Design of Robotic Arm Using Delay Based Operation of DC Geared Motors With a Microcontroller

Author(s):  
Dilshad A. Sulaiman ◽  
Akash B. Pandey

This paper provides the design of a simple robotic arm for pick and place operations as well as other material handling operations. The movements of the arm are anthropometric i.e. resembling the human arm with respect to degrees of freedom so as to provide a human touch in industrial and space operations. This system operates using controlled motion of DC geared motors along with a microcontroller based system (8051 or PIC based). Use of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) can be used to control the RPM of DC geared motors. This system has the advantage of being simple and low cost with a varied flexibility of operation. A collective array of sensors viz. voice sensor, infrared light sensors, proximity sensors etc. can be incorporated to form a feedback induced closed loop system. Whereas for tasks of picking and placing at a fixed location from another location the system can be operational at open-loop. The material for the robotic arm can be polypropylene or acrylic or aluminium to reduce weight without compromising on the strength and lifting capacity of the robotic arm, such that the torque of the DC geared motors (actuators) at each joint are sufficient to lift the arm along with the weight at the end effector. Clutch and gear shifting mechanism can be used to increase the degrees of freedom per actuator. The driving circuit mainly consists of the microcontroller and H-bridge drivers using an 8-bit port to control 4 DC geared motors per port simultaneously or one at a time using delay commands. DC geared motors are quite cheaper than stepper motors and RC Servos thus reducing the total cost of the system drastically. Plus being light weight, DC geared motors reduce the total weight of the system. This paper will also throw light on the programming aspects for the microcontroller (8051 or PIC based) along with the compatible flash programmers and HEX code generators. This project will further explain on the approach followed in the mechanical design of the robotic arm (motion, work volume etc.) as well as the possible future applications of the robotic arm. Also the design of the robotic arm on CAD tools like Solidworks will be discussed in brief along with the modeling and simulation of the various links of the arm as well as the whole assembly of the system. With increasing popularity of Automation, robotic arms are the present and future of all industrial operations. Finally the paper concludes on the further improvements in design and technology.

Author(s):  
Dilshad A. Sulaiman ◽  
Akash B. Pandey

This paper provides the design of a simple robotic arm for pick and place operations as well as other material handling operations. The movements of the arm are anthropometric i.e. resembling the human arm with respect to degrees of freedom so as to provide a human touch in industrial and space operations. This system operates using controlled motion of DC geared motors along with a microcontroller based system (8051 or PIC based). Use of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) can be used to control the RPM of DC geared motors. This system has the advantage of being simple and low cost with a varied flexibility of operation. A collective array of sensors viz. voice sensor, infrared light sensors, proximity sensors etc. can be incorporated to form a feedback induced closed loop system. Whereas for tasks of picking and placing at a fixed location from another location the system can be operational at open-loop. The material for the robotic arm can be polypropylene or acrylic or aluminium to reduce weight without compromising on the strength and lifting capacity of the robotic arm, such that the torque of the DC geared motors (actuators) at each joint are sufficient to lift the arm along with the weight at the end effector. Clutch and gear shifting mechanism can be used to increase the degrees of freedom per actuator. The driving circuit mainly consists of the microcontroller and H-bridge drivers using an 8-bit port to control 4 DC geared motors per port simultaneously or one at a time using delay commands. DC geared motors are quite cheaper than stepper motors and RC Servos thus reducing the total cost of the system drastically. Plus being light weight, DC geared motors reduce the total weight of the system. This paper will also throw light on the programming aspects for the microcontroller (8051 or PIC based) along with the compatible flash programmers and HEX code generators. This project will further explain on the approach followed in the mechanical design of the robotic arm (motion, work volume etc.) as well as the possible future applications of the robotic arm. Also the design of the robotic arm on CAD tools like Solidworks will be discussed in brief along with the modeling and simulation of the various links of the arm as well as the whole assembly of the system. With increasing popularity of Automation, robotic arms are the present and future of all industrial operations. Finally the paper concludes on the further improvements in design and technology.


