Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory, or LANL, needed a scalable, cost-effective method for rapid metal prototyping. This team developed a CNC-based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing, or WAAM, system with a dual Z-axis gantry for improved stability and precision. Powered by Dynomotion controllers, the system allows for future upgrades. Custom G-code and optimized toolpaths ensure efficient metal…

This team is collaborating with Los Alamos National Laboratory, or LANL, to develop an auxiliary transportation system for safely transferring hazardous materials between gloveboxes. LANL uses gloveboxes to prevent radioactive exposure, and the material transfer process must match this level of safety and sophistication. The team’s solution uses industrial pneumatics to efficiently deliver materials between…

This team is collaborating with Los Alamos National Laboratory, or LANL, to develop a wearable robotic exoskeleton that reduces operator fatigue caused by prolonged use of gloveboxes in plutonium handling. LANL researchers face significant muscle strain due to unnatural arm and shoulder positions required by these devices. The project aims to improve portability, usability and…

Partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory, the team is addressing ergonomic and safety challenges in glovebox operations used for material disposal. Their design integrates a UR5 robotic arm to automate repetitive tasks while maintaining human oversight for complex procedures. The addition of improved chamber access and visibility features reduces operator strain and enhances safety in…

Precision machining processes can be slowed by outdated fixturing methods that require extensive setup and operator input. This project addresses that challenge by developing a quick-change fixturing system for use across multiple machining platforms. The design focuses on reducing setup time while maintaining tight tolerances and supporting use with protective equipment. A vacuum-based workholding approach…

Glovebox operators can experience muscle fatigue and strain due to prolonged work in constrained and ergonomically challenging conditions. This project addresses that challenge by working with Los Alamos National Laboratories to develop a robotic exoskeleton that supports upper body movement during tasks. The system uses actuators to transfer load from the arms to the hips,…

Limited data on wire arc additive manufacturing systems makes it difficult to evaluate part quality and performance. This project addresses that challenge by working with Los Alamos National Laboratories to develop a low-cost WAAM testbed using a MIG welder integrated with a three-axis CNC system. The platform enables controlled fabrication of metal parts for evaluation….