Bernd Kuhlenkötter

• Professor
• Full Professor of Production Systems at Ruhr University Bochum

The utilisation of mobile robots in production environments is on the rise, particularly for tasks involving transportation and assembly. In such contexts, precise localisation is paramount. Conventional localisation technologies, such as odometry (wheel revolution measurement) and laser sensors, offer sub-millimetre-level precision but necessitate...

The competence center HUMAINE develops tools for the human-centered design and implementation of AI in work processes. A method toolbox is created that addresses challenges such as acceptance, explainability, and ethics on the levels of technology, human resources, and organization. This HUMAINE toolbox offers practice-oriented tools tested and eva...

Im DIAMOND-Projekt wird ein domänenübergreifendes, gemeinsames Informtions- und Datenmodell (Common Data Model, CDM) für den gesamten Engineering-Prozess entwickelt, um die Effizienz der Anlagenentstehung messbar zu steigern. Dieser Prozess ist derzeit fragmentiert und basiert auf verschiedenen Software-Tools und Datenformaten. Ziel ist es, mit Aut...

Fehler in Produktionssystemen führen häufig zu Nacharbeiten oder Ausschuss, bergen jedoch wertvolle Lernpotenziale. Trotz Fehlermanagementsystemen ist die gewonnene Erfahrung häufig unzureichend strukturiert, insbesondere mit Blick auf vorhandenes Wissen. Eine Umfrage unter Fachkräften soll zeigen, wie sich Defizite im erfahrungsbasierten Fehlerman...

Predicting the service life of tools offers many advantages in manufacturing, such as reduced maintenance and fewer machine failures. The advances in machine learning methods, representing a sub-area of AI, are constantly creating new potentials in this field. However, process data with a sufficiently high information density are required to use ma...

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of different exit geometries of the nozzle in the FLM process. In order to determine the effects of nozzle exit shapes, an experimental investigation was carried out. Individual strands were deposited with different nozzle exit shapes, whose shape was subsequently determined by laser scanning an...

Hydrogen is one of the main pillars in the transition to renewable energy and can be used in particular for buffering and storing energy. Electrolyzers are needed to produce sustainable, green hydrogen. Today, these electrolyzers are mainly manufactured by hand. An electrolyzer plant consists of two main components, the stack in which the actual el...

Occupational exoskeletons for industrial workplaces hold significant promise for improving worker ergonomics and safety. However, the successful selection of an exoskeleton depends on informed decision-making processes that consider various factors ranging from biomechanical performance to usability and compatibility with work tasks. This paper pre...

The optimal viewpoint for monitoring robotic production processes is crucial for maintenance, inspection, and error handling, especially in large-scale production facilities, as it maximizes visual information. This paper presents a method for dynamic camera planning using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), enabling collision-free operation and meas...

In diesem Beitrag wird die Prädiktion des Ringkletterns mittels maschineller Lernverfahren adressiert, für die messbare Prozessparameter einer konventionellen Radial-Axial Ringwalzanlage herangezogen werden. Beim Ringklettern handelt es sich um einen Prozessfehler, der in Walzvorgängen auftreten kann. Die in dieser Ausarbeitung erreichte Modellperf...

Ultrashort pulse lasers are common tools for surface structuring and marking of components. However, even finest structures generated by ultrashort laser processes may affect the mechanical properties of components. In the present work, the effects of laser-induced surface modifications on the fatigue behavior of pickled nickel titanium shape memor...

The optimal viewpoint for monitoring robotic production processes is crucial for maintenance, inspection, and error handling, especially in large-scale production facilities, as it maximizes visual information. This paper presents a method for dynamic camera planning using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), enabling collision-free operation and meas...

KRSC KRSC is a Matlab/Simulink framework developed at the Chair of Production Systems at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum capable of calculating and controlling the force dependent deflection of industrial robots based on measured relationships between joint torques and the corresponding angular displacement. While the joint stiffness curves of a KR600...

