AI-based vision for automating cable handling and insertions in manufacturing with robots

Robots have increasingly been used in the manufacturing industry since the 1960s to perform predictable and repetitive tasks. Cambrian have recently succeeded in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to transform robotic automation in manufacturing, intelligently recognising and picking components and performing assembly tasks. This process involves 'training' the system to recognise a component and then using this 'intelligence' to recognise an individual item in a collection of many items, and determine how best to grasp it. The robot can then proceed to perform a predefined task or tasks with the component. Whilst this technology is revolutionary, there are some tasks that the system can not handle - the primary one being the handling and insertion of flexible cables. It is estimated that 50% of all manufacturing assembly tasks involve cable handling, in industries including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, medical and aerospace, equating to 1.5m people worldwide performing cable assembly tasks.

This project is to develop the AI robotics technology so that it can recognise, pick and route cables on a production line for use cases across these industries. This development is complex and involves researching, developing and training multiple AI models and integrating this learning into a usable software product. There is no current commercial state of the art product on the market - Cambrian are unique in having performed proof of concept research into fully predicting the actual cable geometry, in 3D, and then being able to find the places where it deviates from the planned path. The output of the project will be a mature AI solution that can be rapidly marketed as part of our main product portfolio to existing and new customers. The majority of assembly tasks have moved out of the UK over a number of decades, in the main due to cheaper labour costs in Southeast Asia. This technology will provide the potential for SMEs and startups in the UK to get back into the manufacturing supply chain, creating more UK jobs, generating revenue for the UK economy and improving local social and economic conditions in some of the most deprived areas of the country. This is a rare opportunity for the UK to lead the way in manufacturing technology, transforming the automation of assembly lines and creating new job opportunities, and revenue, for the UK economy.