MACCEPA 2.0: compliant actuator used for energy efficient hopping robot Chobino1D

The MACCEPA (Mechanically Adjustable Compliance and Controllable Equilibrium Position Actuator) is an electric actuator of which the compliance and equilibrium position are fully independently controllable and both are set by two dedicated servomotor. In this paper an improvement of the actuator is proposed where the torque-angle curve and consequently the stiffness-angle curve can be modified by choosing an appropriate shape of a profile disk, which replaces the lever arm of the original design. The actuator has a large joint angle, torque and stiffness range and these properties can be made beneficial for safe human robot interaction and the construction of energy efficient walking, hopping and running robots. The benefit of the ability to store and release energy is shown by the 1DOF hopping robot Chobino1D. The achieved hopping height is much higher compared to a configuration in which the same motor is used without a series elastic element. The stiffness of the actuator increases with deflection, more closely resembling the properties shown by elastic tissue in humans.     

A study on effect of biarticular muscles in an antagonistically actuated robot arm through numerical simulations

Control of articulated robots by biarticular actuation has recently attracted great attention in the research field of robotics. Although many of studies concerned with this issue deal with legged robots or robot arms kinetically interacting with environment such as a floor or an object, motion control of an articulated robot arm with no kinetic interaction is also an interesting topic of biarticular actuation. In the motion control, a major issue is how it is possible for biarticular actuation to contribute to improvement of control; however, showing a clear finding for this issue seems to be considerably difficult. This paper considers a study for exploring that issue. Biarticular actuation usually constitutes a redundant actuation system; therefore, control of a robot arm to a desired posture can be achieved by many combinations of actuator forces. Based on this feature, this paper considers three typical combinations of actuator forces. Point-to-point control of the robot is performed for each of the combinations in simulation, and control performances of the combinations are compared with each other. In addition, the performances are compared with that of monoarticular actuation. In those comparisons, two of the three combinations show similar control performances, which suggests possibility of major contribution of biarticular actuators to motion control of a robot arm. On the other hand, control performance of the other combination is similar to that of monoarticular actuation, rather than those of other two combinations.     

21世纪非制造业自动化的发展与特种机器人研究思考

21世纪初将是非制造业自动化(包括农业自动化、服务自动化和地下、水下、地面(建设)作业自动化等)的快速发展时期.文中从分析工业机器人技术的进步对制造业自动化发展的影响着手,指出非制造业自动化的快速发展,将对特种机器人产生巨大的需求;特种机器人作为一种具有高度灵活性的自动化并逐渐智能化的机器,无疑具有很大的发展空间;同时特种机器人技术的发展,将极大地推动非制造业自动化的发展,特种机器人技术将成为非制造业自动化中的核心技术之一.该文还建议,我国特种机器人研究应放在非制造业自动化发展的大环境中开展,同时应重视多学科交叉,研究队伍不能局限于自动化领域.     

An intelligent knowledge-based system for robotic cell design

As research fields in AI accelerate and a greater number of experts are demanded by industry, Expert y tem play an important role in meeting the technological sophistication required in today's competitive world. Industries are demanding the assistance of human experts for solving complicated problems. However, there is a shortage of experts due to this demand. Expert Systems are rapidly becoming one of the major approaches to solve engineering and manufacturing problems. They have been implemented for several practical applications in many decision making problems. Expert Systems are helping major companies to diagnose processes in real time, schedule operations, maintain machinery and to design service and production facilities.

Robots are an integral part of today's manufacturing environment. New tasks are being defined for robots in order to meet the challenges of Flexible Manufacturing Systems. Along with this growth there is an increasing variety of robots to choose from. One of the major problems facing the potential robot user will be his/her choice of an optimum robot for a particular task. Various parameters should be considered and the user should choose an industrial robot whose characteristics satisfy the requirements of the intended task. This paper will present a solution to the problem of selecting an optimum robot by building a Knowledge-Based Expert System. It uses the knowledge base and the rules to determine an optimum robot.     

Rapid response manufacturing through a rapidly reconfigurable robotic workcell

This article describes the development of a component-based technology robot workcell that can be rapidly configured to perform a specific manufacturing task. The workcell is conceived with standard and inter-operable components including actuator modules, rigid link connectors and tools that can be assembled into robots with arbitrary geometry and degrees of freedom. The reconfigurable “plug-and-play” robot kinematic and dynamic modeling algorithms are developed. These algorithms are the basis for the control and simulation of reconfigurable robots. The concept of robot configuration optimization is introduced for the effective use of the rapidly reconfigurable robots. Control and communications of the workcell components are facilitated by a workcell-wide TCP/IP network and device-level CAN-bus networks. An object-oriented simulation and visualization software for the reconfigurable robot is developed based on Windows NT. Prototypes of the robot workcells configured to perform the light-machining task and the positioning task are constructed and demonstrated.     

