Implemented projects

Project duration: 2020 – 2022
TACR grant programme: TREND: FW01010112
Project participants: AVETON s.r.o., PARDAM NANO4FIBERS s.r.o., Technical University of Liberec/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Total recognised costs: 18,010,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 11,938,000 CZK
Abstract: The project involves the development of new and unique products, and the optimisation of the production technology of acoustic panels made from recycled crystal glass focussing on reducing the energy consumption of production while simultaneously achieving the modification of functional properties, especially changing the optical properties of the resulting product, and ensuring the function of air purification. During the project, the effect of the applied technological procedure on the modification of the arrangement of the internal structure and indirectly on the useful and aesthetic properties of the product will be investigated. Changes in acoustic, optical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties due to the addition of different nanofibrous materials with added functions and the optimisation of production technology will be monitored. More information

Project duration: 2020 – 2023
“PURE” grant programme of TUL to support basic research
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec / Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Total recognised costs: 3,200,000 CZK
Abstract: The principle of micro-melting is based on the melting of SiO2-based glass at high temperatures induced by a laser or other regional heating. The melts are SiO2 particles (individual or connected with other substances) with dimensions of 0.1 to 300 µm or fibres with diameters of 100 to 1000 µm. Small doses of enamel may then be potentially used for additive technologies or for the production of nanofibers through further applied research (beyond the scope of this project). The objectives of the project are to create a basis for publishing activities in this area, to follow on from the work of university teams in the field of materials production, nanofibers, advanced instruments, and to start and develop unique basic research in the area of small doses of enamel. This will prepare the conditions for submitting an international project. A strong supporting element of the research is multi-disciplinarity, which includes the study of materials, processes in micro-melting, processes of obtaining nanostructures, preparation of sophisticated devices for the preparation and heating of small batches, and others. This connection across the university makes the research unique with a high potential for publication outputs in prestigious journals and is promising in terms of obtaining an international project.
 

Project duration: 2021 – 2022
The project is part of the TACR grant programme: GAMA 2: TP01010031
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec
Total recognised costs of the sub-project: 1,100,000 CZK
Abstract: During the basic research, an interesting material appeared. Among the basic properties of the material are its rheological properties, which allow the material to be freely shaped by hand. Based on changes in the composition, a mixture can be achieved that may also be applied in the form of a “caterpillar” through an extruder mounted on a robot. This may be used for 3D printing. The material may also be shaped by pressing, extrusion, or the application of other technologies. Subsequent baking (using an optimised temperature curve) results in a porous material with open pores. This is another distinctive feature of the resulting product. The pore size may be controlled using the temperature curve and the granulometry of the input material.
The porosity is aimed towards a mean pore size in the range of 1 to 1000 µm and in a larger range of sizes within the material. Due to the properties of the matrix made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), we assume that this non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically highly inert product may be used in the form of micrometer-sized particle filters, nanoparticle carriers, absorbent elements, or sources for the gradual release of substances into space. No less interesting are the optical effects that may be used in lighting fixtures, and the acoustic effects that may be used in noise reduction. More information

Project duration: 2015 – 2017
TACR grant programme: EPSILON: TH01031152
Project participants: Sklopan Liberec, a.s. (the main recipient), Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (other recipient).
Total recognised costs: 29,628,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 17,760,000 CZK
Abstract: The aims of the project were to analyse the process based on applied research and thereby optimise the technology of mechanical matting, to develop and operationally verify an automatic machine for matting medium formats of flat glass with a width of 1600 mm and a thickness of approximately 3 mm or more, and to test the application possibilities for products from utility glass and other materials. More information

Project duration: 2022
Economic/additional activity: Preciosa Ornela a.s.
Abstract: During production from glass, glass material is produced that can no longer be used for repeated melting. The study deals with the possibility of the non-traditional use of glass material based on experiments and analyses. The objective is to design products and technological procedures for waste utilisation.
 

Economic/additional activity: AGC Magna Exteriors (Bohemia) s.r.o.
Abstract: Evaluation of broken glass, analysis of the causes of cracking, expert consultation. The glass was experimentally evaluated. Fracture imaging of the supplied broken glass samples was performed on microscopes, stress calculations were then performed, and the possibility of glass cracking was estimated.
 

Project duration: 2017
Economic/additional activity: AGC Automotive Czech, a.s.
Abstract: As part of the project, the influence of the quality of a drilled hole on subsequent possible breakage during further heat treatment was analysed. The quality of the surface, the condition of the tool, and the dimensions and their influence on the possible failure of the entire product were analysed.
 

