Robotics and Actuators Simplified Notes
Robotics and Actuators Simplified Notes
ON
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
UNIT-I
Pre-requisite:
To study the various parts of robots and fields of robotics.
OUTCOMES:
Analyze the basic concepts of working of robot.
INTRODUCTION
Robotics: -
Robotics is an applied engineering science that has been referred to as a combination of machine tool
technology and computer science. It includes machine design, production theory, micro electronics, computer
programming & artificial intelligence.
Industrial robot: -
The official definition of an industrial robot is provided by the robotics industries association (RIA). Industrial
robot is defined as an automatic, freely programmed, servo-controlled, multi-purpose manipulator to handle
various operations of an industry with variable programmed motions.
Automation and robotics are two closely related technologies. In an industrial context, we can dean automation
as a technology that is concerned with the use of mechanical, electronic, and computer-based systems in the
operation and control of production Examples of this technology include transfer lines. Mechanized assembly
machines, feedback control systems (applied to industrial processes), numerically controlled machine tools, and
robots. Accordingly, robotics is a form of industrial automation.
Ex:- Robotics, CAD/CAM, FMS, CIMS
Types of Automation:-
1) Fixed Automation
2) Programmable Automation
3) Flexible Automation
(1) Fixed Automation
It is the automation in which the sequence of processing or assembly operations to be carried out is fixed by the
equipment configuration. In fixed automation, the sequence of operations (which are simple) are integrated in a
piece of equipment. Therefore, it is difficult to automate changes in the design of the product. It is used where
high volume of production is required Production rate of fixed automation is high. In this automation, no new
products are processed for a given sequence of assembly operations.
Features:-
It is the automation in which the equipment is designed to accommodate various product configurations in order
to change the sequence of operations or assembly operations by means of control program. Different types of
programs can be loaded into the equipment to produce products with new configurations (i.e., new products). It
is employed for batch production of low and medium volumes. For each new batch of different configured
product, a new control program corresponding to the new product is loaded into the equipment. This automation
is relatively economic for small batches of the product.
Features:-
i) High investment in general purpose,
ii) Lower production rates than fixed automation,
iii) Flexibility & Changes in products configuration,
iv) More suitable for batch production.
Features:-
iv) Continuous production of variable mixtures of products. Ex:- Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)
Advantages:-
Disadvantages:-
The reasons for the implementation of automated systems in manufacturing industries are as follows,
(i) To Increase the Productivity Rate of Labour
Industrial robot plays a significant role in automated manufacturing to perform different kinds of applications.
1. Robots can be built a performance capability superior to those of human beings. In terms of strength,
size, speed, accuracy…etc.
2. Robots are better than humans to perform simple and repetitive tasks with better quality and consistence’s.
3. Robots do not have the limitations and negative attributes of human works .such as fatigue, need for rest,
and diversion of attention…..etc.
4. Robots are used in industries to save the time compared to human beings.
CAD/CAM is a term which means computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing. It is the
technology concerned with the use of digital computers to perform certain functions in design & production.
CAD:- CAD can be defined as the use of computer systems to assist in the creation modification, analysis OR
optimization of design.
Cam:- CAM can be defined as the use of computer system to plan, manage & control the operation of a
manufacturing plant, through either direct or in direct computer interface with the plant’s production resources.
Specifications of robotics:-
1. Axil of motion
2. Work stations
3. Speed
4. Acceleration
6. Accuracy
7. Repeatability etc…
Overview of Robotics:-
"Robotics" is defined as the science of designing and building Robots which are suitable for real life application
in automated manufacturing and other non-manufacturing environments. It has the following objectives,
1. To increase productivity
1. Hydraulic drive
2. Electric drive
3. Pneumatic drive
1. Hydraulic drive:-
Hydraulic drive and electric drive arc the two main types of drives used on more sophisticated robots.
Hydraulic drive is generally associated with larger robots, such as the Unimate 2000 series. The usual
advantages of the hydraulic drive system are that it provides the robot with greater speed and strength. The
disadvantages of the hydraulic drive system are that it typically adds to the floor space required by the robot,
and that a hydraulic system is inclined to leak on which is a nuisance.
This type of system can also be called as non-air powered cylinders. In this system, oil is used as a working
fluid instead of compressed air. Hydraulic system need pump to generate the required pressure and flow rate.
These systems are quite complex, costly and require maintenance.
2. Electric drive:-
Electric drive systems do not generally provide as much speed or power as hydraulic systems. However, the
accuracy and repeatability of electric drive robots are usually better. Consequently, electric robots tend to
be smaller. Require less floor space, and their applications tend toward more precise work such as
assembly.
In this System, power is developed by an electric current. It required little maintenance and the operation
is noise less.
3. Pneumatic drive:-
Pneumatic drive is generally reserved for smaller robots that possess fewer degrees of freedom (two- to four-
joint motions).
In this system, air is used as a working fluid, hence it is also called air-powered cylinders. Air is compressed in
the cylinder with the aid of pump the compressed air is used to generate the power with required amount of
pressure and flow rates.
Applications of robots:-
The profile of the future robot based on the research activities will include the following,
(i) Intelligence
(iii) Telepresence
1946 – GC devol – controller device – records electrical signals magnetically and play them back to operate
mechanical machine
1954 – cw kenward – robot design
Third generation
• The concept of a third-generation robot encompasses two major avenues of evolving smart robot
technology –
• An autonomous robot can work on its own. It contains a controller, and it can do things largely without
supervision, either by an outside computer or by a human being – Insect robot
• There are some situations in which autonomous robots do not perform efficiently. In these cases, a fleet
of simple insect robots, all under the control of one central computer, can be used.
• These machines work like ants in an anthill, or like bees in a hive.
• Any robot of a sort yet to be seriously put into operation is a fourth generation robot.
Examples of these might be robots that reproduce and evolve, or that incorporate biological as well as
mechanical components.
Fifth Generation Artificial Intelligence Robotics
• Robot controller will involve complete artificial intelligence (AI), miniature sensors, and decision making
capabilities.
Industrial robots are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and physical configurations. The vast majority
of today’s commercially available robots possess one of the basic configurations:
1. Polar configuration
2. Cylindrical configuration
4. Jointed-arm configuration
1. Polar configuration:-
The polar configuration is pictured in part (a) of Fig. It uses a telescoping arm that can be raised or lowered
about a horizontal pivot The pivot is mounted on a mta6ng base These various joints provide the robot with the
capability to move its arm within a spherical space, and hence the name “spherical coordinate” robot is
sometimes applied to this type. A number of commercial robots possess the polar configuration.
2. Cylindrical configuration:-
The cylindrical configurable, as shown in fig, uses a vertical column and a slide that can be moved up or down
along the column. The robot arm is attached to the slide so that it cm he moved radially with respect to the
column. By routing the column, the robot is capable of achieving a work space that approximation a cylinder.
3. Cartesian coordinate configurable:-
The cartesian coordinate robot, illustrated in part Cc) of Fig, uses three perpendicular slides to construct the x,
y, and z axes. Other names are sometimes applied W this configuration, including xyz robot and rectilinear
robot, By moving the three slides relative to one another, the robot is capable of operating within a rectangular
work envelope.