Present and future robot control development—An industrial perspective

Robot control is a key competence for robot manufacturers and a lot of development is made to increase robot performance, reduce robot cost and introduce new functionalities. Examples of development areas that get big attention today are multi robot control, safe control, force control, 3D vision, remote robot supervision and wireless communication. The application benefits from these developments are discussed as well as the technical challenges that the robot manufacturers meet. Model-based control is now a key technology for the control of industrial robots and models and control schemes are continuously refined to meet the requirements on higher performance even when the cost pressure leads to the design of robot mechanics that is more difficult to control. Driving forces for the future development of robots can be found in, for example, new robot applications in the automotive industry, especially for the final assembly, in small and medium size enterprises, in foundries, in food industry and in the processing and assembly of large structures. Some scenarios on future robot control development are proposed. One scenario is that light-weight robot concepts could have an impact on future car manufacturing and on future automation of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). Such a development could result in modular robots and in control schemes using sensors in the robot arm structure, sensors that could also be used for the implementation of redundant safe control. Introducing highly modular robots will increase the need of robot installation support, making Plug and Play functionality even more important. One possibility to obtain a highly modular robot program could be to use a recently developed new type of parallel kinematic robot structure with large work space in relation to the robot foot print. For further efficient use of robots, the scenario of adaptive robot performance is introduced. This means that the robot control is optimised with respect to the thermal and fatigue load on the robot for the specific program that the robot performs. The main conclusion of the presentation is that industrial robot development is far away from its limits and that a lot of research and development is needed to obtain a more widely use of robot automation in industry.     

Augmented reality-assisted robot programming system for industrial applications

Robots are important in high-mix low-volume manufacturing because of their versatility and repeatability in performing manufacturing tasks. However, robots have not been widely used due to cumbersome programming effort and lack of operator skill. One significant factor prohibiting the widespread application of robots by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is the high cost and necessary skill of programming and re-programming robots to perform diverse tasks. This paper discusses an Augmented Reality (AR) assisted robot programming system (ARRPS) that provides faster and more intuitive robot programming than conventional techniques. ARRPS is designed to allow users with little robot programming knowledge to program tasks for a serial robot. The system transforms the work cell of a serial industrial robot into an AR environment. With an AR user interface and a handheld pointer for interaction, users are free to move around the work cell to define 3D points and paths for the real robot to follow. Sensor data and algorithms are used for robot motion planning, collision detection and plan validation. The proposed approach enables fast and intuitive robotic path and task programming, and allows users to focus only on the definition of tasks. The implementation of this AR-assisted robot system is presented, and specific methods to enhance the performance of the users in carrying out robot programming using this system are highlighted.     

机器人感知与控制关键技术及其智能制造应用

智能机器人在服务国家重大需求,引领国民经济发展和保障国防安全中起到重要作用,被誉为“制造业皇冠顶端的明珠”.随着新一轮工业革命的到来,世界主要工业国家都开始加快机器人技术的战略部署.而智能机器人作为智能制造的重要载体,在深入实施制造强国战略,推动制造业的高端化、智能化、绿色化过程中将发挥重要作用.本文从智能机器人的感知与控制等关键技术的视角出发,重点阐述了机器人的三维环境感知、点云配准、位姿估计、任务规划、多机协同、柔顺控制、视觉伺服等共性关键技术的国内外发展现状.然后,以复杂曲面机器人三维测量、复杂部件机器人打磨、机器人力控智装配等机器人智能制造系统为例,阐述了机器人的智能制造的应用关键技术,并介绍了工程机械智能化无人工厂、无菌化机器人制药生产线等典型案例.最后探讨了智能制造机器人的发展趋势和所面临的挑战.     

基于变胞机构的移动机器人构型设计研究综述

基于传统机构设计的移动机器人,由于机构运动关系相对固定、配置形式单一,难以在复杂地形中快速通行。变胞机构是一种全新的机构组合形式,在瞬时能使某些构件发生合并和分离,使机构有效构件数或自由度数发生变化,具有较强的环境适应性。变胞机构设计的移动机器人可以将速度、灵活性和稳定性集于一体,实现移动机器人在复杂环境中的快速移动。本文针对变胞机构及其移动机器人的构型设计、运动原理、驱动方式及空间配置进行了综述,归纳了现有基于变胞机构的移动机器人所面临的关键问题和技术进展,并对变胞机器人的未来发展方向进行了展望,为变胞移动机器人的发展提供参考。     