Due to the recent popularity and availability of Large Language Models (LLMs), creators of educational materials can more efficiently extract keywords for use in personalised learning recommendations than ever before. However, due to the LLMs’ probabalistic nature, the automation of the otherwise labour-intense keyword extraction inherits the risk...

In order to implement intralogistic value creation with autonomous mobile robot manipulators, the fundamental challenge of occurring vibrations must be quantified and analyzed. Therefore, this paper examines a standardized procedure for vibration measurement for mobile assembly. In addition to parameters such as speed and axis positions of the mani...

For the measurement and technical evaluation of industrial robots, a test procedure defined in ISO 9283 has existed for 25 years, with which the performance criteria of industrial robots relevant to users, e.g., path accuracy, pose accuracy, or position overshoot, can be measured. The specified test procedure and defined operating and environmental...

Shape memory alloys offer a good opportunity to replace conventional actuators, as they have a high working capacity with low space requirements and weight, a low number of (moving) components, and work quietly. However, their commercial use is not yet so widespread because the fatigue and degradation behavior of shape memory alloys is highly compl...

For a progressive and economically viable use of Shape-Memory Alloys (SMA), it is necessary to further investigate the fatigue behavior and its influence on the lifetime of SMA. In addition to material-scientific research findings, an understanding of the influences in the field of application of SMA is necessary to increase its reliability. Especi...

The increasing demand for innovative grippers and actuators for the automation sector encourages the development of new and innovative functional principles. Intelligent materials are particularly suitable for this purpose based on their high energy density. In this study, a two-finger gripper driven by shape memory alloys (SMA) for use in automati...

Despite much discussion, the double transformation is still waiting to be implemented. It remains unclear how closely digitalization and ecological change interact in company structures. In any case, the project must not only be managed by society, but also shaped by company policy, for example through new models like digital industrial platforms e...

Human activity recognition (HAR) and brain-machine interface (BMI) are two emerging technologies that can enhance human-robot collaboration (HRC) in domains such as industry or healthcare. HAR uses sensors or cameras to capture and analyze the movements and actions of humans, while BMI uses human brain signals to decode action intentions. Both tech...

Um den lang- bis mittelfristigen Wasserstoffbedarf deutschland-, europa- sowie weltweit decken zu können, ist es unabdingbar, Produktions- sowie Planungsprozesse von Elektrolyseuren zu optimieren. Im Zuge der Transformation vom Manufaktur- hin zum Fließbandbetrieb können die Elektrolyseure für die Synthese von grünem Wasserstoff für verschiedene In...

Decentralized renewable energy generation and consumption through microgrids, coupled with short- and long-term storage systems and enhanced demand flexibility, represent a promising strategy for mitigating grid stress and reducing emissions in the industrial sector. However, transitioning into a sustainable industry often poses challenges in terms...

Neueste Entwicklungen in der generativen Künstlichen Intelligenz auf Basis großer Sprachmodelle bieten enormes Potenzial für diverse Engineering-Prozesse, einschließlich jener in der Robotik. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zeigen diesbezüglich erste Einsatzmöglichkeiten auf. Der vorliegende Beitrag betrachtet den aktuellen Forschungsstand – spezi...

The current robot programming process is characterized by experts translating various tasks to be executed by a robotic system into vendor-specific code. This procedure is time-consuming, costly, and relies on the expertise of employees with in-depth knowledge of robotics and specialized programming environments. Especially in times of shorter prod...

While incremental sheet metal forming offers the potential for producing sheet metal parts in small lot sizes, the relatively low forming accuracy prevents widespread industrial use. For improving the forming accuracy, research institutes are using machine learning techniques to predict the geometric accuracy and modify the toolpath based on the pr...

Incremental sheet forming is a process for the production of sheet metal parts in small batch sizes. Due to the relatively low geometrical accuracy and the lack of precise and fast finite element analysis simulations of the process, industrial use cases are rare. Recently, a vast amount of scientific approaches simulated the process by utilizing ma...