4. Jointed-arm configuration:-
The jointed-arm robot is pictured in Fig. Its configuration is similar to that of the human arm. It consists of two
straight components. Corresponding to the human forearm and upper arm, mounted on a vertical pedestal.
These components are connected by two rotary joints corresponding to the shoulder and elbow.
Degrees of freedom
Industrial robots are designed to perform productive work such as pick and place, welding, assembly, etc., the
work is accomplished by enabling the robot to move its body, arm and wrist through a series of motion and
positions. The individual joint motions associated with the performance of a task are referred to by the term
Degrees of Freedom (DOF) "Degrees of freedom, in a mechanics context, are specific, defined modes in which
a mechanical device or system can move. The number of degrees of freedom is equal to the total number of
independent displacements or aspects of motion."
Working envelope– an envelope is the region of space a robot can reach during its normal range of motion.
Degrees of Freedom associated with wrist of robot
• Wrist Roll: Also called as wrist swivel, this involves rotation of the wrist mechanism about the arm axis
• Wrist Pitch: Given that the wrist roll is in the center position, the pitch would involve the up and down
rotation of the wrist. This is also sometimes called as wrist bend
• Wrist Yaw: Given that the wrist roll is the center position, the Yaw would involve the right or left rotation of
the wrist.
Vertical Traverse: This is the capability to move the wrist up or down to provide the desired vertical
attitude.
Radial Traverse: This is the capability to move the wrist front and back which provides the extension
and retraction movement.
Rotational Traverse: This is the capability to rotate the arm in vertical axis.
Joints and its types
• The robot's motion are accomplished by means of powered joints.
• Three joints are associated with the action of body and arm.
• Another three joints are generally used to actuate the wrist
• Joints used in the industrial robotics are of two types,
Revolute joint
• A revolute joint (also called pin joint or hinge joint) is a one-degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in
mechanisms.
• Revolute joints provide single-axis rotation function used in many places such as door hinges, folding
mechanisms, and other uni-axial rotation devices
Control systems:-
With respect to robotics, the motion control system used to control the movement of the end-effector or tool.
4. Intelligent robots.
Limited sequence robots (Non-servo):-
Limited sequence robots do not give servo controlled to inclined relative positions of the joints; instead they are
controlled by setting limit switches & are mechanical stops. There is generally no feedback associated with a
limited sequence robot to indicate that the desired position, has been achieved generally thin type of robots
involves simple motion as pick & place operations.
These type robots are capable of controlling velocity acceleration & path of motion, from the beginning to the
end of the path. It uses complex control programs, PLC’s (programmable logic controller’s) computers to
control the motion.
The point to point control motion robots are capable of performing motion cycle that consists of a series of
desired point location. The robot is tough & recorded, unit.
In this robots are capable of performing motion cycle in which the path followed by the robot in controlled. The
robot move through a series of closely space point which describe the desired path.
Ex:- Spray painting, arc welding & complicate assembly operations.
Intelligent robots:-
This type of robots not only programmable motion cycle but also interact with its environment in a way that
years intelligent. It taken make logical decisions based on sensor data receive from the operation.
There robots are usually programmed using an English like symbolic language not like a computer
programming language.
The preceding discussion of response speed and stability is concerned with the dynamic performance of
the robot. Another measure of performance is precision of the robot's movement. We will define precision
as a function of three features:
1. Spatial resolution
2. Accuracy
3. Repeatability
1) The definitions will apply at the robot’s wrist end with no hand attached to the wrist.
2) The terms apply to the worst case conditions, the conditions under which the robot's precision will be at its
wont. This generally means that the robot’s arm is fully extended in the case of a jointed arm or polar
configurable.
3) Third, our definitions will he developed in the context of a point-to-point robot.
1. Spatial resolution:-
The spatial resolution of a robot is the smallest increment of movement into which the robot can divide its work
volume. Spatial resolution depends on two factors: the system's control resolution and the robot's mechanical
inaccuracies. It is easiest to conceptualize these factors in terms of a robot with 1 degree of freedom.
2. Accuracy:-
Accuracy refers to a robot's ability to position its wrist end at a desired target point within the work volume. The
accuracy of a robot can be denned in terms of spatial resolution because the ability to achieve a given target
point depends on how closely the robot can define the control increments for each of its joint motions.
3. Repeatability:-
Repeatability is concerned with the robot's ability to position its wrist or an end effector attached to its wrist at a
point in space is known as repeatability. Repeatability and accuracy refer to two different aspects of the robot’s
precision. Accuracy relates to the robot's capacity to be programmed to achieve a given target point. The actual
programmed point will probably be different from the target point due to limitations of control resolution
Repeatability refers to the robot’s ability to return to the programmed point when commanded to do so.
UNIT-II
Pre-requisite:
To study the basic power sources and sensors.
OUTCOMES:
Analyze the function of power drives and sensors in the robot.
To relate and classify the electrical machines, special purpose motors and its applications.
1. The pneumatic actuator converts the fluid power into mechanical power to perform useful work.
2. The compressor is used to compress the fresh air drawn from the atmosphere.
3. The storage reservoir is used to store a given volume of compressed air.
4. The valves are used to control the direction, flow rate and pressure of compressed air.
5. External power supply (motor) is used to drive the compressor.
6. The piping system carries the pressurized air from one location to another.
Air is drawn from the atmosphere through an air filter and raised to required pressure by an air
compressor. As the pressure rises, the temperature also rises; hence, an air cooler is provided to cool the
air with some preliminary treatment to remove the moisture. The treated pressurized air then needs to
get stored to
maintain the pressure. With the storage reservoir, a pressure switch is fitted to start and stop the electric
motor when pressure falls and reaches the required level, respectively.
The three-position change over the valve delivering air to the cylinder operates in a way similar to its
hydraulic circuit.
Electrical drives
These are direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) servo motors. They are small in size and are
easy to control.
Electric drives are mostly used in position and speed control systems. The motors can be classified into
two groups namely DC motors and AC motors (Fig. 4.1.3). In this session we shall study the operation,
construction, advantages and limitations of DC and AC motors.
Stepper motor
A stepper motor is a pulse-driven motor that changes the angular position of the rotor in steps. Due to this
nature of a stepper motor, it is widely used in low cost, open loop position control systems.
Types of stepper motors:
• Permanent Magnet- Employ permanent magnet , Low speed, relatively high torque
• Variable Reluctance- Does not have permanent magnet, Low torque
In this type of motor, the rotor is a permanent magnet. Unlike the other stepping motors, the PM motor
rotor has no teeth and is designed to be magnetized at a right angle to its axis. Figure 4.2.2 shows a
simple, 90⁰ PM motor with four phases (A-D). Applying current to each phase in sequence will cause the
rotor to rotate by adjusting to the changing magnetic fields. Although it operates at fairly low speed, the
PM motor has a relatively high torque characteristic. These are low cost motors with typical step angle
ranging between 7.5⁰ to 15⁰.
