Factory of the Future is a collaborative project by several research institutes of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The goal is the digital transformation of robot-assisted production processes within the framework of Industry 4.0. With the endoscopic inspection robot ELISE, the DLR aims to automate the collection of data during the inspection of machine components. Due to very confined spaces, the DLR required a very slim housing design for the endoscopic camera head and the cover on the shaft. This meant: very little room for design, since form usually requires space — at least, in theory.

For the demanding requirements profile, zweigrad Design developed a sophisticated formal language. While the initial concept and design phase had a look reminiscent of Star Wars, the housing ultimately designed by zweigrad convinces with its clear, understated design. Important details include: carefully designed joints, a variation of materials, and strong contrasts. The highlight: the camera head shows a friendly “face,” giving the housing its distinctive charm while conveying safety, trust, and transparency. Also notable: the high-quality metallic housing fits seamlessly into the robotic environment.