Next generation drivetrains for robotics

Important results from the project

The aim was to create a new branch of research within KTH that could support ABB´s increased interest in electrical machines and drive systems with semiconductors with wide band gaps for applications in robotics. The mobility program was the perfect way to integrate and complement industrial and academic knowledge and created spin-off activities for master students, PhD students, and postdocs. There is a plan to continue the collaboration in the longer term with an official affiliation at KTH, and a continued interest in finding new funding opportunities for new projects.

Expected long term effects

The initial expectation was to find a way to introduce relevant activities related to robotics to KTH students and researchers active in the field of electrical engineering, specifically on electrical machines and drive systems. This expectation has been fulfilled (supervision of theses, a new doctoral project, and a six-month contract for a postdoc) and there are more projects in the works. At the same time, we had KTH-ABB discussions covered by confidentiality agreements that helped to further find technical solutions and coordinate our research interests.

Approach and implementation

The mobility was arranged so that bilateral discussions took place at least every two weeks, for two hours each time, either at KTH or online. At these meetings, we reviewed the activities and planned for the next ones. We prepared the project proposals, discussed confidential aspects of ABB´s robotics applications, and talked about what could be done beyond the mobility program. We concluded that when the mobility program ended, we would need to structure the collaboration with an affiliation contract at KTH, which we are currently pursuing.