Servomotor
Servomotors are special electromechanical devices that produce precise degrees of rotation. A servo
motor is a DC or AC or brushless DC motor combined with a position sensing device. Servomotors are
also called control motors as they are involved in controlling a mechanical system. The servomotors are
used in a closed-loop servo system as shown in Figure 4.2.4. A reference input is sent to the servo
amplifier, which controls the speed of the servomotor. A feedback device is mounted on the machine,
which is either an
encoder or resolver. This device changes mechanical motion into electrical signals and is used as a
feedback. This feedback is sent to the error detector, which compares the actual operation with that of the
reference input. If there is an error, that error is fed directly to the amplifier, which will be used to make
necessary corrections in control action. In many servo systems, both velocity and position are monitored.
Servomotors provide accurate speed, torque, and have ability of direction control.
DC servomotors
DC operated servomotors are usually respond to error signal abruptly and accelerate the load quickly. A
DC servo motor is actually an assembly of four separate components,
namely:
• DC motor
• gear assembly
• position-sensing device
• control circuit
AC servo motor
In this type of motor, the magnetic force is generated by a permanent magnet and current which further
produce the torque. It has no brushes so there is little noise/vibration. This motor provides high precision
control with the help of high resolution encoder. The stator is composed of a core and a winding. The
rotor part comprises of shaft, rotor core and a permanent magnet.
Digital encoder can be of optical or magnetic type. It gives digital signals, which are in proportion of
rotation of the shaft.
HORSEPOWER
Horsepower, like any unit of power, is simply a rate at which work is being done. Literally, the
horsepower unit originates from an experiment which set out to measure the power of a single horse. It
was determined that a horse is capable of performing 33,000 ft-lbf of work per min. We will address to
this number later in the explanation.
The derivation of these constants is done using the 33,000 ft-lbf /min = 1 horsepower. Though
horsepower units are a derivative of the 33,000 ft-lbf/min, it is not critical to understanding how to
calculate motor horsepower for speed and torque.
Another common unit of power that motors are rated in is watts. The conversion from watts to
horsepower is 745.7 watts = 1 hp.
Path-Planning
Path-planning is an important primitive for autonomous mobile robots that lets robots find the shortest –
or otherwise optimal – path between two points. Otherwise optimal paths could be paths that minimize
the amount of turning, the amount of braking or whatever a specific application requires. Algorithms to
find a shortest path are important not only in robotics, but also in network routing, video games and gene
sequencing.
Path-planning requires a map of the environment and the robot to be aware of its location with respect to
the map. We will assume for now that the robot is able to localize itself, is equipped with a map, and
capable of avoiding temporary obstacles on its way.
In order to plan a path, we somehow need to represent the environment in the computer. We differentiate
between two complementary approaches: discrete and continuous approximations. In a discrete
approximation, a map is sub-divided into chunks of equal e.g., a grid or hexagonal map or differing sizes
e.g., rooms in a building. The latter maps are also known as topological maps. Discrete maps lend
themselves well to a graph representation. Here, every chunk of the map corresponds to a vertex also
known as “node” which are connected by edges, if a robot can navigate from one vertex to the other. For
example a road-map is a topological map, with intersections as vertices and roads as edges.
Computationally, a graph might be stored as an adjacency or incidence list/matrix. A continuous
approximation requires the definition of inner (obstacles) and outer boundaries, typically in the form of a
polygon, whereas paths can be encoded as sequences of real numbers. Discrete maps are the dominant
representation in robotics.
Currently the most common map is the occupancy grid map. In a grid map, the environment is discretized
into squares of arbitrary resolution, e.g. 1cm x 1cm, on which obstacles are marked. In a probabilistic
occupancy grid, grid cells can also be marked with the probability that they contain an obstacle. This is
particularly important when the position of the robot that senses an obstacle is uncertain. Disadvantages
of grid maps are their large memory requirements as well as computational time to traverse data structures
with large numbers of vertices. A solution to the latter problem are topological maps that encode entire
rooms as vertices and use edges to indicate navigable connections between them. There is no silver bullet,
and each application might require a different solution that could be a combination of different map types.
COMMON IMAGING DEVICE USED FOR ROBOT VISION SYSTEMS
Black and white videocon camera, charge coupled devices, solid-state camera, charge injection devices.
SEGMENTATION
Segmentation is the method to group areas of an image having similar characteristics or features into
distinct entities representing part of the image.
THRESHOLDING
Thresholding is a binary conversion technique in which each pixel is converted into a binary value either
black or white.
FUNCTIONS OF MACHINE VISION SYSTEM
Sensing and digitizing image data Image Processing and analysis Application
SENSORS AND TRANSDUCER
Sensor is a transducer that is used to make a measurement of a physical variable of interest.
Transducer is a device that converts the one form of information into another form without changing the
information content.
BASIC CLASSIFICATIONS OF SENSORS
Tactile Sensors, Proximity Sensors, Range sensors, Voice sensors etc.,
TACTILE SENSOR
Tactile sensor is device that indicates the contact between themselves and some other solid objects.
REGION GROWING
Region growing is a collection of segmentation techniques in which pixels are grouped in regions called
grid elements based on attribute similarities.
FEATURE EXTRACTION
In vision applications distinguishing one object from another is accomplished by means of features that
uniquely characterize the object. A feature (area, diameter, perimeter) is a single parameter that permits
ease of comparison and identification.
VARIOUS TECHNIQUES IN IMAGE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
Image data reduction Segmentation Feature extraction Object recognition
APPLICATION EXAMPLE OF A PROXIMITY SENSOR
Ground proximity warning system for aviation safety Vibration measurements of rotating shafts in
machinery Sheet break sensing in paper machine.
Roller coasters
Conveyor systems
WORKING OF INDUCTIVE TYPE PROXIMITY SENSOR
Inductive proximity sensors operate under the electrical principle of inductance.
Inductance is the phenomenon where fluctuating current, which by definition has a magnetic component
induces an electromotive force (emf) is a target object.
To amplify a devices inductance effect, a sensor manufacturer twists wire into a tight coil and runs a
current through it.
FEEDBACK DEVICES USED IN ROBOTICS.
Position Sensors Velocity Sensors
TYPES OF ENCODERS
Incremental encoders Absolute encoders
FRAME GRABBER
It is a hardware device used to capture and store the digital image.
TYPES OF POSITION SENSORS
Incremental encoders Absolute encoders Resistive position sensors
Linear variable differential transformer. Encoders
Potentiometer Resolver.
TACTILE ARRAY SENSOR
Tactile array sensor is a special type of force senor composed of a matrix of force sensing elements.
Characteristics of Sensors.
Resolution:
It is the minimum step size within the range of measurement of a sensor.in a wire-wound potentiometer, it
will be equal to resistance of one turn of wire. In digital devices with ‗n‘ bits, resolution is ‗Full
range/2n‘.
Sensitivity:
It is defined as the change in output response divided by the change in input response. Highly sensitive
sensors show larger fluctuations in output as a result of fluctuations in input.
Linearity:
It represents the relationship between input variations and output variations.