Due to its high complexity and the varied assembly processes, hybrid assembly systems characterized by human–robot collaboration (HRC) are meaningful. Suitable use cases must be identified efficiently to ensure cost-effectiveness and successful deployment in the respective assembly systems. This paper presents a method for evaluating the potential...

Der Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme der Ruhr-Universität Bochum forscht an einem roboterbasierten Prozess zur qualitätssicheren Montage von Rohrverschraubungen zum Einsatz in der Wasserstoffindustrie.

The global push for sustainable energy has heightened the demand for green hydrogen, which is crucial for decarbonizing heavy industry. However, current electrolysis plant capacities are insufficient. This research addresses the challenge through optimizing large-scale electrolysis construction via standardization, modularization, process optimizat...

To navigate competition and create higher value for customers, manufacturing companies are more and more adopting the strategy of Servitization by enriching their product offering with services in solutions known as Product-Service Systems (PSS). While the provision of PSS presents numerous advantages for customers and providers, they also pose sig...

This work presents a test rig developed for testing the lifetime of electrically and cyclically activated shape memory alloy wires. This test rig is developed to provide information on the functional and structural fatigue of the wires. Therefore, electrical activation on the test rig can be carried out using different activation profiles, because...

The machining chatter is the major factor that results in low dimensional accuracy, poor product quality, and even downtime when the industrial robots mill parts. Milling force is one of the highest responsive parameters that can depict whether machining chatter occurs and has widely been used for monitoring purposes. However, most milling force pr...

While incremental sheet metal forming offers the potential for producing sheet metal parts in small lot sizes, the relatively low forming accuracy prevents a widespread industrial use. For improving the forming accuracy, research institutes are using machine learning techniques to predict the geometric accuracy and modify the toolpath based on the...

With the goal of developing a unified approach for implementation of training for quality methods—with the help of innovative assistance systems—the current state of research is determined within the scope of this work. These quality methods include Quality Management Systems such as Lean Management and Six Sigma. A systematic literature search is...

Low or no code machine learning platforms, whereof tools such as KNIME, DataRobot or WEKA are among the best-known, have facilitated the implementation of machine learning applications in industrial environments in recent years by transferring programming tasks to an assistance system instead of demanding users to provide the respective skills. Des...

Inhalt/Content Vorwort 1 Prozessautomation: Regelung & Optimierung Architectural elements for configuration and control of modular plants 5 Produktionsplanung für die Praxis: Simulationsgetriebene Optimierung für industrielle Batchprozesse mit Evolutionären Algorithmen 21 Containerisierung von Model Predictive Control für modulare Anlagen – Ein Sch...

Bei der Montage von Schaltschränken besteht ein hoher Bedarf, einzelne Produktionsschritte zu automatisieren. Der Beitrag fokussiert den Schritt der automatischen Verdrahtung. Essenziell ist die Entwicklung eines zuverlässigen Montagewerkzeugs. Es werden die Herausforderungen und Kriterien für die Entwicklung eines solchen Werkzeugs diskutiert. Die...

Die erfolgreiche Auswahl eines industriellen Exoskeletts erfordert für den Selektionsprozess eine fundierte Kenntnis über die betrachteten Arbeitsaufgaben. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet zuerst den Status Quo bei Vorgehensweisen zur Auswahl eines Exoskelettes. Folgend wird ein Ansatz zur Überbrückung der Informationslücke zwischen der Aufnahme von Beweg...

More and more companies are innovating their business models by offering Product-Service Systems. This is accompanied by various challenges in operative service planning and scheduling. This study examines the nature of service planning and scheduling in four different companies. It turns out that the plans are generated manually, and service plann...

Following the path of Servitization and providing Product-Service Systems (PSS) have emerged as promising strategies for numerous manufacturing companies. By integrating PSS into innovative business models that prioritize use over ownership, these companies aim to gain competitive advantages and achieve continuous revenues while customers profit fr...

