4 Instrumentation and the factory of the future

CEA-List’s research on instrumentation and the factory of the future spans the entire value chain from sensors to decisions and actions—and the associated tools and equipment—in interaction with the real world. Automated data processing, non-destructive testing, additive manufacturing, smart robotics, sensory interfaces, and virtual and augmented reality are some of the topics we are exploring. We develop measurement systems that leverage innovative sensors and increasingly advanced in- and near-sensor data processing and analysis.

The technological advances we are working on apply to a wide range of industrial use cases, from defect detection to automated sanctioning and decision-making.Our smart robotics and machines research focuses on modular, agile, and easy-to-program systems, and on improving robots’ interaction capabilities. Specifically, we are driving progress in smart and dexterous robotic manipulation, environmental perception and decision-making, and reliable human-robot interaction.This research is supported by dedicated laboratories and research facilities intended for our R&D partnerships with companies (see sidebar on PRISM).