Illumination Adaptive Identification Algorithm of a Reconfigurable Modular Robot

Reconfigurable modular robots feature high mobility due to their unconstrained connection manners.Inspired by the snake multi-joint crawling principle,a chain-type reconfigurable modular robot(CRMR)is designed,which could reassemble into various configurations through the compound joint motion.Moreover,an illumination adaptive modular robot identification(IAMRI)algorithm is proposed for CRMR.At first,an adaptive threshold is applied to detect oriented FAST features in the robot image.Then,the effective detection of features in non-uniform illumination areas is achieved through an optimized quadtree decomposition method.After matching features,an improved random sample consensus algorithm is employed to eliminate the mismatched features.Finally,the reconfigurable robot module is identified effectively through the perspective transformation.Compared with ORB,MA,Y-ORB,and S-ORB algorithms,the IAMRI algorithm has an improvement of over 11.6%in feature uniformity,and 13.7%in the comprehensive indicator,respectively.The IAMRI algorithm limits the relative error within 2.5 pixels,efficiently completing the CRMR identification under complex environmental changes.

ANALYSIS OF TIPOVER STABILITY FOR NOVEL SHAPE SHIFTING MODULAR ROBOT

A novel three-module robot has been introduced. It can change its configuration to adapt to the uneven terrain and to improve its tipover stability. This three-module tracked robot has three kinds of symmetry configuration. They are line type, triangle type, and row type. After the factors and the countermeasures of mobile robot＇s tipover problem are analyzed, stability pyramid and tipover stabil-ity index are proposed to globally determinate the mobile robot＇s static stability and dynamic stability. The shape shifting robot is tested by this technique under the combined disturbance of pitch, roll and yaw in simulation. The simulation result shows that this technique is effective for the analysis of mobile robot＇s tipover stability, especially for the reconfigurable or shape shifting modular robot. Experiments on three symmetry configurations are made under unstructured environments. The environment experiment shows the same result as that of the simulation that the triangle type configuration has the best stability. Both simulation and experiment provide a valid reference for the reconfigurable robot＇s potential application.

Three-dimensional Construction and Omni-directional Rolling Analysis of a Novel Frame-like Lattice Modular Robot

Lattice modular robots possess diversity actuation methods, such as electric telescopic rod, gear rack, magnet, robot arm, etc. The researches on lattice modular robots mainly focus on their hardware descriptions and reconfiguration algorithms. Meanwhile, their design architectures and actuation methods perform slow telescopic and moving speeds, relative low actuation force verse weight ratio, and without internal space to carry objects. To improve the mechanical performance and reveal the locomotion and reconfiguration binary essences of the lattice modular robots, a novel cube-shaped, frame-like, pneumatic-based reconfigurable robot module called pneumatic expandable cube（PE-Cube） is proposed. The three-dimensional（3D） expanding construction and omni-directional rolling analysis of the constructed robots are the main focuses. The PE-Cube with three degrees of freedom（Do Fs） is assembled by replacing the twelve edges of a cube with pneumatic cylinders. The proposed symmetric construction condition makes the constructed robots possess the same properties in each supporting state, and a binary control strategy cooperated with binary actuator（pneumatic cylinder） is directly adopted to control the PE-Cube. Taking an eight PE-Cube modules＇ construction as example, its dynamic rolling simulation, static rolling condition, and turning gait are illustrated and discussed. To testify telescopic synchronization, respond speed, locomotion feasibility, and repeatability and reliability of hardware system, an experimental pneumatic-based robotic system is built and the rolling and turning experiments of the eight PE-Cube modules＇ construction are carried out. As an extension, the locomotion feasibility of a thirty-two PE-Cube modules＇ construction is analyzed and proved, including dynamic rolling simulation, static rolling condition, and dynamic analysis in free tipping process. The proposed PE-Cube module, construction method, and locomotion analysis enrich the family of the lattice modular robot and provide the instruction to design the lattice modular robot.

A mobile self-reconfigurable robot based on modularity

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

Design and implementation of a modular self-reconfigurable robot

A novel modular self-reconfigurable robot called UBot is presented.This robot consists of severalstandard modules.The module is cubic structure based on double rotational DOF,and has four connect-ing surfaces that can connect to adjacent modules.A hook-type mechanism is designed,which can quick-ly and reliably connect to or disconnect from adjacent module.This mechanism is self-locking after con-nected,and energy-saving.To achieve small overall size and mass,compact mechanical structures andelectrical systems are adopted in modular design.The modules have embedded power supply and adoptwireless communication,which can avoid cable-winding and improve flexibility of locomotion and self-re-configuration.A group of UBot modules can adapt their configuration and function to the changing envi-ronment without external help by changing their connections and positions .The basic motion and self-re-configuration are proposed,and the experiments of worm-like locomotion are implemented.