Quality methods are classically applied in productive and administrative business areas as well as in the context of qualification measures. This paper presents the development of a didactic guide for the use of immersive virtual learning environments, which focuses on the training of quality methods. The guide is an element of the design phase of...

Accelerated with the developments in the context of Industry 4.0, a new trend has established itself in the manufacturing industry within the last two decades. Companies started to offer integrated solutions such as Product-Service Systems (PSS). While the provision of PSS enables benefits like business model innovation or strengthening competitive...

Increasing volatility in manufacturing and rising sustainability requirements demand more efficient processes in production, especially in employee qualification and engineering during development and on-site adjustments before and after the start of production. One possible solution is using digital twins for virtual commissioning, which can speed...

When implementing machine learning (ML) methods, for example, in the context of quality control in production, a major concern for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the effort, time, and thus cost required to train a powerful ML model. Since nowadays most manufacturers already have computer-aided design (CAD) models of their products, us...

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of different nozzle exit geometries in the FLM process on the deposition of curves and the interconnection of multiple lanes. To investigate the effects of the different nozzle exit geometries, curves were printed with different nozzles, as well as compounds of lanes next and on top of each other....

Machine learning approaches present significant opportunities for optimizing existing machines and production systems. Particularly in hot rolling processes, great potential for optimization can be exploited. Radial-axial ring rolling is a crucial process utilized to manufacture seamless rings. However, the failure of the mandrel represents a defec...

ML4ISF is a Matlab Framework with a GUI for the application of machine learning in incremental sheet forming. It is developed at the Chair of Production Systems at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. The framework offers the following features: • Data management • Toolpath import with various presets • Calculation of surface representations utilized f...

Die Produktion von technischen Systemen erfordert in Zeiten von Versorgungsengpässen, Personalmangel und fluktuierender Nachfrage ein hohes Maß an Anpassungsfähigkeit. Deshalb gilt es zu untersuchen, ob kollaborative Leichtbau-Roboter (MRK-Roboter) als Ausgleichsmöglichkeit wirtschaftlich sinnvoll für komplexe Handhabungsvorgänge, wie den Griff in...

The application of machine learning promises great growth potential for industrial production. The development process of a machine learning solution for industrial use cases requires multi-layered, sophisticated decision-making processes along the pipeline that can only be accomplished by subject matter experts with knowledge of statistical mathem...

Um den lang- bis mittelfristigen Wasserstoffbedarf deutschland-, europa- sowie weltweit decken zu können, ist es unabdingbar, Produktions- sowie Planungsprozesse von Elektrolyseuren zu optimieren. Im Zuge der Transformation vom Manufaktur- hin zum Fließbandbetrieb können die Elektrolyseure für die Synthese von grünem Wasserstoff für verschiedene In...

In dieser Veröffentlichung wird ein Modelltemplate zur Simulation von dezentralen Energieerzeuger-Langzeitspeichersystemen (DELS) vorgestellt. Der Template-Ansatz ermöglicht es, strukturiert diverse Speicherstrategien und Algorithmen zur Optimierung der DELS‑Komponentendimensionen zu entwickeln und zu evaluieren. Das DELS deckt das dezentrale Energ...

Digitalisierte Geschäftsprozesse versprechen den Unternehmen Mehrwerte, wie z. B. kürzere Durchlaufzeiten. Diese Prozesse sind jedoch selten standardisiert, sodass insbesondere kleine und mittlere Unternehmen (KMU) aufgrund finanzieller und personeller Hürden kaum von den Mehrwerten profitieren. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine für KMU entwickelte Hard-...

This poster was presented at the H2Giga Conference poster session.

Offering Product-Service Systems (PSS) becomes an established strategy for companies to increase the provided customer value and ensure their competitiveness. Designing PSS business models, however, remains a major challenge. One reason for this is the fact that PSS business models are characterized by a long-term nature. Decisions made in the deve...

