The collaboration, signed by Francesco Cupertino, rector of Poliba, and Pietro Ottavis, chief technology officer of Comau, provides for the use of a research and experimentation space where Comau, in synergy with the University, intends to launch projects related to artificial vision for non-invasive diagnostics and robot guidance.
The “Cognitive Diagnostics” laboratory was created to respond to the growing demand for flexible automation that is adaptable to any production context and able to make Factory 4.0 work processes more efficient through the use of enabling technologies.
In particular, the new laboratory will allow Comau to deepen the study of innovative vision systems and platforms that allow easier robot programming, thus facilitating and speeding the management and control of operators (low code programming).
According to the agreement, in order to promote the training and professional insertion of specialized figures, Comau will collaborate with the Politecnico’s educational activities through its participation in tutoring during training and company internships.
Furthermore, the laboratory represents a strategic asset thanks to the internationalization of the research paths carried out within it, as well as its adhesion to European and international projects.
The opening of the 'Cognitive Diagnostics' lab is the latest step of a consolidated collaboration between Comau and the Politecnico di Bari that began in 2017 with joint research projects in the field of flexible automation, vision systems and AI. To support companies in the area, in 2019, Comau also inaugurated a hub in Bari, specialised in software development for automation and digital manufacturing.
To start the lab, Comau will fund research grants, scholarships and researcher positions. The initial work team will consist of individuals contracted from the Politecnico di Bari, with the possibility to gradually increase the workforce, and will have Professor Vitoantonio Bevilacqua of Poliba as a reference.
Initially, the activities will take place at the Comau Hub in Bari, the research laboratories for Industrial Informatics, and Automation and Robotics that are hosted within the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the Politecnico di Bari.