Improving the Use of Robotic Welding of Aluminum Boats through Modularization

The level of automation in the manufacture of recreational aluminum boats is very low. Robotized welding is rarely utilized, although it is commonly considered as the most effective way to reduce costs and increase competitiveness. A reason for the under-exploitation of robotics can be found in the construction of aluminum boats;boat models and their detailed structures are almost without exception individual pieces. A new stiffener structure for an aluminum recreational boat hull is developed in this work. Construction of the stiffener as a module allows exploitation of the advantages of modularization. The number of different parts is reduced and the structure simplified improves the applicability of robotic welding and provides benefits accruing from mass production. The same module can be used in several boat models. The modularity also makes it possible to use the same advanced robot welding fixture for a variety of boat models.

Metamorphic Algorithm of Self-reconfigurable Modular Robotic System

A self-reconfigurable robot is a non-linear complex system composed of a large number of modules. The complexity caused by non-linearity makes it difficult to solve the problem of module motion planning and shape-changing control with the traditional algorithm. In this paper, a full-discrete metamorphic algorithm is proposed. The modules concurrently process the local sensing information, update their eigenvector, and act by the same predetermined logical rules. Then a reasonable motion sequence for modules and the global metamorphosis can be obtained. Therefore, the complexity of metamorphic algorithm is reduced, the metamorphic procedure is simplified, and the self-organizing metamorphosis can be obtained. The algorithm cases of several typical systems are studied and evaluated through simulation program of 2-D planar homogeneous modular systems.

The Inverse Kinematics Analysis of Six-DOF Robots

The kinematics of robots mainly analyses the transformational relation between links and the end-actuator position and orientation of robots,its two kinds of topics mainly include:direct kinematics topic and inverse kinematics topic[1].This paper mainly researched the inverse kinematics of Six-DOF robots,built Six-DOF robots inverse kinematics model with D-H parameter model,and worked out the robot’s homogeneous transformation matrix[2].Now we will build the model and study to the inverse kinematics of RBT-6SO3S which from Jiang Su Hui-Bo Robots Company.

四自由度串联嫁接机器人架构约束模块识别可视化方法

为实现育苗嫁接的智能化与高效化,一类四自由度串联嫁接机器人的新结构被提出;针对其机械结构、时序控制、联动运行等复杂性,发展该类机器人架构约束下的模块识别可视化方法及设计流程。首先,构建考虑特定架构约束下机器人的设计结构矩阵(DSM),并采用大型社区快速展开算法(LOUVAIN算法)实现对机器人架构模块的预划分;其次,采用改进遗传算法(AGA)对DSM进行聚类,获得多组高模块度的划分结果,由此形成成组可能性矩阵(GLM),并将其对角化得到对角GLM(DGLM);最后,提出针对DGLM的可视化策略并完成着色处理,实现对最优模块划分方案的辨识。结果显示:四自由度串联嫁接机器人可分解为较独立的7大模块,模块度可达0.782。

小型台式点样机器人THU-Biorobot Ⅲ的研制与开发

介绍了小型台式点样机器人THU-Biorobot Ⅲ的功能、机械结构、控制系统以及用户软件设计.THU-Biorobot Ⅲ基于模块化思想设计,包括内嵌式环境控制模块、样品盒更换模块、点样针清洗干燥模块等.THU-Bioro-bot Ⅲ利用接触式点样来制备微阵列生物芯片.

输电线模块化双臂带电作业机器人作业空间与轨迹规划仿真

输电线路带电作业机器人可以辅助甚至替代人工实现输电线路的带电巡视和作业,然而机器人体积庞大,在野外复杂作业环境下运输十分不便,因此针对输电线路多种检修作业任务设计了一种模块化双臂带电作业机器人。模块化设计可以实现机器人的快速拆装,解决机器人运输难题。针对典型金具检修作业任务,对机器人机械臂进行运动学建模,并基于该模型对机械臂末端进行作业空间与运动轨迹规划仿真,仿真结果验证了双臂带电作业机器人系统设计的可行性和有效性。