2011 ◽  
Vol 201-203 ◽  
pp. 1972-1977
Author(s):  
Enaiyat Ghani Ovy ◽  
Shah Muhammad Ferdous ◽  
Mohammad Rokonuzzaman ◽  
Nurul Absar Chowdhury

This project is intended to design an articulated robotic arm which could locate a point in space with its given coordinates at three degrees of freedom. The basic three rotary movements are base rotation, first and second arm swivel. With different payload capability and design, the robot can be employed in various industrial applications including spot welding, assembling, cutting, material handling and many more. The mechanical structure is designed and a physical setup is developed for which a microcontroller based control circuit is designed for the purpose of control. This paper is focused mainly on the mechanical design of the structure. An elaborate analytic description of the components and tools is presented with necessary specifications. This structure is very flexible and has the ability to reach over obstructions. It can achieve different positions and orientations with in the working envelop.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Almubarak ◽  
Michelle Schmutz ◽  
Miguel Perez ◽  
Shrey Shah ◽  
Yonas Tadesse

Abstract Underwater exploration or inspection requires suitable robotic systems capable of maneuvering, manipulating objects, and operating untethered in complex environmental conditions. Traditional robots have been used to perform many tasks underwater. However, they have limited degrees of freedom, manipulation capabilities, portability, and have disruptive interactions with aquatic life. Research in soft robotics seeks to incorporate ideas of the natural flexibility and agility of aquatic species into man-made technologies to improve the current capabilities of robots using biomimetics. In this paper, we present a novel design, fabrication, and testing results of an underwater robot known as Kraken that has tentacles to mimic the arm movement of an octopus. To control the arm motion, Kraken utilizes a hybrid actuation technology consisting of stepper motors and twisted and a coiled fishing line polymer muscle (TCP FL ). TCPs are becoming one of the promising actuation technologies due to their high actuation stroke, high force, light weight, and low cost. We have studied different arm stiffness configurations of the tentacles tailored to operate in different modalities (curling, twisting, and bending), to control the shape of the tentacles and grasp irregular objects delicately. Kraken uses an onboard battery, a wireless programmable joystick, a buoyancy system for depth control, all housed in a three-layer 3D printed dome-like structure. Here, we present Kraken fully functioning underwater in an Olympic-size swimming pool using its servo actuated tentacles and other test results on the TCP FL actuated tentacles in a laboratory setting. This is the first time that an embedded TCP FL actuator within elastomer has been proposed for the tentacles of an octopus-like robot along with the performance of the structures. Further, as a case study, we showed the functionality of the robot in grasping objects underwater for field robotics applications.


Author(s):  
Amro Shafik ◽  
Salah Haridy

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is a technology that converts coded instructions and numerical data into sequential actions that describe the motion of machine axes or the behavior of an end effector. Nowadays, CNC technology has been introduced to different stages of production, such as rapid prototyping, machining and finishing processes, testing, packaging, and warehousing. The main objective of this chapter is to introduce a methodology for design and implementation of a simple and low-cost educational CNC prototype. The machine consists of three independent axes driven by stepper motors through an open-loop control system. Output pulses from the parallel port of Personal Computer (PC) are used to drive the stepper motors after processing by an interface card. A flexible, responsive, and real-time Visual C# program is developed to control the motion of the machine axes. The integrated design proposed in this chapter can provide engineers and students in academic institutions with a simple foundation to efficiently build a CNC machine based on the available resources. Moreover, the proposed prototype can be used for educational purposes, demonstrations, and future research.


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Francisco Ayala Lozano ◽  
Guillermo Urriolagoitia Sosa ◽  
Beatriz Romero Ángeles ◽  
Christopher René Torres San-Miguel ◽  
Luis Antonio Aguilar-Pérez ◽  
...  

