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A need to protect a robotic arm from desert heat, UV rays and dust brought Kolorful Kanvas Ltd. of Christchurch, New Zealand, a custom project from an existing local client.
The robot would be working in the Arizona desert, charging large electric mining vehicles. The bag protecting it needed to be insulated and highly flexible—and the team also needed that latter quality, as the robot’s design evolved during the project, requiring pattern and fabrication changes.
The end product consisted of two parts: the main bag covering the majority of the robot and a separate cover over the end effector, which has multiple components that move independently in all directions, including sliding and rotating.
A series of panels comprise the main bag, using a three-layer construction: PVC for the outer and innermost layers and a middle insulation layer of wool. UV resistance was of utmost importance for the outside, and wool was an easy choice for the insulating layer due to it naturally having fire-resistant properties.
“Weight became a concern, as the bag couldn’t be too heavy—this would hinder the robot’s mobility,” say the notes for the project’s entry into the International Achievement Awards. “At the same time, it couldn’t be too loose, as that would prevent it from folding and fitting into its designated container.”
The cover for the end effector “needed to be modular for easy removal and maintenance,” the notes continue. “All joins had to be both dustproof and waterproof, while still allowing for free movement of the robot parts.”
The project was one the team can be proud of. “This wasn’t just a cover—it was a tailored, technical skin for an evolving machine in one of the world’s harshest operational environments,” the entry says. “The success of the project was a testament to our team’s ability to innovate, adapt and deliver under pressure.”
Project Name: Energise 360 Electric Charging Robot Bag
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Company: Kolorful Kanvas Ltd.
Fabrics: Bochini F/R PVC and Horse Lining RW500, W. Wiggins Ltd.
Hardware/findings: Aqualoc zips, QCD Ltd.
See impressive custom projects in every issue of Specialty Fabrics Review, including entrants into and winners of International Achievement Awards.
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