In a sensor with linear ouput, any change in input at any level within the range will produce the same
change in output.
Range:
It is the difference between the smallest and the largest outputs that a sensor can provide, or the difference
between the smallest and largest inputs with which it can operate properly.
Response time:
It is the time that a sensor‘s ouput requires to reach a certain percentage of total change.
It is also defined as the time required to observe the changein output as a result of change in input for
example, ordinary mercury thermometer responsetime and digital thermometer
response time.
Frequency response:
The frequency response is the range in which the system‘s ability to resonate to the input remains
relatively high.
The larger the range of frequency response, the better the ability of the system to respond to varying input.
Reliability:
It is the ratio between the number of times a system operates properly and the number of times it is tried.
For continuous satisfactory operation, it is necessary to choose reliable sensors that last long while
considering the cost as well as other requirements.
Accuracy:
It shows how close the output of the sensor is to the expected value.
For a given input, certain expected output value is related to how close the sensor‘s output value is to this
value.
Repeatability:
For the same input if the output response is different each time, then repeatability is poor. Also, a specific
range is desirable for operational performance as the performanve of robots depends on sensors.
Repeatability is a random phenomenon and hence there is no compensation.
Interfacing:
Direct interfacing of the sensor to the microcontroller/microprocessor is desirable while some add-on
circuit may be necessary in certain special sensors.
The type of the sensor output is equally important. An ADC is required for analogue output sensors for
example, potentiometer ouput to microcontroller.
Size, weight and volume:
Size is a critical consideration for joint displacement sensors.
When robots are used as dynamic machines, weight of the sensor is important. Volume or spaces also
critical to micro robots and mobile robots used for surveillance. Cost is important expecially when
quantity involved is large in the end application.
Encoders Synchros Resolvers Potentiometers
Types of Position Sensor:
Position sensors use different sensing principles to sense the displacement of a body. Depending upon the
different sensing principles used for position sensors, they can be classified as follows:
1. Resistance-based or Potentiometric Position sensors
2. Capacitive position sensors
3. Linear Voltage Differential Transformers
4. Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensor
5. Eddy Current based position Sensor
6. Hall Effect based Magnetic Position Sensors
7. Fiber-Optic Position Sensor
8. Optical Position Sensors
Potentiometric Position Sensors:
Potentiometric position sensor use resistive effect as the sensing principle. The sensing element is simply
a resistive (or conductive) track. A wiper is attached to the body or part of the body whose displacement
is to be measured. The wiper is in contact with the track. As the wiper (with the body or its part) moves,
the resistance between one end of the track and the wiper changes. Thus, the resistance becomes a
function of the wiper position. The change in resistance per unit change in wiper position is linear.
Resistance, proportional to wiper position, is measured using voltage divider arrangement. A constant
voltage is applied across the ends of the track and the voltage across the resistance between the wiper and
one end of the track is measured. Thus, voltage output across the wiper and one end of the track is
proportional to the wiper position.
The conductive track can be made linear or angular depending upon the requirements. The tracks are
made from carbon , resistance wire or piezo resistive material.
Working principle of Range sensors with neat sketch.
The distance between the object and the robot hand is measured using the range sensors Within it is range
of operation. The calculation of the distance is by visual processing. Range sensors find use in robot
navigation and avoidance of the obstacles in the path. The - location and the general shape characteristics
of the part in the work envelope of the robot S done by special applications for the range sensors. There
are several approaches like, triangulation method, structured lighting approach and time-of flight range
finders etc. In these cases the source of illumination can be light- source, laser beam or based on
ultrasonic.
Triangulation Method:
This is the simplest of the techniques, which is easily demonstrated in the Figure. The object is swept over
by a narrow beam of sharp light. The sensor focussed on a small spot of the object surface detects the
reflected beam of light. If ‗a‘ is the angle made by the illuminating source and ‗b‘is the distance between
source and the sensor, the distance ‗c of the sensor on the robot is given as
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF PROXIMITY SENSORS
Proximity Sensors:
The output of the proximity sensors gives an indication of the presence of an object with in the vicinity
job operation. In robotics these sensors are used to generate information of object grasping and obstacle
avoidance. This section deals with some of the important proximity sensors used in robotics.
The ferromagnetic material brought close to this type of sensor results in change in position of the flux
lines of the permanent magnet leading to change in inductance of the coil. The induced current pulse in
the coil with change in amplitude and shape is proportional to rate of change of flux line in magnet.
Inductive Proximity Sensors:
Construction:
The proximity inductive sensor basically consists of a wound coil located in front of a permanent magnet
encased inside a rugged housing. The lead from the coil, embedded in resin is connected to the display
through a connector.
The effect of bringing the sensor in close proximity to a ferromagnetic material causes a change in the
position of the flux lines of the permanent magnet.
Machine vision systems of Robot
Machine vision system consists of: Lighting, camera, A/D convertor, frame grabber, computer processor,
robot controller and robot manipulator.
The hardware and software for performing the function of sensing and processing the image and utilising
the results obtained to command the robot.
The sensing and digitizing functions involve the input of vision data by means of a camera focused on the
scene of interest. Special lighting techniques are frequently used to obtain an image of sufficient contrast
for later processing.
The image viewed by the camera is typically digitized and stored in computer memory. The digital image
is called a frame of vision data, and is frequently captured by a hardware device called a frame grabber.
These devices are capable of digitizing images at the rate of 30 frames per second. The frames consist of
a matrix of data representing projections of the scene sensed by the camera.
The elements of the matrix are called picture elements, or pixels. The number of pixels are determined by
a sampling process per formed on each image frame.
A single pixel is the projection of a small portion of the scene which reduces that portion to a single
value. The value is a measure of the light intensity for that element of the scene.
Each pixel intensity is converted into a digital value. (We are ignoring the additional complexities
involved in the operation of a color video camera.)
The digitized image matrix for each frame is stored and then subjected to image processing and analysis
functions for data reduction and interpretation of the image.
These steps are required in order to permit the real-time application of vision analysis required in robotic
applications.
Typically an image frame will be thresholded to produce a binary image, and then various feature
measurements will further reduce the data representation of the image.
This data reduction can change the representation of a frame from several.
Optical encoders:
The absolute optical encoder employs the same basic construction as incremental optical encoders except
that there are more tracks of stripes and a corresponding number of receivers and transmitters. Usually,
the stripes are arranged to provide a binary number proportional to the shaft angle. The first track might
have two stripes, the second four, the third eight, and so on. In this way the angle can be read directly
from the encoder without any necessary counting. Figure illustrates an absolute optical encoder.
Laser range meters:
A pulsed-laser system described by larvis [produces a two-dimensional array with values proportional to
distance. The two-dimensional scan is accom plished by deflecting the laser light via a rotating mirror.
The 66 working range of this device is on the order of I to 4 m, with an accuracy of ±
0.25 cm. Figure shows a collection of three-dimensional objects, and Figure is the corresponding sensed
array displayed as art image in which the intensity at each point is proportional to the distance between
the sensor and the reflecting surface at that point (darker is closer). The bright areas around the object
boundaries represent discontinuity in range determined by post processing in a computer An alternative to
pulsed light is to use a continuous-beam laser and measure the delay (i.e., phase shift) between the
outgoing and returning beams.
