Robotic Manufacturing Science & Engineering Laboratory

Sandia National Laboratories and the Department of Energy (DOE) created the Robotic Manufacturing Science and Engineering Laboratory (RMSEL) for the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center (ISRC) to advance the evolution of robotic and intelligent system technologies. It is the first centralized facility designed specifically for bringing intelligent machine technologies and technologists together.

The 73,000-square-foot RMSEL facility was designed as a special environment to accommodate the unique needs of robotics and intelligent systems research. A second-floor viewing gallery concourse overlooks ground-floor laboratories used for the development of large-scale robotic systems. In addition to staff offices, there is work space for visiting collaborators. Special conference facilities are another way RMSEL provides collaboration opportunities with industry, government, and academic partners.

The state-of-the-art physical resources coupled with outstanding intellectual resources make RMSEL unique in robotic and intelligent systems research and development.

One of the main purposes of RMSEL is encouraging collaborative development with industry and academic partners. In an effort to make its resources as accessible as possible, the ISRC has invested in Virtual Collaborative Engineering (VCE), a matrix of technologies that allows scientists, engineers, technicians, and robotics operators from any location to collaborate with the ISRC staff.

Virtual Collaborative Engineering enables collaborators scattered over great distances to efficiently solve complex engineering problems, saving travel time and expense. Using VCE technologies, researchers can test theories, validate models, and advance new control operations in their own labs using the ISRC robots. Designers can access machining centers to fabricate prototypes. Manufacturers can model, simulate, and measure the performance of robotic systems before purchasing them.

By continually refining VCE technologies and developing other processes of value to the private sector, RMSEL aims to be a model of industry, university, and government teaming.

Features

• High-bay labs for large-scale precision gantry and pedestal robot
• An agile manufacturing prototype system for part handling and assembly
• Manufacturing processes such as brazing, soldering, welding, and cutting
• Labs for assembly of microsystems
• Sensor, control, and vision systems
• Computer modeling and simulation capabilities
• Remote intelligent vehicles
• Virtual reality environments
• Outdoor test area for mobile robotic experiments such as demining, waste remediation, or construction

RMSEL is available for industry and academic collaboration.