W.I.F.I. Welding Interaction in Future Industry / Project completed

"Industrial Welding 4.0" discovers new ways how to communicate with a welding torch without using your hands solely. The research works opens potential for people with special needs who use computer based tools.

© Fronius International GmbH 2014

Welding requires high precision and usually the use of both hands for guidance of the welding torch. Thus, the adjustment of various parameters, such as welding current or filler material, is not possible or is difficult without the interruption of the process. In cooperation with Fronius International GmbH and LIFEtool gemeinnützige GmbH, a project of FH OÖ Campus Hagenberg explores new ways of communicating with the welding machine without using the hands only.

Motivation

The special interaction requirements with which the W.I.F.I. project is dealing cannot only be found in the field of industrial welding. People with specific impairments, especially those with a paralysis from the neck downwards or with a paralysis of the arms and legs, are confronted with similar challenges.

As a result, the research within the W.I.F.I.project cannot only help to make the process of industrial welding more efficient. It should also help people with impairments in the use of computer-based devices.

Aims

The aim is to enable a valuable domain transfer between these two areas. The research work not only helps to improve an industrial process, but also helps people with impairments to communicate better with their environment. Perhaps it will lead to the opening up of new occupational fields.