<strong>Título en ingles: Mechanical design of an exoskeleton for upper limb rehabilitation</strong><p><strong>Título corto: Diseño mecánico de un exoesqueleto</strong></p><p><strong>Resumen:</strong> El ritmo de vida actual, tanto sociocultural como tecnológico, ha desembocado en un aumento de enfermedades y padecimientos que afectan las capacidades físico-motrices de los individuos. Esto ha originado el desarrollo de prototipos para auxiliar al paciente a recuperar la movilidad y la fortaleza de las extremidades superiores afectadas. El presente trabajo aborda el diseño de una estructura mecánica de un exoesqueleto con 4 grados de libertad para miembro superior. La cual tiene como principales atributos la capacidad de ajustarse a la antropometría del paciente mexicano (longitud del brazo, extensión del antebrazo, condiciones geométricas de la espalda y altura del paciente). Se aplicó el método <em>BLITZ QFD</em> para obtener el diseño conceptual óptimo y establecer adecuadamente las condiciones de carga de servicio. Por lo que, se definieron 5 casos de estudio cuasi-estáticos e implantaron condiciones para rehabilitación de los pacientes. Asimismo, mediante el Método de Elemento Finito (MEF) se analizaron los esfuerzos y deformaciones a los que la estructura está sometida durante la aplicación de los agentes externos de servicio. Los resultados presentados en éste trabajo exhiben una nueva propuesta para la rehabilitación de pacientes con problemas de movilidad en miembro superior. Donde el equipo propuesto permite la rehabilitación del miembro superior apoyado en 4 grados de libertad (tres grados de libertad en el hombro y uno en el codo), el cual es adecuado para realizar terapias activas y pasivas. Asimismo, es un dispositivo que está al alcance de un mayor porcentaje de la población por su bajo costo y fácil desarrollo en la fabricación.</p><p><strong>Palabras clave:</strong> MEF, Blitz QFD, exoesqueletos, diseño mecánico.</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong>: The pace of modern life, both socio-cultural and technologically, has led to an increase of diseases and conditions that affect the physical-motor capabilities of persons. This increase has originated the development of prototypes to help patients to regain mobility and strength of the affected upper limb. This work, deals with the mechanical structure design of an exoskeleton with 4 degrees freedom for upper limb. Which has the capacity to adjust to the Mexican patient anthropometry (arm length, forearm extension, geometry conditions of the back and the patient’s height) BLITZ QFD method was applied to establish the conceptual design and loading service conditions on the structure.  So, 5 quasi-static cases of study were defined and conditions for patient rehabilitation were subjected. Also by applying the finite element method the structure was analyzed due to service loading. The results presented in this work, show a new method for patient rehabilitation with mobility deficiencies in the upper limb. The proposed new design allows the rehabilitation of the upper limb under 4 degrees of freedom (tree degrees of freedom at shoulder and one at the elbow), which is perfect to perform active and passive therapy. Additionally, it is an equipment of low cost, which can be affordable to almost all the country population.</p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> FEM, Blitz QFD, exoskeletons, mechanical design<strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>Recibido:</strong> agosto 20 de 2014   <strong>Aprobado:</strong> marzo 26 de 2015</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-65
Author(s):  
Fatih Karadeniz ◽  
Özgür Ege Aydoğan ◽  
Emin Abdullah Kazancı ◽  
Erhan Akdogan

The number of cerebrovascular and neuromuscular diseases is increasing in parallel with the rising average age of the world’s population. Since the shoulder anatomy is complex, the number of rehabilitation robots for shoulder movements is limited. This paper presents the mechanical design, control, and testing of a 4 degrees of freedom (DOF) grounded upper limb exoskeletal robot. It is capable of four different therapeutic exercises (passive, active assistive, isotonic and isometric). During the mechanical design, the forces to be exposed to the robot were determined and after the design, the system was tested with strength analysis. Also, a low-cost electromyograph device was developed and integrated into the system to measure muscular activation for feedback and instantaneously muscle activation control for the physiotherapist during the therapy. The system can be used for rehabilitation on the shoulder and elbow.  A PID controller for position-controlled exercises were developed. The test results were presented in terms of simulation and the real system for passive exercise. According to the test results, the developed system can perform passive exercise and can be used for other therapeutic exercises as well.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 225
Author(s):  
Marcia Regina Maboni Hoppen Porsch ◽  
Luiz Antonio Rasia ◽  
Nelson José Thesing ◽  
Patricia Carolina Pedrali ◽  
Antonio Carlos Valdiero

