Laser-scanning rangefinder fixed on a gimbal with two degrees of freedom

A laser-scanning rangefinder mounted on a gimbal with two degrees of freedom is presented. The rangefinder can be used as part of a navigation system of an unmanned aerial vehicle to avoid obstacles or prevent collisions. Compared to stereo cameras, the device requires significantly less computing resources and is less dependent on lighting conditions. Compared to integrated lidars, the cost of the device is by an order lower. А model of the device was developed and an obstacle avoidance flight was simulated in the Gazebo simulator. The PX4/Avoidance software was used as an autopilot. As a result of a model experiment, we found that a scanning laser rangefinder can provide autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance.

ANALYTICAL STUDY OF FRICTIONAL AUTO-VIBRATIONS IN SYSTEMS WITH TWO DEGREES OF FREEDOM

Purpose of the study is to study the properties of frictional self-oscillations in systems with two degrees of freedom. As a research method, the asymptotic method of N.N. Bogolyubov and Y.A. Metropolitan. Research methods. The methodological basis of the work is the generalization and analysis of the known scientific results of the dynamics of systems in resonance modes and the use of a systematic approach. The analytical method and comparative analysis were used to form a scientific problem, goal and formulation of research objectives. When developing empirical models, the main provisions of the theory of stability of systems, methodology of system analysis and research of functions were used. The results of the study. A system with two degrees of freedom is considered, assuming that the friction function is approximated by a cubic polynomial in the sliding velocity, and friction is applied only to one of the masses. The exclusion of uniform rotation, corresponding to the third degree of freedom, leads to consideration not of the frictional moment, but the difference between the frictional moment and the moment of the moving forces. From the analysis of the results of the solutions of the equation, we can conclude that, with an accuracy up to the first approximation, inclusive, self-oscillations occur with constant frequencies equal to the natural frequencies of the system. This is consistent with the conclusions of other authors obtained using other methods. Stationary values of the amplitudes are found. The following four cases are possible: trivial solution corresponding to uniform rotation of the system without oscillations; single frequency oscillations with the first frequency; single frequency oscillations with a second frequency; two-frequency oscillatory mode. Conclusions. G. Boyadzhiev's method can be applied to study multi-mass self-oscillating systems and gives their general solution in the form of asymptotic expansions to any degree of accuracy. The obtained conditions for the stability of stationary regimes confirm the experimental results that in multi-mass systems, self-oscillations are possible only in the falling sections of the friction characteristics. The nature of the developing vibrations - their frequency and the ratio of the amplitudes of the constituent harmonics - is completely determined by the structure of the system, its elastic and inertial properties.

A Class of Reduced-Order Regenerator Models

We present a novel class of reduced-order regenerator models that is based on Endoreversible Thermodynamics. The models rest upon the idea of an internally reversible (perfect) regenerator, even though they are not limited to the reversible description. In these models, the temperatures of the working gas that alternately streams out on the regenerator’s hot and cold sides are defined as functions of the state of the regenerator matrix. The matrix is assumed to feature a linear spatial temperature distribution. Thus, the matrix has only two degrees of freedom that can, for example, be identified with its energy and entropy content. The dynamics of the regenerator is correspondingly expressed in terms of balance equations for energy and entropy. Internal irreversibilities of the regenerator can be accounted for by introducing source terms to the entropy balance equation. Compared to continuum or nodal regenerator models, the number of degrees of freedom and numerical effort are reduced considerably. As will be shown, instead of the obvious choice of variables energy and entropy, if convenient, a different pair of variables can be used to specify the state of the regenerator matrix and formulate the regenerator’s dynamics. In total, we will discuss three variants of this endoreversible regenerator model, which we will refer to as ES, EE, and EEn-regenerator models.

Playing the piano with a robotic third thumb: assessing constraints of human augmentation

Contemporary robotics gives us mechatronic capabilities for augmenting human bodies with extra limbs. However, how our motor control capabilities pose limits on such augmentation is an open question. We developed a Supernumerary Robotic 3rd Thumbs (SR3T) with two degrees-of-freedom controlled by the user’s body to endow them with an extra contralateral thumb on the hand. We demonstrate that a pianist can learn to play the piano with 11 fingers within an hour. We then evaluate 6 naïve and 6 experienced piano players in their prior motor coordination and their capability in piano playing with the robotic augmentation. We show that individuals’ augmented performance with the SR3T could be explained by our new custom motor coordination assessment, the Human Augmentation Motor Coordination Assessment (HAMCA) performed pre-augmentation. Our work demonstrates how supernumerary robotics can augment humans in skilled tasks and that individual differences in their augmentation capability are explainable by their individual motor coordination abilities.