Eppendorf

Robotic End effector

Description of the company

Eppendorf Liquid Handling GmbH is a leading life sciences company that develops and provides innovative systems for liquid handling and sample handling in laboratories worldwide. The company is renowned for its high-quality products and solutions that drive process optimization and automation in laboratory environments.

Situation

The UR3 collaborative robot is intended for automated pipetting tasks. To perform these tasks, it requires a suitable end effector with mechanical, electrical, and functional interfaces to the robot.

The end effector should be developed as a modular and easily expandable system, rather than as a one-off solution. A plug-and-play concept should enable quick and simple installation, commissioning, and replacement of individual modules. Eppendorf should be able to evaluate the prototype and use it as a basis for further integration and development.

Problem

A compact and reliable end effector must be developed to perform automated pipetting tasks with the UR3. The design must combine the following requirements:

• secure and stable attachment to the UR3,
• reliable handling and actuation of pipetting components,
• integration of different sensors for process monitoring,
• simple mechanical and electrical interfaces,
• quick replacement and easy expansion of modules,
• sufficient accuracy and repeatability, and
• straightforward manufacturing, maintenance, and cleaning.

The challenge is to transform these requirements into a functional prototype and demonstrate through practical testing that it is suitable for the intended application.

Aims of the project

The aim of the project is to implement and test a modular, plug-and-play end effector for the UR3.

The students shall:

• define the key requirements and interfaces,
• develop a suitable mechanical and modular concept,
• design the end effector in CAD,
• select and source suitable components and sensors,
• manufacture or prototype the required parts,
• assemble the end effector and connect it to the UR3,
• implement the sensor integration and required basic control and communication functions,
• test the system based on defined criteria, and
• document the results, interfaces, limitations, and opportunities for further development.

Scopes

The project covers the complete implementation from the initial concept to a tested prototype:

1. Requirements and concept

• Define the pipetting function, interfaces, and test criteria.
• Develop the modular and plug-and-play concept.

2. Design and development

•  Design the end effector and interchangeable modules.
• Develop the robot attachment, cable routing, and sensor mounts.

3. Sourcing and manufacturing

• Select and source standard components, sensors, electronics, and connectors.
• Manufacture the custom parts and build the prototype.

4. Integration and commissioning

Mount the end effector on the UR3.

Implement the sensor connections and basic control and communication functions.

5. Testing and evaluation

• Perform practical tests using the intended pipetting process.
• Evaluate functionality, repeatability, sensor performance, modularity, and plug-and-play capability.
• Document errors, limitations, and recommendations for improvement.

The project deliverables are a functional prototype, the associated technical documentation, and a test report for Eppendorf. The development of a production-ready, certified product and complete integration into an industrial laboratory automation system are outside the scope of the project.

Target group (students)

We are looking for students from the following study programs:

Mechatronics, Systems Engineering and Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Following prior experience, knowledge and/or skills are beneficial:

• Mechanical design and CAD,
• Mechatronics and System integration,
• Robotics, Sensors and electronics,
• Prototyping and testing

Dates
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Registration
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