This article introduces or designs and practices a Gantry pneumatic robotic manipulator for greenhouse automation. The prototype was built on the reduced model for sowing and harvesting vegetables using the familiar concept of agriculture. Low-cost robotic handlers can contribute to improved working conditions in family farming and enable strategies to diversify agricultural activities for low-income families. The system has two degrees of freedom, was mounted on a metal workbench using cylinders and specially manufactured guided cable actuator. The control system includes nonlinear compensations of the servo valves used. Functional tests used step input electrical signals (-4 V to +4 V and -8 V to +8 V) using open loop circuit for robot pressure and positioning control. The results obtained are important for perfecting the robotic manipulator for family farming applications.


Author(s):  
Giorgio Figliolini ◽  
Pierluigi Rea

Purpose – The subject of the paper is the mechatronic design of a novel robotic hand, cassino-underactuated-multifinger-hand (Ca.U.M.Ha.), along with its prototype and the experimental analysis of its grasping of soft and rigid objects with different shapes, sizes and materials. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Ca.U.M.Ha. is designed with four identical underactuated fingers and an opposing thumb, all joined to a rigid palm and actuated by means of double-acting pneumatic cylinders. In particular, each underactuated finger with three phalanxes and one actuator is able to grasp cylindrical objects with different shapes and sizes, while the common electropneumatic operation of the four underactuated fingers gives an additional auto-adaptability to grasp objects with irregular shapes. Moreover, the actuating force control is allowed by a closed-loop pressure control within the pushing chambers of the pneumatic cylinders of the four underactuated fingers, because of a pair of two-way/two-position pulse-width-modulation (PWM) modulated pneumatic digital valves, which can also be operated under ON/OFF modes. Findings – The grasping of soft and rigid objects with different shapes, sizes and materials is a very difficult task that requires a complex mechatronic design, as proposed and developed worldwide, while Ca.U.M.Ha. offers these performances through only a single ON/OFF or analogue signal. Practical implications – Ca.U.M.Ha. could find several practical applications in industrial environments since it is characterized by a robust and low-cost mechatronic design, flexibility and easy control, which are based on the use of easy-running components. Originality/value – Ca.U.M.Ha. shows a novel mechatronic design that is based on a robust mechanical design and an easy operation and control with high dexterity and reliability to perform a safe grasp of objects with different shapes, sizes and materials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 6116
Author(s):  
Vítor H. Pinto ◽  
Inês N. Soares ◽  
Marco Rocha ◽  
José Lima ◽  
José Gonçalves ◽  
...  

This paper presents a legged-wheeled hybrid robotic vehicle that uses a combination of rigid and non-rigid joints, allowing it to be more impact-tolerant. The robot has four legs, each one with three degrees of freedom. Each leg has two non-rigid rotational joints with completely passive components for damping and accumulation of kinetic energy, one rigid rotational joint, and a driving wheel. Each leg uses three independent DC motors—one for each joint, as well as a fourth one for driving the wheel. The four legs have the same position configuration, except for the upper hip joint. The vehicle was designed to be modular, low-cost, and its parts to be interchangeable. Beyond this, the vehicle has multiple operation modes, including a low-power mode. Across this article, the design, modeling, and control stages are presented, as well as the communication strategy. A prototype platform was built to serve as a test bed, which is described throughout the article. The mechanical design and applied hardware for each leg have been improved, and these changes are described. The mechanical and hardware structure of the complete robot is also presented, as well as the software and communication approaches. Moreover, a realistic simulation is introduced, along with the obtained results.


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