Professor from SDU Robotics receives Industry Prize
Professor Henrik Gordon Petersen from SDU Robotics receives the Industry Prize from Danmarks Natruvidenskabelige Akademi for his great efforts in helping industry through his research.
- When I'm facing a concrete problem, first of all I feel frustration when I can't find the solution, but then comes joy when I succeed, says professor Henrik Gordon Petersen from SDU Robotics.
For over 25 years, Henrik Gordon Petersen has been developing robot technologies for industry, and for his great efforts in research in collaboration with industry he receives Danmarks Naturvidenskabelige Akademi's Industry Prize.
In the 90s, by looking at the boundaries between chemistry, physics and robot control he discovered how to use methods from the simulation of molecules to calculate tracks for robots.
This creative approach to robot research has helped to create unprecedented opportunities and has since contributed to forming the basis for major robot success in Odense with companies such as Universal Robots, MIR and Scape Technologies.
But new frustrations and redeeming joy still lie ahead for Henrik Gordon. The problems keep building up when robots have to complete new tasks based on mathematical models.
- Overall, it's about making accurate models of the work the robot has to do so that the robot can carry out the work precisely enough, explains Henrik Gordon Petersen.
He is currently working on making a robot with a hand steady enough to make aircraft parts for Terma Aerostructures so that the company can save money on production.
- Today, moulds for aircraft parts are made from mats consisting of carbon fibre strands impregnated with adhesive. The mats are laid on top of each other until the correct shape is attained. If we can automate this work, we will have a clear competitive advantage, and that extends to many other branches too, says Henrik Gordon Petersen.