Framework for Assessing Robotic Dexterity within Flexible Manufacturing

With growing demand for flexibility in manufacturing processes, interest in dexterous industrial robots is increasing. To facilitate benchmarking, and to assess the suitability of these robots for flexible manufacturing tasks, there is a need to develop new methods of capturing the relevant performance characteristics of industrial robots. This research aims to show that the Boothroyd-Dewhurst (B-D) Design-For-Assembly method, an established method for optimizing manufacturing processes, can be effectively adopted to form the basis of a comprehensive robotic dexterity assessment within flexible manufacturing. A comparative study is conducted which shows that the B-D classification tables offer the most comprehensive solution due to the range of operations and artifacts considered. Building on these tables, a framework is developed for determining the suitability of a robot system within flexible manufacturing operations. In a sample test-case scenario involving a pick-and-place operation, the framework is shown to produce an accurate estimate of robot performance that can be easily compared to human data. The framework establishes a link between manufacturing operations and robot performance metrics, which addresses the current difficulty in robot integration and highlights the framework’s potential for adoption within flexible manufacturing.     

On the design of intelligent robotic agents for assembly

Robotic agents can greatly be benefited from the integration of perceptual learning in order to monitor and adapt to changing environments. To be effective in complex unstructured environments, robots have to perceive the environment and adapt accordingly. In this paper it is discussed a biology inspired approach based on the adaptive resonance theory (ART) and implemented on an KUKA KR15 industrial robot during real-world operations (e.g. assembly operations). The approach intends to embed naturally the skill learning capability during manufacturing operations (i.e., within a flexible manufacturing system).The integration of machine vision and force sensing has been useful to demonstrate the usefulness of the cognitive architecture to acquire knowledge and to effectively use it to improve its behaviour. Practical results are presented, showing that the robot is able to recognise a given component and to carry out the assembly. Adaptability is validated by using different component geometry during assemblies and also through skill learning which is shown by the robot’s dexterity.     

一种协作型机器人运动性能分析与仿真

随着制造模式的变革,协作型机器人在工业领域的应用日益广泛。本文介绍了协作型机器人的特性,并且以KUKA LBR iiwa机器人为例,进行运动性能分析,旨在为研发此类机器人提供设计理论依据。利用Denavit-Hartenberg法建立了该机器人运动学模型。基于蒙特卡洛法在MATLAB环境下对机器人灵活性和可操作性进行分析,并对其在狭小空间内作业进行轨迹规划,仿真结果表明LBR iiwa机器人具有良好的灵活性、可操作性及避障能力。     

Feedrate planning for machining with industrial six-axis robots

Nowadays, the adaptation of industrial robots to carry out high-speed machining operations is strongly required by the manufacturing industry. This new technology machining process demands the improvement of the overall performances of robots to achieve an accuracy level close to that realized by machine-tools. This paper presents a method of trajectory planning adapted for continuous machining by robot. The methodology used is based on a parametric interpolation of the geometry in the operational space. FIR filters properties are exploited to generate the tool feedrate with limited jerk. This planning method is validated experimentally on an industrial robot.     

Supervisory control for co-ordination of multiple robots†

This paper deals with a solution of supervisory control problem for co-ordination of multiple robots. The application of two or more robots employed in a co-operating mode can increase the level of flexibility and productivity in an automated manufacturing environment. However, as the number of robots or the intricacy of task to be performed increases, the control requirements also increase substantially. Co-operating robots can be used in typically complex assembly operations where the payload may be too heavy for a single arm to handle; the object to be manipulated may be irregularly shaped and provide only limited access for physical handling, or the two parts to be assembled together may require simultaneous orientation and unique positioning.

The co-ordination control strategies developed were applied to two IBM 7540 SCARA robots. Several control schemes were devised to achieve concurrent robot co-ordination and trajectory tracking. A digital computer program operable on an IBM PS/2 System 80 provided multiple concurrent programming of the two robots. Interactive control strategy and master-slave control strategy were designed, implemented, optimized, and tested. The results showed excellent trajectory adherence and repeatability for both control schemes     

桌面型机械臂的机器视觉应用框架研究

与传统工业机械臂相比,桌面型机械臂具有环境多变、人机协作等特点,为其增加视觉功能显得尤为重要。而目前实现机器视觉的应用框架有很多,如何根据机械臂工作环境及性质,搭建合适的视觉应用软硬件平台,以提高机器视觉识别的准确率和效率是本文研究的重点。本文通过采用TensorFlow深度学习框架,利用嵌入式系统的软硬件设计,结合OpenCV等图像处理软件,搭建适合桌面型机械臂的机器视觉二次开发框架,为进一步开发基于视觉的机械臂应用提供了基础。仿真测试及人机协作的案例应用表明该框架具有较好的适应性和高效性。     

Spontaneous behavior for cooperation through interaction: An emotionally intelligent robot system

