scholarly journals Magnetic miniature actuators with six-DOF multimodal soft-bodied locomotion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changyu Xu ◽  
Zilin Yang ◽  
Shaun Wee Kiat Tan ◽  
Jianhuang Li ◽  
Guo Zhan Lum
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Materials ◽  
Magnetic Moment ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Orientation Control ◽  
Miniature Robots ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Pick And Place ◽  
Six Dof ◽  
Soft Actuators

Magnetic miniature robots (MMRs) are mobile actuators that can exploit their size to non-invasively access highly confined, enclosed spaces. By leveraging on such unique abilities, MMRs have great prospects to transform robotics, biomedicine and materials science. As having high dexterity is critical for MMRs to enable their targeted applications, existing MMRs have developed numerous soft-bodied gaits to locomote in various environments. However, there exist two critical limitations that have severely restricted their dexterity: (i) MMRs capable of multimodal soft-bodied locomotion have only demonstrated five-degrees-of-freedom (five-DOF) motions because the sixth-DOF rotation about their net magnetic moment axis is uncontrollable; (ii) six-DOF MMRs have only realized one mode of soft-bodied, swimming locomotion. Here we propose a six-DOF MMR that can execute seven modes of soft-bodied locomotion and perform 3-dimensional pick-and-place operations. By optimizing its harmonic magnetization profile, our MMR can produce 1.41-63.9 folds larger sixth-DOF torque than existing MMRs with similar profiles, without compromising their traditional five-DOF actuation capabilities. The proposed MMR demonstrated unprecedented dexterity; it could jump through narrow slots to reach higher grounds; use precise orientation control to roll, two-anchor crawl and swim across tight openings with strict shape constraints; perform undulating crawling across three different planes in convoluted channels. Keywords: Magnetic materials; soft actuators; miniature robots; locomotion. Corresponding author(s) Email:   [email protected]  

scholarly journals Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Novel 3D 3-Fingered Electrothermal Microgripper with Multiple Degrees of Freedom

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 444
Author(s):  
Guoning Si ◽  
Liangying Sun ◽  
Zhuo Zhang ◽  
Xuping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Polyimide Film ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Electrothermal Actuator ◽  
3D Space ◽  
Pick And Place

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a novel three-dimensional (3D) three-fingered electrothermal microgripper with multiple degrees of freedom (multi DOFs). Each finger of the microgripper is composed of a V-shaped electrothermal actuator providing one DOF, and a 3D U-shaped electrothermal actuator offering two DOFs in the plane perpendicular to the movement of the V-shaped actuator. As a result, each finger possesses 3D mobilities with three DOFs. Each beam of the actuators is heated externally with the polyimide film. The durability of the polyimide film is tested under different voltages. The static and dynamic properties of the finger are also tested. Experiments show that not only can the microgripper pick and place microobjects, such as micro balls and even highly deformable zebrafish embryos, but can also rotate them in 3D space.

Development of six-DOF welding robot with machine vision

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (34n36) ◽  
pp. 1840079
Author(s):  
Wensheng Huang ◽  
Hongli Xu
Keyword(s):  
Machine Vision ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Target Location ◽  
Industrial Robots ◽  
Welding Robot ◽  
Edge Pixel ◽  
Six Dof ◽  
Hardware Processing

The application of machine vision to industrial robots is a hot topic in robot research nowadays. A welding robot with machine vision had been developed, which is convenient and flexible to reach the welding point with six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator, while the singularity of its movement trail is prevented, and the stability of the mechanism had been fully guaranteed. As the precise industry camera can capture the optical feature of the workpiece to reflect in the camera’s CCD lens, the workpiece is identified and located through a visual pattern recognition algorithm based on gray scale processing, on the gradient direction of edge pixel or on geometric element so that high-speed visual acquisition, image preprocessing, feature extraction and recognition, target location are integrated and hardware processing power is improved. Another task is to plan control strategy of control system, and the upper computer software is programmed in order that multi-axis motion trajectory is optimized and servo control is accomplished. Finally, prototype was developed and validation experiments show that the welding robot has high stability, high efficiency, high precision, even if welding joints are random and workpiece contour is irregular.