Capacitive type touch sensors:
Unlike inductive and Hall-effect sensors which detect only ferromagnetic materials, capacitive sensors are
potentially capable (with various degrees of sensitivity) of detecting all solid and liquid materials. As their
name implies, these sensors are based on detecting a change in capacitance induced by a surface that is
brought near the sensing element.
The basic components of a capacitive sensor are shown in Figure. The sensing element is a capacitor
composed of a sensitive electrode and a reference electrode. These can be, for example, a metallic disk
and ring separated by a dielectric material. A cavity of dry air is usually placed behind the capacitive
element to provide isolation. The rest of the sensor consists of electronic circuitry which can be included
as an integral part of the unit, in which case it is normally embedded in a resin to provide sealing and
mechanical support.
There are a number of electronic approaches for detecting proximity based on a change in capacitance.
One of the simplest includes the capacitor as part of an Oscillator circuit designed so that the oscillation
starts only when the capacitance of the sensor exceeds a predefined threshold value. The start of
oscillation is then translated into an output voltage which indicates the presence of an object. This method
provides a binary output whose triggering sensitivity depends on the threshold value.
A more complicated approach utilizes the capacitive element as part of a circuit which is continuously
driven by a reference sinusoidal waveform. A change in capacitance produces a phase shift between the
reference signal and a signal derived from the capacitive element. The phase shift is proportional to the
change in capacitance and can thus be used as a basic mechanism for proximity detection.
UNIT-III
Pre-requisite:
To study the basic mechanical movement and grippers.
OUTCOMES:
Analyze the function manipulator dynamics and force control.
Construction of manipulators
Spherical manipulator: A manipulator is called a spherical manipulator if all the links perform spherical
motions about a common stationary point.
Spatial manipulator: A manipulator is called a spatial manipulator if at least one of the links of the
mechanism possesses a general spatial motion.
Open-loop manipulator (or serial robot): A manipulator is called an open-loop manipulator if its links
form an open-loop chain.
Hybrid manipulator: A manipulator is called a hybrid manipulator if it consists of open loop and closed
loop chains.
Pneumatic actuators system with neat sketch.
Pneumatic systems use pressurized air to make things move. Basic pneumatic system consists of an air
generating unit and an air-consuming unit. Air compressed in compressor is not ready for use as such, air
has to be filtered, moisture present in air has to be dried, and for different applications in plant pressure of
air has to be varied. Several other treatments are given to the air before it reaches finally to the Actuators.
The figure gives an overview of a pneumatic system. Practically some accessories are added for
economical and efficient operation of system.
Compressor:
A device, which converts mechanical force and motion into pneumatic fluid power, is called
compressor. Every compressed-air system begins with a compressor, as it is the source of airflow for all
the downstream equipment and processes Electric Motor Electric motor is used to drive the compressor.
Air Receiver:
It is a container in which air is stored under pressure. Pressure Switch. Pressure Switch is used to
maintain the required pressure in the receiver; it adjusts the High Pressure Limit and Low Pressure Limit
in the receiver. The compressor is automatically turned off when the pressure is about to exceed the high
limit and it is also automatically turned on when the pressure is about to fall below the low limit.
Safety Valve:
The function of the safety valve is to release extra pressure if the pressure inside the receiver tends to
exceed the safe pressure limit of the receiver.
Check Valve:
The valve enables flow in one direction and blocks flow in a counter direction is called Check Valve.
Once compressed air enters the receiver via check valve, it is not allowed to go back even when the
compressor is stopped.
Direction Control Valve:
Directional-control valve are devices used to change the flow direction of fluid within a
Pneumatic/Hydraulic circuit. They control compressed-air flow to cylinders, rotary actuators, grippers,
and other mechanisms in packaging, handling, assembly, and countless other applications. These valves
can be actuated either manually or electrically.
Pneumatic Actuator:
A device in which power is transferred from one pressurized medium to another without intensification.
Pneumatic actuators are normally used to control processes requiring quick and accurate response, as they
do not require a large amount of motive force. They may be reciprocating cylinders, rotating motors or
may be a robot end effectors.
Electronic And Pneumatic Manipulator Control Circuits
Actuators are output devices which convert energy from pressurized hydraulic oil or compressed air into
the required type of action or motion. In general, hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used for gripping
and/or moving operations in industry. These operations are carried out by using actuators.
The construction of hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators is similar. However they differ at their
operating pressure ranges. Typical pressure of hydraulic cylinders is about 100 bar and of pneumatic
system is around 10 bar.
These cylinders produce work in one direction of motion hence they are named as single acting cylinders.
The compressed air pushes the piston located in the cylindrical barrel causing the desired motion. The
return stroke takes place by the action of a spring. Generally the spring is provided on the rod side of the
cylinder.
Double acting cylinders generally contain cylinder cushions at the end of the cylinder to slow down the
movement of the piston near the end of the stroke. Cushioning arrangement avoids the damage due to the
impact occurred when a fast moving piston is stopped by the end caps. Deceleration of the piston starts
when the tapered plunger enters the opening in the cap and closes the main fluid exit. This restricts the
exhaust flow from the barrel to the port. This throttling causes the initial speed reduction. During the last
portion of the stroke the oil has to exhaust through an adjustable opening since main fluid exit closes.
Thus the remaining fluid exists through the cushioning valve. Amount of cushioning can be adjusted by
means of cushion screw. A check valve is provided to achieve fast break away from the end position
during retraction motion. A bleed screw is built into the check valve to remove the air bubbles present in
a hydraulic type system.
7. Speed control
For an actuator, the operational speed is determined by the fluid flow rate and the cylinder actuator area
or the motor displacement. The speed can only be controlled by adjusting the fluid flow to the actuator,
because the physical dimension of the actuator is fixed. Since the air is compressible, flow control is
difficult as compared to the hydraulic system. There are various ways of controlling the fluid flow. One of
the methods is discussed as below-
the circuit diagram of hydraulic system developed to control the speed of motion of a piston. Consider a
pump which delivers a fluid volume of ‘V’ per minute. The pump has a fixed displacement. The volume
of fluid goes either to the pump or to the actuator. When the direction control valve moves from its center
position the actuator of area ‘A’, the piston moves with a velocity,
v = 𝑉/𝐴
If the pump delivery volume ‘V’ can be adjusted by altering swash plate angle of a piston pump or by
using a variable displacement vane pump, no further speed control will be needed.
Consider a simple operation where a double-acting cylinder is used to transfer parts from a magazine. The
cylinder is to be advanced either by operating a push button or by a foot pedal. Once the cylinder is fully
advanced, it is to be retracted to its initial position. A 3/2-way roller lever valve is to be used to detect the
full extension of the cylinder. Design a pneumatic circuit for the above-mentioned application.