This paper deals withspontaneous behavior for cooperation through interaction in a distributed autonomous robot system. Though a human gives the robots evaluation functions for the relation of cooperation among robots, each robot decides its behavior depending on its environment, its experience, and the behavior of other robots. The robot acquires a model of the behavior of the other robots through learning. Inspired by biological systems, the robot's behaviors are interpreted as emotional by an observer of the system. In psychology, the emotions have been considered to play important roles for generation of motivation and behavior selection. In this paper, the robot's behaviors are interpreted as follows: each robot feels frustration when its behavior decision does not fit its environment. Then, it changes its behavior to change its situation actively and spontaneously. The results show potential of intelligent behavior by emotions. This work was presented, in part, at the International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics, Oita, Japan, February 18–20, 1996     

Development of CAM system based on industrial robotic servo controller without using robot language

This paper describes the development of a robotic CAM system for an articulated industrial robot RV1A from the view point of robotic servo controller. It is defined here that the CAM system includes an important function which allows an industrial robot to move along cutter location data (CL data) consisting of position and orientation components. In addition, the developed CAM system has a high applicability to other industrial robots whose servo systems are technically opened to end-users. The developed robotic CAM system works as a straightforward interface between a general CAD/CAM and an industrial robot. At the present stage, the relationship between CAD/CAM and industrial robots is not well established compared to NC machine tools that are widely spread in manufacturing industries. The CAM systems for NC machine tools are already established, however, the CAM system for industrial robots has not been sufficiently considered and developed yet. A teaching pendant is generally used to obtain position and orientation data of the arm tip before an industrial robot works. Here, in order to enhance the relationship between a conventional CAD/CAM system and an industrial robot, a simple and straightforward CAM system without using any robot language is developed and implemented. The basic design of the robotic CAM system and the experimental results are presented in this paper.     

Educational training software for modelling and synthesis of controllers for robotic manipulators and robotized manufacturing cells

A general software system aimed at computer-aided design of controllers for robots and robotized technological systems is described in this paper. The software system includes modules for the synthesis of various levels of robot controller as well as controllers of complex robotized technological systems. The software includes simulation of robotic systems within manufacturing cells using various types of models: complete dynamic models, kinematic models and simple models in the form of finite automata. Using these modelsvarious algorithms for all controls levels in robot controllers may be synthesized taking into account the actual interaction between the robot and its environment. The software system enables the solution of the important problem of the interaction between higher and lower levels of controllers. Finally, a general purpose controller as a target system for the proposed software is described. The controller is designed as an open system allowing the user to apply various control laws and to run in conjunction with an actual robot. The general software system together with the controller represents a powerful educational tool in modern robotics.     

Design of a modular assembly of four-footed robots with multiple functions

Modern industries use many types of robots. In addition to general robotic arms, bipedal, tripedal, and quadrupedal robots, which were originally developed as toys, are gradually being used for multiple applications in manufacturing processes. This research begins with establishing the platform for four-footed robots with multiple functions, high sensitivity, and modular assembly and this is how a fundamental model of the industrial robots is constructed. Under additional loads, the four feet of the quadrupedal robot reinforce its carrying ability and reliability compared to bipedal or tripedal robots, which helps it to carry more objects and enhances functionality. Based on different requirements and demands from the manufacturing processes, the highly sensitive four-footed robot provides an expandable interface to add different sensing components. In addition, when combined with a wireless communication module or independent 1.2 GHz radio frequency CCD wireless image transmission system, the user can control the robot remotely and instantly. The design helps the four-footed robot to expand its applications. By assembling and disassembling modules and changing the sensing components, the highly sensitive four-footed robot can be used for different tasks. Moreover, the remote control function of the robot will increase interaction with human beings, so it can become highly become involved in people's lives. The platform of the four-footed robot will become a design reference for the commercialization of different industrial robots, and it will provide the design of industrial robots with more options and useful applications.     

服务机器人小型关节综合性能测试软件设计

介绍了基于Visual C++环境下的服务机器人小型关节综合性能测试机软件设计。小型关节作为服务机器人的重要组成部分，对机器人运动控制起到了关键作用。传统的机器人关节测试机测试参数不全面，需要对关节进行拆分，测试效率低。基于机器人小型关节工作原理设计的综合性能测试机解决了上述难题。测试软件采用模块化的设计方法，完成了测试流程控制、传感器数据采集、力矩电机控制和小型关节通信等工作，提供人机交互界面以及测试结果和数据的显示、保存及再现等功能。可以实现对小型关节传动精度、电参数、机械性能的快速测试，为寻找小型关节最佳工况提供参考，可应用于不同工况下服务机器人小型关节的综合测试。