A Light Weight Compliant Hand Mechanism With High Degrees of Freedom

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 934-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Potratz ◽  
Jingzhou Yang ◽  
Karim Abdel-Malek ◽  
Esteban Peña Pitarch ◽  
Nicole Grosland
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Static Load ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Deformation Analysis ◽  
Dimensional Model ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Wrist Flexor ◽  
Compression Spring ◽  
Extensor Muscles ◽  
Control Scheme

This paper presents the design and prototyping of an inherently compliant lightweight hand mechanism. The hand mechanism itself has 15 degrees of freedom and five fingers. Although the degrees of freedom in each finger are coupled, reducing the number of independent degrees of freedom to 5, the 15 degrees of freedom of the hand could potentially be individually actuated. Each joint consists of a novel flexing mechanism that is based on the loading of a compression spring in the axial and transverse direction via a cable and conduit system. Currently, a bench top version of the prototype is being developed; the three joints of each finger are coupled together to simplify the control system. The current control scheme under investigation simulates a control scheme where myoelectric signals in the wrist flexor and extensor muscles are converted in to x and y coordinates on a control scheme chart. Static load-deformation analysis of finger segments is studied based on a 3-dimensional model without taking the stiffener into account, and the experiment validates the simulation.

scholarly journals "Dividing and Conquering" and "Caching" in Molecular Modeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyong Cao ◽  
Pu Tian
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Modeling ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Coarse Graining ◽  
Divide And Conquer ◽  
Collective Variables ◽  
Molecular Systems ◽  
State Models ◽  
Molecular Science

Molecular modeling is widely utilized in subjects including but not limited to physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering. Impressive progress has been made in development of theories, algorithms and software packages. To divide and conquer, and to cache intermediate results have been long standing principles in development of algorithms. Not surprisingly, Most of important methodological advancements in more than half century of molecule modeling are various implementations of these two fundamental principles. In the mainstream classical computational molecular science based on force fields parameterization by coarse graining, tremendous efforts have been invested on two lines of algorithm development. The first is coarse graining, which is to represent multiple basic particles in higher resolution modeling as a single larger and softer particle in lower resolution counterpart, with resulting force fields of partial transferability at the expense of some information loss. The second is enhanced sampling, which realizes "dividing and conquering" and/or "caching" in configurational space with focus either on reaction coordinates and collective variables as in metadynamics and related algorithms, or on the transition matrix and state discretization as in Markov state models. For this line of algorithms, spatial resolution is maintained but no transferability is available. Deep learning has been utilized to realize more efficient and accurate ways of "dividing and conquering" and "caching" along these two lines of algorithmic research. We proposed and demonstrated the local free energy landscape approach, a new framework for classical computational molecular science and a third class of algorithm that facilitates molecular modeling through partially transferable in resolution "caching" of distributions for local clusters of molecular degrees of freedom. Differences, connections and potential interactions among these three algorithmic directions are discussed, with the hope to stimulate development of more elegant, efficient and reliable formulations and algorithms for "dividing and conquering" and "caching" in complex molecular systems.

Modal Simulation and Testing of a Micro-Manipulator

2004 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjun Lai ◽  
Marek Kujath ◽  
Ted Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Thermal Actuators ◽  
Micro Manipulator ◽  
Six Dof

A micro-machined manipulator with three kinematic degrees-of-freedom (DOF): x, y, and φ is presented. The manipulator is driven by three thermal actuators. A six DOF discrete spring-mass model of the compliant mechanism is developed which manifests the dynamic properties of the device. Numerical simulations are compared with experimental results.

Vision-force guided precise robotic assembly for 2.5D components in a semistructured environment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Boyoung Kim ◽  
Minyong Choi ◽  
Seung-Woo Son ◽  
Deokwon Yun ◽  
Sukjune Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Printed Circuit Board ◽  
Force Sensor ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Robotic Assembly ◽  
Ccd Cameras ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Aided Design

Purpose Many manufacturing sites require precision assembly. Particularly, similar to cell phones, assembly at the sub-mm scale is not easy, even for humans. In addition, the system should assemble each part with adequate force and avoid breaking the circuits with excessive force. The purpose of this study is to assemble high precision components with relatively reasonable vision devices compared to previous studies. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a vision-force guided precise assembly system using a force sensor and two charge coupled device (CCD) cameras without an expensive 3-dimensional (3D) sensor or computer-aided design model. The system accurately estimates 6 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) poses from a 2D image in real time and assembles parts with the proper force. Findings In this experiment, three connectors are assembled on a printed circuit board. This system obtains high accuracy under 1 mm and 1 degree error, which shows that this system is effective. Originality/value This is a new method for sub-mm assembly using only two CCD cameras and one force sensor.

