Precise data in motion: Technology leads the way for next-generation robot and product testing
When robots need to navigate safely among people, or drones must land with millimeter precision, accurate data is critical. At the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), companies can now use motion capture technology to gain a solid data foundation for developing and validating their robotics technologies or products.
Imagine a mobile robot that needs to stop to avoid colliding with humans, or a drone that must autonomously dock with its charging station.
What these scenarios have in common is the need for extremely precise motion data.
And this is where motion capture technology demonstrates its strength.
− Within robot automation, it's a fundamental requirement: Something is moving — and we need to be able to measure it with extreme accuracy if we want to succeed with new technology, says Kasper Camillus Jeppesen, Product Manager at DTI.
What is motion capture?
Motion capture consists of a series of specialised cameras that use infrared light to track small, reflective markers mounted on robots, people, or other objects.
The result is millimeter-precise 3D data on both position and rotation, even when movements are lightning fast.
This method enables the collection of so-called ground truth data — in other words, robust reference measurements that surpass the accuracy of the sensors or systems being developed and tested.
− We can track everything from a robot arm picking up micro-components to a drone landing autonomously. Without precise data, you simply won’t know whether your technology performs as you expect, says Kasper Camillus Jeppesen.
Used throughout the product lifecycle
DTI uses motion capture across the product development process, from research and early prototyping to final validation and certification.
− Whether you're a startup, an established manufacturer, or a researcher, you need to compare your own measurements against something better and more accurate. That makes all the difference when it comes to choosing mechanics, sensors, and algorithms, and for ensuring your safety features work, explains Kasper Camillus Jeppesen.
The range of applications extends far beyond robots:
− We assist everything from manufacturers of mobile robots and drone technology, who need to meet strict requirements, to companies developing advanced artificial intelligence and needing a millimeter-precise data foundation to algorithm training. Even down to analysing human movement, he adds.
Accuracy — right at your site
DTI offers motion capture measurements both at our own robotics facilities and at customer locations.
The system is mobile and can be set up both indoors and outdoors.
− There are almost no limitations — as long as we can attach the markers. We can track everything from large machines to small components and humans, heads and hands, for example in VR or AR applications, confirms Kasper Camillus Jeppesen.
When your company faces new robotic solutions, automation projects, AI training datasets, or needs to ensure that your product meets testing and certification requirements, there is only one way forward: data you can fully trust.
− Motion capture provides the most valuable data foundation you can get. It’s your ticket to making the right decisions and bringing safe, competitive products to market, concludes Kasper Camillus Jeppesen.
Contact us today to learn how DTI can support you with detailed tracking and validation of movements using advanced motion capture technology.
The motion capture system was acquired with support from AI-MATTERS — a European initiative that is establishing a network of test and experimentation facilities in AI and robotics for the benefit of the manufacturing industry.
