The 2015 mechatronics awards have been presented

For the 8^eedition, the European awards created by Thésame in partnership with Artema and Cetim rewarded the latest mechatronics innovations in 6 categories. Each year brings its own surprises: in 2014, it was Carmat's artificial heart. In 2015, it was "made in France" that took all the prizes.

Award PME : Coval (26): the communicating mechatronic vacuum pump

The Lemcom pneumatic mini-vacuum pump is based on a product architecture that differs from that usually found in pneumatic distribution islands that accept vacuum pumps. In fact, this patented architecture differs mainly in the way several mini-vacuum pumps are connected to each other.

Award research : CEA LETI (38) : the robotic thumb

The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate the performance of a tactile sensor to instrument a robotic hand. CEA has developed a sensor that measures contact position, the 3 components of the force exerted and the torque applied to the system to which it is attached. The system's high spatial resolution and wealth of information are well suited to dexterous robotic manipulation of objects.

Award grand groupe : Bosch Rexroth (69) : the joystick developed using agile methods

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in France, the new 4THEC5 SIL2 joystick, a key component of state-of-the-art mobile machines, is the optimum solution for improving robustness, safety and user comfort. In addition to incorporating SIL2 safety functions to comply with the European Machinery Directive, the joystick is a real concentrate of technology (contactless sensor, on-board software, "plug & play") while retaining the ergonomics appreciated by hydraulic manipulators.

Award start-up: Naio Technologies (31): the field robot

The Oz market-gardening robot is an autonomous tool combining robustness and ecology, capable of assisting market gardeners with the most arduous tasks: transporting loads during harvesting and mechanical weeding. This small robot moves directly between the rows, for precision work. It consists of a mobile electric platform with four drive wheels, to which various tools and sensors are attached.

ETI Award: Poclain hydraulics (60): hydraulic stop and start CleanStart is a mechatronic system that provides a "Stop & Start" function for large-displacement industrial engines. It optimizes the total cost of ownership of machines without compromising productivity. Unlike electric starting solutions, this solution offers significant advantages.

Award formation : UTC (60): the motorcycle that thinks it's a drone (student project)

The aim of easy trail, a student project, is to study the feasibility of a service drone based on a Quadrirotor. The weight/power ratio and autonomy requirements have led to conventional solutions (heat engine and hydraulic transmission) that are paradoxically innovative in this context. Controlling the drone requires an electronic command interface between the deliberately traditional handlebars and the action on the transmission. This makes it a true mechatronic object.