Evaluation of control systems for a cobot in terms of trajectory execution precision and collision avoidance

This service evaluates and validates collaborative robot (cobot) control systems, enabling companies to improve precision, safety, and reliability in human-robot collaborative environments. It supports robotics developers and industrial companies in ensuring that cobots meet performance requirements before deployment in real production settings.

The service assesses key aspects of cobot behaviour, including trajectory accuracy, repeatability, response time, and collision avoidance capabilities. Performance is measured using predefined indicators such as positioning error (e.g. millimetre-level precision), success rate in obstacle avoidance, cycle time, and system robustness under varying operating conditions.

By providing objective and measurable results, the service helps build confidence in AI-based or advanced control systems, supporting safer integration of cobots into manufacturing processes and improving overall operational efficiency.

The service follows a structured process:

• Definition of the use case and performance requirements (e.g. assembly, handling, human-robot collaboration)
• Selection of key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Integration of the customer’s control system into testing environments
• Execution of test campaigns using real cobot platforms and controlled scenarios
• Measurement and benchmarking of performance
• Identification of improvement opportunities and recommendations

The result is a technical report describing the conducted tests, evaluation methodology, and obtained results. The report includes quantitative metrics and benchmarking data, enabling companies to validate system performance and support certification or deployment decisions.

Typical applications include collaborative assembly tasks, robotic handling in manufacturing SMEs, and human-robot interaction scenarios in logistics or production lines. For example, robotics companies can validate new control strategies, while SMEs can ensure safe and precise operation of cobots in shared workspaces.

To carry out the service, customers are expected to provide access to their control algorithms or system configurations, relevant technical documentation, and, where applicable, cobot platforms or test components. Data related to trajectories, control parameters, and safety configurations should be available in standard formats. ITA provides testing facilities, robotic platforms, measurement systems, and expertise in robotics and control.

This service is designed for:

• Robotics and automation developers seeking to validate and improve cobot control systems
• Industrial companies and SMEs aiming to deploy collaborative robots with high precision and safety standards

To start a project, companies can contact ITA to define the application and performance requirements. This initial step includes a feasibility assessment and KPI definition, followed by a tailored proposal, execution of testing activities, and delivery of results.