Versatile Robotics

Versatile Robotics commercialises a model-predictive task-space controller developed from DLR research. The MPTC software handles position, interaction and force objectives in one optimisation loop, allowing a multi-joint arm to remain compliant while moving quickly around singularities, contact changes and constrained workspaces. It is intended to replace layers of manually tuned motion and force-control code within industrial robot or cobot applications.

The controller is integrated with the customer’s existing robot, tooling and safety architecture rather than supplied as a complete machine. Engineers define the task and physical constraints, while the software computes joint commands in real time and adapts the motion when the robot touches a part or encounters variation. This is useful for assembly, finishing and manipulation tasks that need both speed and controlled contact. Versatile reports cycle-time gains of up to fourfold in selected applications, with the achievable result dependent on the robot, process and safety limits.