SAM|XL is a didactic factory setup as a TU Delft non-profit foundation. SAM|XL operates from a 2000m2 industrial facility at the TU Delft Campus: www.samxl.com. The extensive multi-brand robotic infrastructure (payload: 5-450 kg, range: 0.9-12m) is “open” hardware, which means that either the factory controller can be used or an external brand-agnostic industrial PC (running for instance middleware like ROS Industrial). Data can go in & out, without encryption restrictions and without premature vendor lock-in. Available robot cells can b e used for composite lay-up, tape-laying, filament winding, NDT, drilling, composite welding, sanding, etc.
The “open” nature of the hardware means that every robot cell can be ‘upgraded’ with technology blocks that enhance the interaction of machines with raw materials, processes, the workforce and the manufacturing environment. SAM|XL and its research partners are building up an extensive toolbox of technology blocks that can be selected, adjusted, combined and demonstrated depending on the specific use-cases of our manufacturing partners. Technology blocks are selected from online open-source libraries, developed by SAM|XL or developed by research entities in EU funded subsidy projects like PENELOPE. The focus of the toolbox is manufacture of low-volume, high-variation, high-value, large-size components (but which can easily be used more widely across the manufacturing spectrum).
Partners have access to the toolbox and conduct projects with their own staff, or with support of the SAM|XL technical team, who help our partners with finding “the right industry4.0 tool for the job”. Project results are presented to the SAM|XL community during events and, depending on the interest of the audience, included in the RoboAcademy training portfolio: www.roboacademy.nl. Training covers both basic-use of hardware and software packages, as well as training related to specific applications using one or more technology blocks from the toolbox. Training, and most events, is accessible to all individuals, not limited to our partners.
The SAM|XL didactic factory offers collaborative multidisciplinary manufacturing research, innovation, education and training under one roof.