基于模块化的小体量割草机器人设计

为实现割草工作的高效化、应用场景的广泛化,将模块化设计引入割草机器人,并针对当前割草机机型大、易污染等不足进行小体量优化设计。通过分析机器人的工作场景,确定基本的设计结构和控制模块,进而实现割草机器人的总体设计。测试割草机器人的系统性能,测试结果与预期相差较小,证明割草机器人能够正常完成割草工作,且能够根据要求灵活更换刀盘,升降结构能够灵活运作,提高了割草工作的效率。文章研究为割草机器人的设计提供了可行的思路,具有一定的参考价值。

模块化机器人结构设计及运动特性分析

针对传统机器人关节在运动过程中的偏转角度、俯仰承载能力受限问题,以提高机器人偏转、俯仰运动能力为目标,提出单电机驱动双轴式、具有大偏转角度特性的偏转关节模块,和基于平行四边形结构及弹簧部件、具有低功耗高承载能力特性的俯仰关节模块,进行了偏转模块、俯仰模块运动特性分析。建立基于新型模块的机器人运动学模型,对比分析相同尺寸及工作条件下新型机器人与基于传统关节机器人的工作空间,结果表明:同等条件下新型机器人工作空间明显大于传统机器人结构,所提出新型关节模块可有效提升机器人运动灵活性。

基于工业机器人的推拿机器人研究

中医推拿是腰腿疼痛、关节炎症、颈椎病等的绿色医疗保健方式。基于工业机器人模块化设计的推拿头可以帮助推拿医师完成推拿操作,降低操作强度,提高服务能力,进而促进中医推拿的推广。

三臂越障输电线路中的封网机器人设计与实现

阐述三臂越障输电线路封网机器人中的行走模块、夹紧模块和越障模块设计,分析机器人的实践应用。该机器人的应用可以初步实现在输电线路中替代人工进行封网作业。

DEVELOPMENT OF A SHAPE-SHIFTING MOBILE ROBOT FOR URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE

A portable shape-shifting mobile robot system named as Amoeba Ⅱ（A-Ⅱ） is developed for the urban search and rescue application. It is designed with three degrees of freedom and two tracked drive systems. This robot consists of two modular mobile units and a joint unit. The mobile unit is a tracked mechanism to enforce the propulsion of robot. And the joint unit can transform the robot shape to get high environment adaptation. A-Ⅱ robot can not only adapt to the environment but also change its body shape according to the locus space. It behaves two work states including the linear state （named as I state） and the parallel state （named as Ⅱ state）. With the linear state the robot can climb upstairs and go through narrow space such as the pipe, cave, etc. The parallel state enables the robot with high mobility on rough ground. Also, the joint unit can propel the robot to roll in sidewise direction. Two modular A-Ⅱ robots can be connected through jointing common interfaces on the joint unit to compose a stronger shape-shifting robot, which can transform the body into four wheels-driven vehicle. The experimental results validate the adaptation and mobility of A-Ⅱ robot.

Study on Distributed Motion of Self-Reconfigurable Robot Based on Local Rules

The eigenvector of a module with six adjacent module's state was constructed according to self-reconfigurable robot M-Cubes and the configuration of system was expressed with the eigenvectors of all modules.According to the configuration and motion characteristics of the modules,a 3-dimension motion rule set was provided.The rule sets of each module was run according to eigenvector of the module after the motion direction of system decided and motion rules were selected.At last,the rapid and effective motion and metamorphosis were realized in system.The rule sets are operated on three systems and the distributed motion of system is fully realized.The result of simulation shows that the 3-dimension motion rule sets has perfect applicability and extensibility.The motion steps and communication load of the modules increase with the module number in linear.

Metamorphic strategy based on dynamic meta-modules for a self-reconfigurable robot

For a self-reconfigurable robot,how to metamorphose to adapt itself to environment is a difficultproblem.To solve this problem,a new relative orientation model which describes modules and their sur-rounding grids was given,a module motion rules database which enables the robot to avoid obstacles wasestablished,and finally a three-layer planner based on dynamic meta-modules was developed.The first-layer planner designates the category of each module in robot by evaluation functions and picks out themodules in dynamic recta-modules.The second-layer planner plans the dynamic recta-module path ac-cording to output parameters of the first-layer planner.The third-layer planner plans the motion of themodules in dynamic meta-module using topology variation oriented methods.To validate the efficiency ofthe three-layer planner,two simulations were given.One is the simulation of a single dynamic meta-mod-ule,the other is the simulation of planning with an initial configuration composed of 8 modules in compli-cated environment.Results show that the methods can make robot with any initial configuration movethrough metamorphosis in complicated environment efficiently.