learning process of grip planning. Once objects are photographed and named, the AI trains itself - completely offline. With the 2D Grasping Kit, recurring sorting or logistics tasks can be automated reliably and with little effort.

Outstanding ideas for the future sought

The annual HERMES AWARD is Hannover Messe's international technology award. The award honors outstanding products and innovative solutions that demonstrate a high degree of technological innovation and provide benefits for industry, the environment and society. Economic efficiency and the suitability of the product for implementation also play a decisive role in the evaluation process. An independent jury of experts with representatives from politics, business, research and society, chaired by Prof Dr Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, selected three entries in a preliminary decision-making process, including SCHUNK's 2D Grasping-Kit. The winner will be announced at the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe on April 21, 2024.

Expertise for industry-leading solutions

Automation expert SCHUNK develops and produces flexible automation solutions for customers in a wide variety of industries. The user-friendly solutions support customers in increasing their efficiency and maintaining their competitiveness in a dynamic production environment with a wide variety of parts.

With the 2D Grasping Kit, SCHUNK again offers a complete solution that significantly facilitates the start-up of automated processes and, in addition to more efficient production design, above all offers potential savings in the use of time and resources. schunk.com