scholarly journals Soft Robotic Sensing, Proprioception via Cable and Microfluidic Transmission

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 3166
Author(s):  
Keng-Yu Lin ◽  
Arturo Gamboa-Gonzalez ◽  
Michael Wehner
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Soft Robotics ◽  
Soft Robot ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Displacement Sensors ◽  
Local Pressures

Current challenges in soft robotics include sensing and state awareness. Modern soft robotic systems require many more sensors than traditional robots to estimate pose and contact forces. Existing soft sensors include resistive, conductive, optical, and capacitive sensing, with each sensor requiring electronic circuitry and connection to a dedicated line to a data acquisition system, creating a rapidly increasing burden as the number of sensors increases. We demonstrate a network of fiber-based displacement sensors to measure robot state (bend, twist, elongation) and two microfluidic pressure sensors to measure overall and local pressures. These passive sensors transmit information from a soft robot to a nearby display assembly, where a digital camera records displacement and pressure data. We present a configuration in which one camera tracks 11 sensors consisting of nine fiber-based displacement sensors and two microfluidic pressure sensors, eliminating the need for an array of electronic sensors throughout the robot. Finally, we present a Cephalopod-chromatophore-inspired color cell pressure sensor. While these techniques can be used in a variety of soft robot devices, we present fiber and fluid sensing on an elastomeric finger. These techniques are widely suitable for state estimation in the soft robotics field and will allow future progress toward robust, low-cost, real-time control of soft robots. This increased state awareness is necessary for robots to interact with humans, potentially the greatest benefit of the emerging soft robotics field.

scholarly journals An On-Line Low-Cost Irradiance Monitoring Network with Sub-Second Sampling Adapted to Small-Scale PV Systems

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 3405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Espinosa-Gavira ◽  
Agustín Agüera-Pérez ◽  
Juan González de la Rosa ◽  
José Palomares-Salas ◽  
José Sierra-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Cloud Motion

Very short-term solar forecasts are gaining interest for their application on real-time control of photovoltaic systems. These forecasts are intimately related to the cloud motion that produce variations of the irradiance field on scales of seconds and meters, thus particularly impacting in small photovoltaic systems. Very short-term forecast models must be supported by updated information of the local irradiance field, and solar sensor networks are positioning as the more direct way to obtain these data. The development of solar sensor networks adapted to small-scale systems as microgrids is subject to specific requirements: high updating frequency, high density of measurement points and low investment. This paper proposes a wireless sensor network able to provide snapshots of the irradiance field with an updating frequency of 2 Hz. The network comprised 16 motes regularly distributed over an area of 15 m × 15 m (4 motes × 4 motes, minimum intersensor distance of 5 m). The irradiance values were estimated from illuminance measurements acquired by lux-meters in the network motes. The estimated irradiances were validated with measurements of a secondary standard pyranometer obtaining a mean absolute error of 24.4 W/m 2 and a standard deviation of 36.1 W/m 2 . The network was able to capture the cloud motion and the main features of the irradiance field even with the reduced dimensions of the monitoring area. These results and the low-cost of the measurement devices indicate that this concept of solar sensor networks would be appropriate not only for photovoltaic plants in the range of MW, but also for smaller systems such as the ones installed in microgrids.

Flow control with active dimples

2007 ◽  
Vol 111 (1125) ◽  
pp. 705-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dearing ◽  
S. Lambert ◽  
J. Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Control Surface ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Capacitance Change ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Design And Manufacture ◽  
Smart Skin

Abstract The long-term goal is to design and manufacture optimal ‘on-demand’ vortex generators, ‘dimples’ that can produce vortices of prescribed strength and duration for the real-time control of aerodynamic flows that are either undergoing transition or are fully turbulent, attached or separating. Electro-active polymers (EAP) are ideal for a dimple control surface, offering high strain rate, fast response, and high electromechanical efficiency. EAP can also be used as the basis of a resistanc – or capacitance – change pressure sensor, development of which has just begun. In terms of manufacture, inkjet printing of EAP also offers a paradigm shift such that a monolithic control surface is a very real possibility. Important features for integration into a control system are robustness and a predictable, repeatable motion. With these objectives in mind, the suitability of EAP-based actuators is assessed both mechanically and aerodynamically. The ultimate goal is to integrate these devices, along with shear-stress and pressure sensors and distributed control, also under development, into a flexible ‘smart skin’ which could be incorporated into an airframe structure. The response of a laminar boundary layer to forcing is investiagted using mechanical dimples.

A Low Cost Fault-Tolerant Multiprocessor System for Real-Time Control

1986 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
J.J. Serrano ◽  
C. Cebrián ◽  
J. Vila ◽  
R. Ors
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Fault Tolerant ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Multiprocessor System ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Time Control

Translation + Pendaphonics = Movement Modulated Media

Leonardo ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Lahey ◽  
Winslow Burleson ◽  
Elizabeth Streb
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Vertical Wall ◽  
State University ◽  
Arizona State University ◽  
Motion Sensing ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Projected Image ◽  
Time Control

Translation is a multimedia dance performed on a vertical wall filled with the projected image of a lunar surface. Pendaphonics is a low-cost, versatile, and robust motion-sensing hardware-software system integrated with the rigging of Translation to detect the dancers' motion and provide real-time control of the virtual moonscape. Replacing remotely triggered manual cues with high-resolution, real-time control by the performers expands the expressive range and ensures synchronization of feedback with the performers' movements. This project is the first application of an ongoing collaboration between the Motivational Environments Research Group at Arizona State University (ASU) and STREB Extreme Action Company.

