Franka Research 3 is the reference world-class, force-sensitive robot system tailored for AI and robotics research. It empowers researchers with easy-to-use robot features as well as with low-level access to robot’s control and learning capabilities.
Engineered and manufactured in Germany, Franka Research 3 is a reliable robot system, TÜV certified for human-robot collaboration. FR3 is equipped with high-quality sensors, best-in-class actuators and is optimized for performance and ergonomics.
The 7 degrees of freedom Arm of Franka Research 3 offers human-like dexterity, enabling motions in tight spaces and around obstacles.
The torque sensors integrated at each joint finely estimate external contact forces, and the fast control loop enables prompt reaction to collisions. The high sensitivity permits advanced torque or force control possibilities and provides smooth and intuitive hand-guiding capabilities.
With Franka Research 3
Human Action Detection and Prediction:
The robot is designed to perceive its environment in real-time, with a particular emphasis on detecting human presence and actions.
Beyond simple presence detection, research aims to enable the robot to predict human movement patterns, velocity, and intended paths, allowing for proactive adjustments to its own behavior.
AI-Based Scenario Execution with an Avoidance Mechanism:
The robot executes tasks based on AI-driven scenarios (e.g., pick-and-place operations, assembly tasks).
A "human avoidance mechanism" is integrated, which activates when a potential collision with a human or obstruction of human activity is detected along the robot's path.
In response, the robot autonomously modifies its trajectory, adjusts its operational speed, or, if necessary, pauses its task and resumes only when the path is clear and safe.
The goal extends beyond mere stopping; it involves the intelligent generation of optimal avoidance paths that allow the robot to reach its objective efficiently without inconveniencing humans.
Establishing a Mutually Non-Interfering Shared Workspace:
Ensuring the robot does not obstruct humans: The robot is programmed to respect human workspaces and transit paths. It avoids causing discomfort or a sense of threat through unnecessary proximity or abrupt movements. The Franka Research 3, with its 7-DoF articulated arm and sensitive torque sensors, is well-suited for implementing nuanced and human-friendly avoidance maneuvers.
Preventing human obstruction of robot tasks: The robot is designed to adapt flexibly to unpredictable human movements or unintentional interference, thereby maintaining its workflow and task completion. For instance, if a human temporarily blocks its path, the robot may wait safely until the way is clear or actively seek an alternative route to continue its operation.
Leveraging the Capabilities of the Franka Research 3 Robot:
The Franka Research 3 offers superior force control capabilities and features joint-integrated torque sensors that precisely detect external forces. This is invaluable for both detecting physical collisions and reacting to them, and can be extended to sense subtle environmental changes caused by human presence even without direct contact, aiding in proactive avoidance planning.
As a dedicated research platform, it facilitates straightforward integration with various software ecosystems like ROS (Robot Operating System), making it suitable for implementing and experimentally validating complex AI algorithms and sensor fusion techniques.