Project duration: 2016
Economic/additional activity: AGC Automotive Czech, a.s.
Abstract: Analysis of the causes of cracks on the edges of automotive glass in the production process. An analysis of the production process was performed in terms of the sources of damage, a computer simulation of the stress fields in the glass during handling was also conducted, and the effects of the grinding process and heat treatment during shaping were investigated. The objective was to prepare recommendations that will potentially eliminate the occurrence of defects.
 

Project duration: 2019 – 2021
TACR grant programme: EPSILON: TH04010256
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, FOR-G, s.r.o.
Total recognised costs: 11,858,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 7,069,000 CZK
Abstract: The main objective of the project is to perform research of the processes of non-contact measurement of surfaces of shiny materials with a high degree of parasitic reflections, the possibility of their elimination, and the subsequent development of advanced technology for non-contact measurement of the profile of gravity-formed glass. The specific outputs of the project will be a functional sample (12/2019), a prototype (12/2020), and a utility model - a system for non-contact measurement of the geometry of automobile glass (6/2021). The main result of the project will be a prototype of a flexible device for checking the quality of shaped glass on the line using an on-line/in-line system. The device prototype will be designed so that it can be deployed in test operation on a line at an automotive glass manufacturer. More information

Project duration: 2021
Economic/additional activity: Škoda Auto a.s.
Abstract: The project dealt with the issue of the use of robotic grippers for picking and, more broadly, the automation of logistics processes. The arm requirements and arm selection procedure were specified. Criteria for the choice of grippers were established and conceptual designs of robotic workplaces were developed.
 

Project duration: 2017
Economic/additional activity: Škoda Auto a.s.
Abstract: Based on research into the current state of automatic bin picking, several options for technical solutions were proposed. Special attention was paid to camera systems, applied sensors, and the method of distribution of coordinates between the sensing technology and the robot.
 

Solution time: 2022
Economic/additional activity: Škoda Auto Vysoká škola o.p.s.
Abstract: The project deals with the current trend of using autonomous vehicles (AGV) for logistics purposes on modern production lines, including a market analysis and possible deployment on a specific line.
 

Project duration: 2022
Economic/additional activity: Škoda Auto Vysoká škola o.p.s.
Abstract: Currently, there are standardised pinion systems for fixing selected parts in pallets during transport. The objective of the project is to develop a universal pinion.
 

Project duration: June-November 2022
Economic/additional activity: STI Development, s.r.o.
Abstract: Development of the innovative exercise module BeatFIT based on the principle of a bar balancer for use in synchronised and predictively controlled exercise of the musculoskeletal system with a focus on the upper half of the body. It will be possible to use the balancer both for practicing group movement activities and for individual exercises with constant weight and visual feedback for controlling the execution of individual exercises.
 

Project duration: 1 January 2016 – 31 December 2019
Provider: MPO - APPLICATION - project number: CZ.01.1.02/0.0/0.0/15_019/0004507
Project participants: ÚJV Řež, a. s. (investigator) and Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (co-investigator)
Total recognised costs: 23,062,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 0 CZK
Abstract: The main objective of the project was to acquire new knowledge needed for industrial research and experimental development in the field of decommissioning nuclear power plants. The main output of the project was a sampling probe (service robot) laboratory-tested on a model stand, enabling technical conditions to be simulated and a verified technology related to a technological procedure optimised with regard to a feasibility study for the handling of produced radioactive materials, which will be tested under laboratory and pilot conditions. More information

Project duration: 1 October 2012 – 30 June 2015
Grant of the Ministry of Education and Culture: OP Research and development for innovation ED3.1.00/13/0291
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations / Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Total recognised costs: 33,681,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 33,681,000 CZK
Abstract: The main objective of the project was to accelerate the introduction of promising technologies and inventions with high application potential, which are currently available at the Technical University of Liberec. Service robots, components, and innovation modules for applications in the automotive industry and sophisticated textile innovations are represented here. The activities of the project included a comprehensive survey for the evaluation of the results with a focus on the targeted preparation of the commercial application of outputs from previous large projects (research intentions and research centres), developed in the form of utility models, patents, invention applications, functional samples, and prototypes of equipment, methodologies, and promising technologies. More information

Project duration: 2017 - 2020
TACR grant programme: EPSILON TH02020252
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (main recipient), Dopravní podnik města Ústí nad Labem a.s. (other recipient), Dopravní podnik měst Liberce a Jablonce nad Nisou, a.s. (other recipient)
Total recognised costs: 9,872,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 5,885,000 CZK
Abstract: The project deals with the development of a method and equipment for removing ice on trolleys in urban electric traction. It focused on active electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical principles to replace existing chemical and thermal methods of ice removal. The development focused on the use of mechanical multi-directional vibrations. More information