Working
The pneumatic components which can be used to implement the mentioned task are as follows:
• double acting cylinder
• 3/2 push button valve
• 3/2 roller valve
• shuttle valve
• 3/2 foot pedal actuated valve
• 5/3 pneumatic actuated direction control valve
• compressed air source and connecting piping
As the problem stated, upon actuation of either the push button of valve (S1) or the foot pedal valve (S2),
a signal is generated at 1 or 1(3) side of the shuttle valve. The OR condition is met and the signal is
passed to the control port 14 of the direction control valve (V2). Due to this signal, the left position of V2
is actuated and the flow of air starts. Pressure is applied on the piston side of the cylinder (A) and the
cylinder extends. If the push button or pedal valve is released, the signal at the direction control valve
(V2) port is reset. Since DCV (V2) is a double pilot valve, it has a memory function which doesn’t allow
switching of positions. As the piston reaches the rod end position, the roller valve (S3) is actuated and a
signal is applied to port 12 of the DCV (V2). This causes actuation of right side of DCV (V2). Due to this
actuation, the flow enters at the rod-end side of the cylinder, which pushes the piston towards left and thus
the cylinder retracts.
various types of Gripper mechanisms.
This is the most popular mechanical gripper for industrial robots. It can be designed for limited shapes of
an object, especially cylindrical work piece. If actuators that produce linear movement are used, like
pneumatic piston- cylinders, the device contains a pair of slider-crank mechanisms.
When the piston 1 is pushed by pneumatic pressure to the right, the elements in the cranks 2 and
3, rotate counter clockwise with the fulcrum F and clockwise with the fulcrum F respectively, when B <
1800. These rotations make the grasping action at the extended end of the crank elements 2 and 3. The
releasing action can be obtained by moving the piston to the left. An angle B ranging from 160° to is
commonly used.
This is the swing block mechanism. The sliding rod 1, actuated by the pneumatic piston transmits motion
by way of the two symmetrically arranged swing-block linkages 1--2--3--4 and 1—2—3‘—4‘ to grasp or
release the object by means of the subsequent swinging motions of links 4 and 4‘ at their Pivots F.
A gripper using a rotary actuator in which the actuator is placed at the cross point of the two fingers. Each
finger is connected to the rotor and the housing of the actuator, respectively. The actuator movement
directly produces grasping and releasing actions.
The cam actuated gripper includes a variety of possible designs, one of which is shown.
A cam and follower arrangement, often using a spring-loaded follower, can provide the opening and
closing action of the gripper. The advantage of this arrangement is that the spring action would
accommodate different sized objects.
The screw is turned by a motor, usually accompanied by a speed reduction mechanism. Due to the
rotation of the screw, the threaded block moves, causing the opening and dosing of the fingers depending
on the direction of rotation of the screw.
Magnetic Grippers.
The residual magnetism remaining in the work piece may cause problems. Mother potential disadvantage
is the problem of picking up one sheet at a time from a stack. The magnetic attraction
tends to penetrate beyond the top sheet in the stack, resulting in the possibility that more than a
single sheet will be lifted by the magnet.
Magnetic grippers can use either electromagnets or permanent magnets. Electromagnetic grippers are
easier to control, but require a source of dc power and an appropriate controller. When the part is to be
released, the control unit reverses the polarity at a reduced power level before switching off the
electromagnet.
Permanent magnets do not require an external power and hence they can be used in hazardous and
explosive environments, because there is no danger of sparks which might cause ignition in such
environments. When the part is to be released at the end of the handling cycle, in case of permanent
magnet grippers, some means of separating the part from the magnet must be provided
UNIT-IV
Pre-requisite:
To study the basic knowledge of kinematics of mechanisms.
To study the Euler, Lagrangian formulation of Robot dynamics.
To study the basic components and layout of linkages in the assembly of mechanisms.
OUTCOMES:
FORWARD KINEMATICS
A manipulator is composed of serial links which are affixed to each other revolute or prismatic
joints from the base frame through the end-effector. Calculating the position and orientation of
the end-effector in terms of the joint variables is called as forward kinematics. In order to have
forward kinematics for a robot mechanism in a systematic manner, one should use a suitable
kinematics model. Denavit-Hartenberg method that uses four parameters is the most common
method for describing the robot kinematics. These parameters ai-1, α −1i , di and θi are the link
length, link twist, link offset and joint angle, respectively. A coordinate frame is attached to each
joint to determine DH parameters. Zi axis of the coordinate frame is pointing along the rotary or
sliding direction general manipulator.
REVERSE KINEMATICS
The inverse kinematics problem of the serial manipulators has been studied for many decades. It
is needed in the control of manipulators. Solving the inverse kinematics is computationally
expansive and generally takes a very long time in the real time control of manipulators. Tasks to
be performed by a manipulator are in the Cartesian space, whereas actuators work in joint space.
Cartesian space includes orientation matrix and position vector. However, joint space is
represented by joint angles. The conversion of the position and orientation of a manipulator end-
effector from Cartesian space to joint space is called as inverse kinematics problem. There are
two solutions approaches namely, geometric and algebraic used for deriving the inverse
kinematics solution, analytically.
To describe this robot arm, a few geometric parameters are needed. First, the length of each link
is defined to be the distance between adjacent joint axes. Let points O, A, and B be the locations
of the three joint axes, respectively, and point E be a point fixed to the end-effecter. Then the
link lengths are A1 = OA, A 2 = AB, A 3 = BE . Let us assume that Actuator 1 driving
link 1 is fixed to the base link (link 0), generating angle θ1 , while Actuator 2 driving link 2 is
fixed to the tip of Link 1, creating angle θ 2 between the two links, and Actuator 3 driving Link 3
is fixed to the tip of Link 2, creating angle θ3 , as shown in the figure. Since this robot arm
performs tasks by moving its end-effecter at point E, we are concerned with the location of the
end-effecter. To describe its location, we use a coordinate system, O-xy, fixed to the base link
with the origin at the first joint, and describe the end-effecter position with coordinates xe and ye
. We can relate the end-effecter coordinates to the joint angles determined by the three actuators
by using the link lengths and joint angles defined above:
This three dof robot arm can locate its end-effecter at a desired orientation as well as at a desired
position. The orientation of the end-effecter can be described as the angle the centerline of the
end- effecter measured from the positive x coordinate axis. This end-effecter orientation φe is
related to the actuator displacements as
φe = θ1 +θ2 +θ3
The above three equations describe the position and orientation of the robot end-effecter viewed
from the fixed coordinate system in relation to the actuator displacements. In general, a set of
algebraic equations relating the position and orientation of a robot end-effecter, or any significant
part of the robot, to actuator or active joint displacements, is called Kinematic Equations, or
more specifically, Forward Kinematic Equations in the robotics literature.
