Polymer-Based Additive Manufacturing: Process Optimisation for Low-Cost Industrial Robotics Manufacture

The robotics design process can be complex with potentially multiple design iterations. The use of 3D printing is ideal for rapid prototyping and has conventionally been utilised in concept development and for exploring different design parameters that are ultimately used to meet an intended application or routine. During the initial stage of a robot development, exploiting 3D printing can provide design freedom, customisation and sustainability and ultimately lead to direct cost benefits. Traditionally, robot specifications are selected on the basis of being able to deliver a specific task. However, a robot that can be specified by design parameters linked to a distinctive task can be developed quickly, inexpensively, and with little overall risk utilising a 3D printing process. Numerous factors are inevitably important for the design of industrial robots using polymer-based additive manufacturing. However, with an extensive range of new polymer-based additive manufacturing techniques and materials, these could provide significant benefits for future robotics design and development.

Sit-To-Stand and Stand-To-Sit Energetics for Assistive Devices and Robotics Design

This research presents the development of a Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit model for regenerative energy recovery with applications in orthoses, protheses and humanoid robot design. Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit are routine activities and are crucial pre-requisites to walking and running. Determining design parameters for devices which can aid people to perform these activities in an effective manner is a key goal here. MapleSim was used to simulate a 1/10-scale multi-domain model and a nonlinear torque controller was used to control the trajectory profiles of the Sit-to-Stand-to-Sit gait. The model allows accurate simulation of hardware components for use in a future robot. This study addresses the usage in regenerative braking towards sit-to-stand-to-sit and the relationship between Coriolis/centrifugal torque components to inertial and gravitational torque components. This study examines the level of regeneration at ankle, knee and hip. Furthermore, it examines the significance of Coriolis and centrifugal versus inertial and gravitational components of a nonlinear controller in order to determine if these components would be needed in a real robot controller. By applying joint trajectories from human trials it was found that the regenerative effect in the robot model was most significant in the hip and least significant in the ankle. Furthermore, we determined that the Coriolis and centrifugal terms were approximately 1% of the inertial and gravitational terms in the applied nonlinear controller, making them insignificant. We also determined upper bounds for gearing in the joints such that battery autonomy is maximized without encountering motor saturation and inaccurate trajectory following. From these findings, we recommend that robot designs neglect the Coriolis and centrifugal terms and that regenerative hardware be prioritized at the hip.

Sit-To-Stand and Stand-To-Sit Energetics for Assistive Devices and Robotics Design

This research presents the development of a Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit model for regenerative energy recovery with applications in orthoses, protheses and humanoid robot design. Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit are routine activities and are crucial pre-requisites to walking and running. Determining design parameters for devices which can aid people to perform these activities in an effective manner is a key goal here. MapleSim was used to simulate a 1/10-scale multi-domain model and a nonlinear torque controller was used to control the trajectory profiles of the Sit-to-Stand-to-Sit gait. The model allows accurate simulation of hardware components for use in a future robot. This study addresses the usage in regenerative braking towards sit-to-stand-to-sit and the relationship between Coriolis/centrifugal torque components to inertial and gravitational torque components. This study examines the level of regeneration at ankle, knee and hip. Furthermore, it examines the significance of Coriolis and centrifugal versus inertial and gravitational components of a nonlinear controller in order to determine if these components would be needed in a real robot controller. By applying joint trajectories from human trials it was found that the regenerative effect in the robot model was most significant in the hip and least significant in the ankle. Furthermore, we determined that the Coriolis and centrifugal terms were approximately 1% of the inertial and gravitational terms in the applied nonlinear controller, making them insignificant. We also determined upper bounds for gearing in the joints such that battery autonomy is maximized without encountering motor saturation and inaccurate trajectory following. From these findings, we recommend that robot designs neglect the Coriolis and centrifugal terms and that regenerative hardware be prioritized at the hip.

Machine-Knitted Seamless Pneumatic Actuators for Soft Robotics: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization

Computerized machine knitting offers an attractive fabrication technology for incorporating wearable assistive devices into garments. In this work, we utilized, for the first time, whole-garment knitting techniques to manufacture a seamless fully knitted pneumatic bending actuator, which represents an advancement to existing cut-and-sew manufacturing techniques. Various machine knitting parameters were investigated to create anisotropic actuator structures, which exhibited a range of bending and extension motions when pressurized with air. The functionality of the actuator was demonstrated through integration into an assistive glove for hand grip action. The achieved curvature range when pressurizing the actuators up to 150 kPa was sufficient to grasp objects down to 3 cm in diameter and up to 125 g in weight. This manufacturing technique is rapid and scalable, paving the way for mass-production of customizable soft robotics wearables.

The Upcoming Role for Nursing and Assistive Robotics: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

As an integral part of patient care, nursing is required to constantly adapt to changes in the healthcare system, as well as the wider financial and societal environment. Among the key factors driving these changes is the aging of population. Combined with an existing shortage of nursing and caregiving professionals, accommodating for the patients and elderly needs within hospitals, elderly-care facilities and at a home setting, becomes a societal challenge. Amongst the technological solutions that have evolved in response to these developments, nursing and assistive robotics claim a pivotal role. The objective of the present study is to provide an overview of today's landscape in nursing and assistive robotics, highlighting the benefits associated with adopting such solutions in standard clinical practice. At the same time, to identify existing challenges and limitations that essentially outline the area's future directions. Beyond technological innovation, the manuscript also investigates the end-users' angle, being a crucial parameter in the success of robotics solutions operating within a healthcare environment. In this direction, the results of a survey designed to capture the nursing professionals' perspective toward more informed robotics design and development are presented.