The 2015 mechatronics awards were awarded

For the 8^is european awards created by Thesame in partnership with Artema and Cetim have rewarded the latest mechatronic innovations in 6 categories. Every year has its share of surprises: in 2014, it was the artificial heart of Carmat. In 2015, it was the "made in France" that won all the prizes.

SME Award: Coval (26): the communicative mechatronic vacuum pump

The Lemcom pneumatic vacuum pump is based on a different architecture than is usually found in pneumatic distribution islands that accept vacuum pumps. Indeed, this patented architecture differs mainly by the choices of connection of several mini vacuum pumps between them.

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

This is the realization and evaluation of the performance of a touch sensor in order to instrument a robotic hand. The CEA has developed a sensor to measure the contact position, the 3 components of the force exerted and the torque applied to the system to which it is attached. The high spatial resolution and the wealth of information given by the system are well suited for the realization of robotic manipulation of objects.

Grand Group Award: Bosch Rexroth (69): the joystick developed in agile method

Fully designed, developed and industrialised in France, the new joystick 4THEC5 SIL2, a key component of state-of-the-art mobile devices, is the optimal solution to improve user strength, safety and comfort. In addition to integrating the SIL2 security functions to comply with the European machine directive, the joystick is a true concentration of technology (contactless sensor, on-board software, plug-play) while maintaining the ergonomics appreciated by hydraulic manipulators.

Award start up : Naio Technologies (31) : le robot des champs

The market gardening robot, Oz, is an autonomous tool combining robustness and ecology, able to assist market gardeners in the most arduous tasks: carrying loads during harvests and mechanical weeding. This small robot evolves directly between the rows, for precision work. It consists of a four-wheel drive electric mobile platform, on which various tools and sensors are attached.

ETI Award: Poclain hydraulics (60): stop and start hydraulic CleanStart is a mecatronic system that performs a "Stop-Start" function for high-cylinder industrial engines. It optimizes the total cost of ownership of the machines without compromising on their productivity. Unlike electric start-up solutions, this solution brings significant benefits.

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

The objective of easy trail, a student project, is to study the feasibility of a transport motorcycle-type service drone on a Quadrirotor base. The requirements of weight-to-power ratio and autonomy have led to conventional solutions (thermal engine and hydraulic transmission) but paradoxically innovative in the context. The control of the drone requires an electronic control interface between the deliberately traditional handlebars and the action on the transmission. This makes it a true mecatronic object.

Find out more: www.thesame-innovation.com