The vector kinematic equation derived in the previous section provides the functional relationship
between the joint displacements and the resultant end-effecter position and orientation. By substituting
values of joint displacements into the right-hand side of the kinematic equation, one can immediately find
the corresponding end-effecter position and orientation. The problem of finding the end-effecter position
and orientation for a given set of joint displacements is referred to as the direct kinematics problem. This
is simply to evaluate the right-hand side of the kinematic equation for known joint displacements. In this
section, we discuss the problem of moving the end-effecter of a manipulator arm to a specified position
and orientation. We need to find the joint displacements that lead the end-effecter to the specified position
and orientation. This is the inverse of the previous problem, and is thus referred to as the inverse
kinematics problem. The kinematic equation must be solved for joint displacements, given the end-
effecter
position and orientation. Once the kinematic equation is solved, the desired end-effecter motion
can be achieved by moving each joint to the determined value. In the direct kinematics problem,
the end-effecter location is determined uniquely for any given set of joint displacements. On the
other hand, the inverse kinematics is more complex in the sense that multiple solutions may exist
for the same end-effecter location. Also, solutions may not always exist for a particular range of
end-effecter locations and arm structures. Furthermore, since the kinematic equation is
comprised of nonlinear simultaneous equations with many trigonometric functions, it is not
always possible to derive a closed-form solution, which is the explicit inverse function of the
kinematic equation. When the kinematic equation cannot be solved analytically, numerical
methods are used in order to derive the desired joint displacement
Consider the three dof planar arm The problem is to find three joint angles θ1 ,θ2 ,θ3 that lead
the end effecter to a desired position and orientation, xe , ye ,φe . We take a two-step approach.
First, we find the position of the wrist, point B, from xe , ye ,φe . Then we find θ1 ,θ2 from the
wrist position. Angle θ3 can be determined immediately from the wrist position.
Let w and w be the coordinates of the wrist. point B is at distance 3 from the given end-effecter
position E. Moving in the opposite direction to the end effecter orientation x y A φe , the wrist
coordinates are given by
Next, let us consider the triangle OAB and define angles β ,γ , as shown in the figure. This
triangle is formed by the wrist B, the elbow A, and the shoulder O. Applying the law of cosines
to the elbow angle β yields
where , the squared distance between O and B. Solving this for angle
Inverse kinematics problems often possess multiple solutions, like the above example, since they
are nonlinear. Specifying end-effecter position and orientation does not uniquely determine the
whole configuration of the system. This implies that vector p, the collective position and
orientation of the end-effecter, cannot be used as generalized coordinates.
Jacobian is Matrix in robotics which provides the relation between joint velocities (q) & end-
effector velocities (x) of a robot manipulator.
If the joints of the robot move with certain velocities then we might want to know with what
velocity the end effector would move. Here is where Jacobian comes to our help. The relation
between joint velocities and end-effector velocities is given as below,
x=jq
where,
q is the column matrix representing the joint velocities. Size of the this matrix is nx1. 'n' is
the number of joints of the robot. x is the column matrix representing the end-effector velocities.
Size of this matrix is mx1. 'm' is 3 for a planar robot and 6 for a spatial robot. J is the Jacobian
matrix which is a function of the current pose . Size of jacobian matrix is mxn.
Columns of the Jacobian matrix are associated with joints of the robot. Each column in the
Jacobian matrix represents the effect on end-effector velocities due to variation in each joint
velocity.
Which means, the first column represents the effect of joint1 velocity (q1) on end-effector
velocities (x), second column is associated with joint2 velocity (q2) and similarly nth column is
effect of nth joint velocity (qn ) on end-effector velocities .
Hence the number of columns in the Jacobian matrix is equal to the number of joints in the
manipulator.
If we closely observe the x matrix, it has two parts.The first three elements of the end-effector
velocity matrix X are linear velocities [rate of change of position] and the last three elements
are the angular velocites [rate of change of orientation] in (x,y,z) direction respectively.
Similarly, rows of the Jacobian matrix can also be split into two part. The first three rows are
associated with linear velocities of end-effector and the last three rows are associated with
the angular velocities of end-effector due to change in velocities of all the joints combined.
Hence we can call the upper part of the Jacobian matrix as Linear velocity Jacobian ( jv ) and the
lower part as Angular velocity Jacobian ( jw ).
Methods to derive Jv and Jw are different. We will find them separately and later combine to get
our final Jacobian matrix.
Finding Jv :
We all know from our elementary physics class that velocity is nothing but the first order
derivative of position. Since Jv is related to linear velocities of the end-effector due to joint
velocities, we can get the Jv by derivation the position functions for x, y and z of the end-effector
w.r.t joint variables [ q1, q2, q3...........qn ]
Finding Jw :
Jw is related to the angular velocities of the end-effector. Again from our high school physic, we
know that angular velocity ( w) is pseudo vector and is given by the product of axis of rotation
(w’) and rate of rotation (q) about the axis.
If we observe (*) equation, rate of rotation of all joints (joint velocities q1,q2,q3,. qn ) are
already present in the [ x ] matrix. So the only missing component to find the angular velocities
of the end-effector is the axis of rotation information of each joint. This information, i.e., joint
axes of all joints, is what jw matrix is all about.
There are three basic methods for programming industrial robots but currently over 90%
are programmed using the teach method.
Teach Method
The logic for the program can be generated either using a menu based system or simply using a
text editor but the main characteristic of this method is the means by which the robot is taught
the positional data. A teach pendant with controls to drive the robot in a number of different co-
ordinate systems is used to manually drive the robot to the desired locations. These locations are
then stored with names that can be used within the robot program.
The co-ordinate systems available on a standard jointed arm robot are :-
JointCo-ordinates
The robot joints are driven independently in either direction.
GlobalCo-ordinates
The tool centre point of the robot can be driven along the X, Y or Z axes of the robots
global axis system. Rotations of the tool around these axes can also be performed
ToolCo-ordinates
Similar to the global co-ordinate system but the axes of this one are attached to the tool
WorkpieceCo-ordinates
With many robots it is possible to set up a co-ordinate system at any point within the working
area. These can be especially useful where small adjustments to the program are required as it is
easier to make them along a major axis of the co-ordinate system than along a general line. The
effect of this is similar to moving the position and orientation of the global coordinate system.
This method of programming is very simple to use where simple movements are required. It
does have the disadvantage that the robot can be out of production for a long time during
reprogramming. While this is not a problem where robots do the same task for their entire life,
this is becoming less common and some robotic welding systems are performing tasks only a
few times before being reprogrammed.
Lead Through
This system of programming was initially popular but has now almost disappeared. It is
still however used by many paint spraying robots. The robot is programmed by being physically
moved through the task by an operator. This is exceedingly difficult where large robots are being
used and sometimes a smaller version of the robot is used for this purpose. Any hesitations or
inaccuracies that are introduced into the program cannot be edited out easily without
reprogramming the whole task. The robot controller simply records the joint positions at a fixed
time interval and then plays this back.
This article is all about giving an introduction about some of the programming languages
which are used to design Robots.
There are many programming languages which we use while building Robots, we have a
few programming languages which we always prefer to use in designing. Actually the
programming languages which we use mainly depend on the hardware one is using in building
robots.
Some of them are- URBI, C and BASIC. URBI is an open source language. In this article
we will try to know more about these languages. Let's start with URBI.