Project duration: 2018 – 2021
TACR grant programme: EPSILON TH03010299
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (other recipient), EMBITRON s.r.o. (main recipient), THERAP-TILIA, spol. s.r.o. (other recipient)
Total recognised costs: 14,574,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 8,687,000 CZK
Abstract: The main objective is the development of a robot capable of significantly contributing to the recovery of walking in patients affected by paresis or plegia of the lower limbs. This robotic device will be intended for the clinical and personalised re-education of bipedal locomotion of the lower limbs affected by partial or total disability. The developed device will combine the unique kinematic structures of mechanisms actively manipulating the limbs in a circular and bipedal manner with actively controlled force moments. More information

Project duration: 2018 – 2020
TACR grant programme: EPSILON: TH03010459
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Dopravní podnik měst Liberce a Jablonce nad Nisou, a.s.
Total recognised costs: 5,870,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 3,507,000 CZK
Abstract: The objective of the project is to develop and operationally verify methodology for measuring the profile and track gauge of tram tracks under real loads, which will result in the creation and fault reduction of a prototype diagnostic device mounted on a test tram. The track gauge and especially the rail profile represent key operational and safety parameters of tram transport, the periodic operational detection of which is necessary especially in critical sections of tracks (e.g., in small curves). The project will involve testing the possibilities of contact and non-contact measurements, on the basis of which continuous measuring equipment at speeds of 20-25 km/h will be designed, including a function for evaluating critical safety conditions. Emphasis will be placed on freeing the measuring device from dynamic driving manifestations (e.g., parasitic vibrations). More information

Project duration: 2021 – 2022
Economic/additional activity: Rieter CZ s.r.o.,
Abstract: Production and supply of optimised devices for checking the adhesion of plastic on discs using cameras. The project included modification of a camera system, pneumatic circuit, and electrical wiring in order to minimise inspection times.
 

Project duration: 2015 – 2016
Economic/additional activity: Rieter CZ s.r.o.,
Abstract: As part of the project, a reliable solution was found for checking the adhesion of plastic on discs using cameras. The result is a hardware and software solution to the problem with subsequent implementation. The equipment was delivered to order, and long-term service was provided.
 

Project duration: 2018
Economic/additional activity: Škoda Auto a.s.
Abstract: The project focuses on the analysis of the possibilities of non-contact identification of defects on the surface of thermal foil applied to battery modules. The acquired image was in 3D and was acquired under load. The result was a device design for operational control. A specific solution had to be used to solve the problem, as the foil was partially transparent on the surface with scattering below the surface.
 

Project duration: 2016
Economic/additional activity: FOR G, s.r.o.
Abstract: On the basis of research and experimental activity, options for non-contact detection of dimensional accuracy - 3D shape of automotive glass with a focus on high-speed measurement and evaluation of deviations from the desired shape were recommended. Several non-contact detection methods were proposed.

Project duration: 2015
Economic/additional activity: AZOS, s.r.o. (now AUREL CZ s.r.o.)
Abstract: The aim of the analysis was the design of devices for reliable and relatively easy acquisition of images of gearing and their impressions (points of engagement) after load tests.
 

• AGC Automotive Glass Europe, Czech Republic – Modification of the SAREME furnace chain.
• AGC Flat Glass Czech, a.s. – Implementation of sophisticated methods in the process of automatic production and processing of flat glass.
• Crystalex a.s. – Development of a new type of product in the area of household glass and related technologies.
• KS-Europe s.r.o. – Rapid manipulation of 3D advertising objects on a packaging line.
• Krajská nemocnice Liberec, a.s. – Ergometer.
• Preciosa Ornela, a.s. – Reconstruction of the ejection mechanism of a G6 machine.
• Rieter CZ s. r. o. – Camera quality control, development, and implementation of a mobile chassis for handling bulky containers.
• RONA, a.s. – Mathematical model describing stress relaxation in utility glass.
• SKLOPAN Liberec, a. s. – Innovation of machines, equipment, and implementation of advanced technologies in the process of automatic production and processing of flat glass.
• Sklostroj Turnov CZ, s.r.o. – Solutions for reducing the noise and heat load of the operator of serial machines – liquid cooling of moulds.
• Škoda Auto, a.s. – Robotic frontend development.
• TIRSO a.s. – Equipment for measuring crane tracks intended for renovation