Empowering Robotics Research and Next Gen Solutions with CMU

Carnegie Mellon University is at the forefront of cutting-edge robotics research, led by their Computational Engineering & Robotics Laboratory (CERLAB) and Manufacturing Futures Institute (MFI) in Mill19. When faced with the challenge of developing systems for construction robotics, CERLAB needed flexible, modular solutions to test and refine new concepts. Their specific needs included vision-based mobile manipulators for construction and teleoperated inspection systems for remote, real-time services. The lab sought a partner that could provide user-friendly and adaptable automation solutions that would meet both projects’ requirements and goals.

CMU’s CERLAB deployed Vention’s modular components across two groundbreaking initiatives. The Mobile Manipulator project, developed in partnership with Shimizu Corporation, used a Universal Robots cobot and mounted on a Vention mobile pedestal to inspect 3D printed complex concrete structures. In the Metrology project, a second team enabled remote robotic inspection from anywhere in the world via VR headsets. Both teams benefited from the plug-and-play nature of Vention’s ecosystem, allowing fast setup and easy mobility. These research initiatives reflect a broader adoption of Vention at CMU, including several robotics projects underway at Mill 19.

Both CERLAB projects achieved remarkable results in a short timeframe. The Mobile Manipulator project was set up quickly, with the modular system allowing CERLAB to test various configurations in a dynamic, real-world environment. The flexibility of Vention’s mobile base enabled the team to easily move and reposition the system within the lab for optimal testing. The Metrology project also saw significant advancements in remote inspection technology, with robots effectively enabling VR-based, real-time inspections, significantly improving efficiency and safety. Both projects demonstrated the value of easy-to-integrate, scalable automation solutions.Today, the partnership continues to grow, with Vention hardware now powering innovation not only in CERLAB but also across Carnegie Mellon’s Manufacturing Futures Institute. Not only are these projects underpinning research and future industry advancements, but they’re also educating and developing the next generation of the workforce and professional leaders.