Low-Cost Sensory Glove for Human–Robot Collaboration in Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

Human–robot collaboration (HRC) enables humans and robots to coexist in the same working environment by performing production operations together. HRC systems are used in advanced manufacturing to improve the productivity and efficiency of a manufacturing process. The question is which HRC systems can ensure that humans can work with robots in a safe environment. This present study proposes a solution through the development of a low-cost sensory glove. This glove was developed using a number of hardware and software tools. The sensory glove analysed and computed the motion and orientation of a worker’s hand. This was carried out to operate the robot through commands and actions while under safe operating conditions. The sensory glove was built as a mechatronic device and was controlled by an algorithm that was designed and developed to compute the data and create a three-dimensional render of the glove as it moved. The image produced enabled the robot to recognize the worker’s hand when collaboration began. Tests were conducted to determine the accuracy, dynamic range and practicality of the system. The results showed that the sensory glove is an innovative low-cost solution for humans and robots to collaborate safely. The sensory glove was able to provide a safe working environment for humans and robots to collaborate on operations together.

Keywords

• human–robot collaboration
• sensory glove
• flexible manufacturing systems
• industry 4.0