Developing a transport solution where robots and humans work together

Collaborative robots are designed to work together with humans in a shared workspace, unlike traditional industrial robots that mainly work in isolated environments.

“Although there are autonomous mobile robots designed for collaboration, there are currently no commercially available collaborative vehicles that a human user can ride or drive in a practical and safe way,” says Professor Paul Davidsson.

Unique solution

The project, which is part of a larger vision of how humans and robots can work together to solve complex problems, is being carried out within the Sustainable Digitalisation Research Centre.

“We will use a unique solution that combines end-to-end imitation learning with interactive machine learning developed at Malmö University. To ensure that the solution is both useful and value-creating, physiotherapists, and end-users at the Swedish national postal service (PostNord) are included in the project team.”

 Multiple partners

The Malmö-based start-up Levtek Sweden AB has developed a prototype of an ultra-light electric vehicle that can be driven both by a human and work independently. The goal is to implement the vehicle in environments such as large warehouses, and industrial or urban areas where efficiency and sustainability are key requirements.

In addition to Levtek, the project will be conducted in close collaboration with PostNord AB, which will conduct field trials in logistics environments; Retta AB will assess the use of vehicles in large buildings, and MyoFysio AB, will analyse ergonomics to improve the user experience.

The project builds on previous research in machine learning and robotics at Malmö University, which includes a team of researchers with experience in developing advanced technological solutions.

“The overall goal is to make transport for both people and goods more efficient and sustainable for both the environment and users,” adds Davidsson.