A Robotic Cell for Embedding Prefabricated Components in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeo Jung Yoon ◽  
Oswin G. Almeida ◽  
Aniruddha V. Shembekar ◽  
Satyandra K. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Robotic Manipulators ◽  
The Other ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Robotic Cell ◽  
Material Extrusion ◽  
Surface Polishing ◽  
Pick And Place ◽  
6 Degrees Of Freedom

Abstract By attaching a material extrusion system to a robotic arm, we can deposit materials onto complex surfaces. Robotic manipulators can also maximize the task utility by performing other tasks such as assembly or surface polishing when they are not in use for the AM process. We present a robotic cell for embedding prefabricated components in extrusion-based AM. The robotic cell consists of two 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) robots, an extrusion system, and a gripper. One robot is used for printing a part, and the other robot takes a support role to pick and place the prefabricated component and embed it into the part being printed. After the component is embedded, AM process resumes, and the material is deposited onto the prefabricated components and previously printed layers. We illustrate the capabilities of the system by fabricating three objects.

2. Close inspection

2014 ◽  
pp. 22-42
Author(s):  
Christopher Hall
Keyword(s):  
Internal Structure ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Material Behaviour ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Close Inspection ◽  
Robert Hooke ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
The Core ◽  
Electron Microscopes

‘Close inspection’ explains that at the core of materials science is the understanding of the internal structure of materials. If we don’t understand the internal structure we shall struggle to explain or to predict material behaviour. If we want to alter the behaviour to make better materials, we probably need to re-engineer the architecture inside. This understanding has been made possible with the development of microscopy, beginning in the 17th century with Robert Hooke and Anton van Leeuwenhoek. Development of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopes has provided atomic resolution leading to improved crystallography and lattice theories for 3-dimensional crystals. Two-dimensional crystals such as graphene and 1-dimensional carbon nanotubes are also described.

Analysis and Validation of a Flexible Planar Two Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Manipulator With Structural Passive Compliance

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genliang Chen ◽  
Zhuang Zhang ◽  
Lingyu Kong ◽  
Hao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Parallel Manipulator ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Flexible Manipulator ◽  
End Effector ◽  
Flexible Links ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pick And Place ◽  
Passive Compliance ◽  
Large Deflection Problem

Abstract Passive compliance plays an important role in robot pick-and-place manipulation where large interaction force will be produced in response to small misalignments. In this paper, the authors report on compliance analysis and validation of a novel planar pick-and-place parallel manipulator consisting of a flexible limb. In the proposed manipulator, a planar flexible parallelogram linkage, which is coupled with a rigid one, is introduced to connect the moving and the base platforms. Since the flexible parallelogram linkage is capable of producing large deformation in both the horizontal and the vertical directions, the end effector of the manipulator can generate wide-range motions because of the flexible links. An efficient approach to the large deflection problem of flexible links is used to precisely predict the kinetostatics of the manipulator. Then, a compensation algorithm to the structural deflection of the links can be developed to actively control the position of the parallel manipulator’s end effector. The merit of the proposed flexible manipulator is its intrinsic passive compliance while performing pick-and-place tasks. A prototype is fabricated to conduct experiments for the validation of the proposed idea. The results show that the prototype has acceptable positioning accuracy, even when a large external load is exerted on its end effector. The compliance properties of the proposed flexible manipulator have also been verified in both the horizontal and the vertical directions.

scholarly journals Recent Developments on Modeling for a 3-DOF Micro-Hand Based on AI Methods

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 792
Author(s):  
Shuhei Kawamura ◽  
Mingcong Deng
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Soft Actuator ◽  
Flexible Materials ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Soft Actuators ◽  
Three Degrees Of Freedom

Recently, soft actuators have been expected to have many applications in various fields. Most of the actuators are composed of flexible materials and driven by air pressure. The 3-DOF micro-hand, which is a kind of soft actuator, can realize a three degrees of freedom motion by changing the applied air pressure pattern. However, the input–output relation is nonlinear and complicated. In previous research, a model of the micro-hand was proposed, but an error between the model and the experimental results was large. In this paper, modeling for the micro-hand is proposed by using multi-output support vector regression (MSVR) and ant colony optimization (ACO), which is one of the artificial intelligence (AI) methods. MSVR estimates the input–output relation of the micro-hand. ACO optimizes the parameters of the MSVR model.

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