Evaluation of a Low-Cost Microcontroller for Real-Time Control Education and Prototyping

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan W. Krauss
Keyword(s):  
Feedback Control ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Serial Communication ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Active User ◽  
Bode Plots ◽  
Control Education

Arduino microcontrollers are popular, low-cost, easy-to-program, and have an active user community. This paper seeks to quantitatively assess whether or not Arduinos are a good fit for real-time feedback control experiments and controls education. Bode plots and serial echo tests are used to assess the use of Arduinos in two scenarios: a prototyping mode that involves bidirectional real-time serial communication with a PC and a hybrid mode that streams data in real-time over serial. The closed-loop performance with the Arduino is comparable to that of another more complicated and more expensive microcontroller for the plant considered. Some practical tips on using an Arduino for real-time feedback control are also given.

scholarly journals Application of the Novint Falcon haptic device as an actuator in real-time control

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Block ◽  
Mark B. Michelotti ◽  
Ramavarapu S. Sreenivas
Keyword(s):  
Embedded System ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Force Feedback ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Input Device ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Modeling And Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Viable Solution

AbstractThis paper describes the development of an embedded system whose purpose is to control the Novint Falcon as a robot, and to develop a control experiment that demonstrates the use the Novint Falcon as a robotic actuator. The Novint Falcon, which is a PC input device, is “haptic” in the sense that it has a force feedback component. Its relatively low cost compared with other platforms makes it a good candidate for academic application in robot modeling and control. An embedded system is developed to interface with the multiple motors and sensors present in the Novint Falcon, which is subsequently used to control three independent Novint Falcons for a “ballon- plate” experiment. The results show that the device is a viable solution for high-speed actuation of small-scale mechanical systems.

Design of Process Controller Based on PCI Interface and CPLD Technology

2012 ◽  
Vol 614-615 ◽  
pp. 1562-1565
Author(s):  
Yu Sen Li ◽  
Ying Sun
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pulse Signal ◽  
Pci Bus ◽  
Signal Acquisition ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Interface Chip ◽  
Design Ideas

In order to realize the sensor signal acquisition and analysis of data, according to data acquisition system design ideas of the PCI bus, applying to CPLD complex programmable controller and CH365 interface chip and combined with the actual needs of data collection ,designed a kind of low cost, high speed process controller. CPLD realizes data cache control and the control of reading. This design can gather 16 roads analog signals and real-time pulse signal of 8 roads on the same time, which includes a 16-bit digital output channel and a 32-bit counter, could be used in the real-time control.

scholarly journals Some aspects of on-line computer control of a lathe

1979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Δημήτριος Πούλος
Keyword(s):  
Control Function ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Spindle Motor ◽  
Electrical Circuit ◽  
Ball Screw ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Loop Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Circular Interpolation

A small lathe has been modified to work under microprocessor control to enhance the facilites which the lathe offers, and provide a wider operating range with relevant economic gains. As a result of these modifications the saddle motion is controlled by steppingmotors under closed-loop control giving better operating system characteristics as indicated below. An electrical circuit has been developed to monitor spindle torque and the mechanical link between the spindle motor and the screw has been replaced to give an " infinitely variable " gearbox, and this allows a variety of non-standard screws, helices and spirals to be manufactured. Software for the system includes control programs for implementation of the adaptive control function and monitoring of tool wear; linear and circular interpolation is implemented through the manipulation of Boolean functions, rather than by solving equations to optimise the performance of stepping motors when used for real-time control. Use o f low cost uncalibrated ball-screw s in conjunction with a calibration algorithm results in an overall accuracy better than the resolution of the system. It is concluded that it is practical to carry out a low-cost retrofit on existing machine tools to enhance their range of capabilities.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Real-Time Control Platform for Power Electronics Applications

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1527
Author(s):  
José Aravena ◽  
Dante Carrasco ◽  
Matias Diaz ◽  
Matias Uriarte ◽  
Felix Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Electronics ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Power Converter ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Power Electronics Converters ◽  
Rapid Control Prototyping ◽  
High Level ◽  
Analogue To Digital

In recent years, different off-the-shelf solutions for the rapid control prototyping of power electronics converters have been commercialised. The main benefits of those systems are based on a fast and easy-to-use environment due to high-level programming. However, most of those systems are very expensive and are closed software and hardware solutions. In this context, this paper presents the design and implementation of a control platform targeting at the segment in between expensive off-the-shelf control platforms and low-cost controllers. The control platform is based on the Launchpad TMS320F28379D from Texas Instruments, and it is equipped with an expansion board that provide analogue-to-digital measurements, switching signals and hardware protections. The performance of the control platform is experimentally tested on a 20 kVA power converter.

Research on Airbags Overturning Device due to the PID Closed-Loop Control Technology

2013 ◽  
Vol 313-314 ◽  
pp. 395-398
Author(s):  
De Qiang Zhang ◽  
Li Ying Su ◽  
Duo Xing Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Closed Loop Control ◽  
Control Technology ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Loop Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Pressure Control System

Based on S7-200 PLC, pressure sensors and amplifiers, this paper uses PID instruction to establish the closed-loop pressure control system of the required thrust in turning airbags. So in the automatic overturning airbags, it is capable to real-time control the push rods running status.

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