Failures in context of industrial production are not only a burden and a main reason for committee and rework but can also be a chance. When failures occur within organizations, several authors and publications have pointed out the opportunities that come with them. Through failures, an organization gets the possibility to improve corresponding pro...

Providing solutions in the form of Product-Service Systems (PSS) becomes an established strategy of manufacturing companies for gaining competitive advantages. Especially in times of global crisis, the innovative business models of PSS can provide a secure and continuous source of revenue. The provision of these business models, however, is often a...

The multi-variant small part assembly of terminal strips requires innovative approaches for automated picking and meeting increased product variability demands with increasing process flexibility. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are likely to be used in material supply for small parts and, therefore, replace manual picking of parts that are rarely...

The commissioning of robot cells requires an individual safety analysis followed by an appropriate dimensioning of safety components to ensure worker safety. With increasing complexity of robot work cells, developing proper safety concepts becomes more challenging. Therefore, updated validation concepts are needed that support safety engineers and...

The main driver of industry 4.0 is data and information for realizing resilient manufacturing systems through data-based decision-making. This requires the data flow from different machinery and its processing. Therefore, a methodical survey on the logical and technical requirements for enabling an efficient data flow can be beneficial since it fas...

Die heutige Einsatzplanung der Mitarbeitenden erfolgt auf Basis von klassischen starren Parametern, wie z. B. der formalen Qualifikation und der vorhandenen Kompetenzen. Unter einer zusätzlichen Berücksichtigung von Belastungsfaktoren und individuellen Parametern könnten Mitarbeitende jedoch flexibler in der Produktion eingesetzt werden. Dieser Bei...

The change to Industry 4.0 is primarily aimed at connecting automated production devices and plants. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises are still in the preliminary stage of this networking, as they first must automate their production facilities. Various models that are able to calculate the costs of machines to be purchased can be f...

p>Hydrogen is one of the main pillars in the transition to renewable energy and can be used in particular for buffering and storing energy. Electrolyzers are needed to produce sustainable, green hydrogen. Today, these electrolyzers are mainly manufactured by hand. An electrolyzer plant consists of two main com-ponents, the stack in which the actual...

Zusammenfassung Eine der weltweit häufigsten Ursachen für Therapie- und Pflegebedarfe sind neurologisch induzierte Funktionsverluste der oberen oder unteren Extremitäten, wie beispielsweise in Folge eines Schlaganfalls. Die anschließend überwiegend manualtherapeutisch stattfindende Betreuung der Patienten erfolgt allerdings häufig nicht in wünschen...

Production environments bring inherent system challenges that are reflected in the high-dimensional production data. The data is often nonstationary, is not available in sufficient size and quality, and is class imbalanced due to the predominance of good parts. Data-driven manufacturing analytics requires data of sufficient quantity and quality. In...

Kurzfassung: Im Fokus des vom BMBF geförderten Verbundprojekts "FlexPro" (FKZ) steht die Flexibilisierung des Mitarbeitendeneinsatzes in der (manuellen) Produktion, basierend auf der Untersuchung von divergen-ten Belastungsfaktoren. Der Beitrag fokussiert das qualitativ ausgerichtete Evaluationsszenario beim Anwendungspartner ANSMANN AG und stellt...

The example of the automatization ramp-up of the hydrogen electrolyzer production illustrates the complexity of plant engineering from scratch to production. Collaboration takes place in an interdisciplinary environment of several business and engineering units simultaneously. A complex chain of a multitude of process steps is created, as well as t...

The aim of the Industry 4.0 initiative is to secure Germany’s future as an industrial location and to strengthen its competitiveness compared to other countries. In contrast to large companies, it is more difficult for medium-sized ones to implement the migration from Industry 3.0 to 4.0, as they do not have the financial and human resources to ful...

The plant engineering process is characterized by high complexity, diverse interfaces and multidisciplinary processes. Today, there is still no standardized reference process architecture. A proven procedure is to use and adapt existing planning documents with certain similarities to a new project. This involves lots of effort not only in the desig...