A mobile self-reconfigurable robot based on modularity

A novel mobile self-reconfigurable robot is presented. This robot consists of several independent units. Each unit is composed of modular components including ultrasonic sensor, camera, communication, computation, and mobility parts, and is capable of simple self-reconfiguring to enhance its mobility by expanding itself. Several units can not only link into a train or other shapes autonomously via camera and sensors to be a united whole robot for obstacle clearing, but also disjoin to be separate units under control after missions. To achieve small overall size, compact mechanical structures are adopted in modular components design, and a miniature advanced RISC machines （ARM） based embedded controller is developed for minimal power consumption and efficient global control. The docking experiment between two units has also been implemented.

网格型自重构模块化机器人的对接过程

研究一种网格型自重构模块化机器人,基本模块由1个中心体和6个旋转面(连接面)组成。针对该网格型自重构机器人的性能和模块连接可靠性的不足,设计一个新的模块对接系统。该对接系统主要由可伸缩轴和可变孔组成,通过可伸缩轴和可变孔的对中、配合、锁紧和松开可仿真实现正常模块与正常模块、正常模块与故障模块的连接和分离,实现网格型自重构机器人的自变形及自修复动作,从而保持机器人整体构型的完整性。基于模块的几何特征,描述相邻模块的对接关系;基于'棋盘约束规则',分析了模块间的对接过程:模块旋转到位阶段和模块微调对中阶段;6模块自重构机器人的对接仿真和3模块试验证实该自重构机器人系统能够完成模块间的对接任务。

混合型自重构模块化机器人对接系统的研究

设计了一种新型的混合型自重构模块化机器人,其基本模块由外形呈正三棱柱的主、从模块构成:主模块包括3个主驱动电机及螺旋传动装置,从模块包括2个从驱动电机及螺旋传动装置。针对该自重构机器人,设计了一种手爪握合式对接系统:该对接系统主要由钩爪结构、传动盘和连接盘构成,通过钩爪的伸缩、张合及传动盘的转动实现相邻模块间的对接和分离。基于混合型自重构模块化机器人基本模块的几何特征,描述了手爪握合式的对接关系;基于主、从模块间及相邻基本模块间的空间约束关系,分析了相邻基本模块之间对接、分离的过程;该自重构机器人3个基本模块的构型变化、对接仿真,证实该自重构机器人系统能够完成变形及基本模块间的对接任务。