The DiggiWorms project combines various approaches of bionics with artificial intelligence. For a use case from the foundry, Fraunhofer IGCV scientists are developing an innovative search and gripping system with integrated sensor technology to remove fragile sand cores from the construction space.
The gripping system can dig into the sand like a hand. The fingers, analogous to the mobility of worms, penetrate downwardly compacting layers of sand.
The segmented design of the individual worms enables flexible movement in 360°. Integrated sensors give the worm fingers the necessary dexterity to intelligently locate and carefully feel the component in the installation space using CAD data. Once the component has been located, the individual worm fingers wrap around the component according to size and geometry and pull it out of the installation space – without crushing it.
Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV