710463LabMonkey – robot for test, measurement and desktop automationClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKRecent developments in computer hardware, sensors and mechanical actuators have meant that high performance, human-safe, integrated robots can be built at a price point never feasible before. This has opened up the possibility of using robots in applications previously deemed unsuitable or unsafe. We have identified an opportunity to create a general purpose, robotic arm for use in R&D (research & development) and NPD (new product development) setting for automating time consuming and repetitive processes such as testing, verification and pre-production validation. We propose to develop a low cost, fully integrated, plug-and-play, human safe, desktop robot called the ‘LabMonkey’. It consists of a single robotic arm with operating range and capacity similar to that of a human arm, 600 mm reach and 5 kg payload. It will incorporate a 3D camera (Microsoft Kinect) to perceive its surroundings and enable visual tracking of the task performed. The integrated single board computer (Raspberry Pi) will enable standalone operation or seamless integration with a PC or smartphone. It can be easily programmed by a simple teach and play method that does not involve any computer coding. It will be intuitive to use, easy to setup and will eliminate the need for users to be technically trained or skilled in order to operate the robot.