URBI : URBI stands for Universal Real-time Behavior Interface. It is a client/server based
interpreted language in which Robot works as a client and controller as a server. It makes us to
learn about the commands which we give to Robots and receive messages from them. The
interpreter and wrapped server are called as "URBI Engine". The URBI Engine uses commands
from Client and receives messages to it. This language allows user to work on basic
Perceptionaction principle. The users just have to write some simple loops on the basis of this
principle directly in URBI.
ROBOTC : Other Languages which we use are C, C++ and C # etc. or their implementation,
like ROBOTC, ROBOTC is an implementation of C language. If we are designing a simple
Robot, we do not need assembly code, but in complex designing we need well-defined codes.
ROBOTC is another programming language which is C-based. It is actually a text based
programming language. The commands which we want to give to our Robot, first written on the
screen in the form of simple text, now as we know that Robot is a kind of machine and a machine
only understands machine language. So these commands need to be converted in machine
language so that robot can easily understand and do whatever it is instructed to do. Although
commands are given in text form (called as codes) but this language is very specific about the
commands which is provided as instruction. If we do even a minor change in given text it will
not accept it as command. If the command which is provided to it is correct it colorizes that text,
and we came to know that the given command in text form is correct (as we have shown in our
example given below). Programming done in ROBOTC is very easy to do. Commands given are
very straightforward. Like if we want our robot to switch on any hardware part, we just have to
give code regarding to that action in text form.
Introduction to Hill Climbing
Hill Climbing is a heuristic search used for mathematical optimization problems in the field of
Artificial Intelligence.
Given a large set of inputs and a good heuristic function, it tries to find a sufficiently good
solution to the problem. This solution may not be the global optimal maximum.
In the above definition, mathematical optimization problems implies that hill-climbing
solves the problems where we need to maximize or minimize a given real function by
choosing values from the given inputs. Example-Travelling salesman problem where we
need to minimize the distance traveled by the salesman.
‘Heuristic search’ means that this search algorithm may not find the optimal solution to the
problem. However, it will give a good solution in reasonable time.
A heuristic function is a function that will rank all the possible alternatives at any
branching step in search algorithm based on the available information. It helps the
algorithm to select the best route out of possible routes.
Simple Hill climbing : It examines the neighboring nodes one by one and selects the first
neighboring node which optimizes the current cost as next node.
Step 1 : Evaluate the initial state. If it is a goal state then stop and return success. Otherwise,
make initial state as current state.
Step 2 : Loop until the solution state is found or there are no new operators present which can be
applied to the current state.
a) Select a state that has not been yet applied to the current state and apply it to produce a new
state.
Step 3 : Exit.
Steepest-Ascent Hill climbing: It first examines all the neighboring nodes and then selects the node
closest to the solution state as of next node.
Step 1 : Evaluate the initial state. If it is goal state then exit else make the current state as initial
state
Step 2 : Repeat these steps until a solution is found or current state does not change
i. Let ‘target’ be a state such that any successor of the current state will be better than it;
Stochastic hill climbing : It does not examine all the neighboring nodes before deciding which
node to select .It just selects a neighboring node at random and decides (based on the amount
of improvement in that neighbor) whether to move to that neighbor or to examine another.
State Space diagram for Hill Climbing
State space diagram is a graphical representation of the set of states our search algorithm can
reach vs the value of our objective function(the function which we wish to maximize).
X- axis : denotes the state space ie states or configuration our algorithm may reach.
Y-axis : denotes the values of objective function corresponding to a particular
state.
The best solution will be that state space where objective function has maximum value(global
maximum).
1. Local maximum: It is a state which is better than its neighboring state however there
exists a state which is better than it(global maximum). This state is better because here
the value of the objective function is higher than its neighbors.
2. Global maximum : It is the best possible state in the state space diagram. This because
at this state, objective function has highest value.
3. Plateua/flat local maximum : It is a flat region of state space where neighboring
states have the same value.
4. Ridge : It is region which is higher than its neighbours but itself has a slope. It is a
special kind of local maximum.
5. Current state : The region of state space diagram where we are currently present
during the search.
6. Shoulder : It is a plateau that has an uphill edge.
UNIT-V
Pre-requisite:
To study the control of robots for some specific applications.
OUTCOMES:
Processing Operations
In processing operations, the robot performs some processing activities such as grinding, milling,
etc. on the workpart. The end effector is equipped with the specialized tool required for the
respective process. The tool is moved relative to the surface of the workpart. Table outlines the
examples of various processing operations that deploy robots.
Process Description
Spot Welding Metal joining process in which two sheet
metal parts are fused together at localized
points of contact by the deployment of two
electrodes that squeeze the metal together and
apply an electric current. The electrodes
constitute the spot welding gun, which is the
end effector tool of the welding robot.
Arc Welding Metal joining process that utilizes a
continuous rather than contact
welding point process, in the same way as
above. Again, the end
effector is the electrodes used to achieve the
welding arc. The robot must use continuous
path control, and a jointed arm robot consisting
of six joints is frequently used.
Spray Coating Spray coating directs a spray gun at the object
to be coated. Paint or
some other fluid flows through the nozzle of
the spray gun, which is
the end effector and is dispersed and applied
over the surface of the object. Again, the
robot must use continuous path control, and is
typically programmed using manual lead-
through. Jointed arm robots seem to be the
most common anatomy for this application.
Other applications Other applications include: drilling, routing,
and other machining
processes; grinding, wire brushing, and similar
operations; waterjet
cutting; and laser cutting.
There are 3 types of work part transport system used in in-line robot work cell.
1. Intermittent Transfer
2.Continuous Transfer
3.Non-Synchronous Transfer
Intermittent Transfer
The parts are moved in a start-and-stop motion from one station to another along the line. It is also
called synchronous transfer since all parts are moved simultaneously to the next stop.
The advantage of this system is that the parts are registered in a fixed location and orientation
with respect to the robot during robot’s work cycle.
Continuous Transfer
Work parts are moved continuously along the line at constant speed. The robot(s) has to perform
the tasks as the parts are moving along. The position and orientation of the parts with respect to
any fixed location along the line are continuously changing. This results in a “tracking” problem,
that is the robot must maintain the relative position and orientation of its tool with respect to the
work part. This tracking problem can be solved. the moving baseline tracking system by moving
the robot parallel to the conveyor at the same speed. or by the stationary baseline tracking system
i.e. by computing and adjusting the robot tool to maintain the position and orientation with
respect to the moving part.
This is a power and free system". Each work part moves independently of other parts. in a stop-
and-go manner. When a work station has finished working on a work part, that part then
proceeds to the next work station. Hence, some parts are being processed on the line at the same
time that others are being transported or located between stations. Here. the timing varies
according to the cycle time requirements of each station. The design and operation of this type of
transfer system is more complicated than the other two because each part must be
provided with its own
independently operated moving cart. However, the problem of designing and controlling the
robot system used in the power-and-free method is less complicated than for the continuous
transfer method. Nonsynchronous Transfer System For the irregular timing of arrivals, sensors
must be provided to indicate to the robot when to begin its work cycle. The more complex
problem of part registration with respect to the robot that must be solved in the continuously
moving conveyor systems are not encountered on either the intermittent transfer or the non-
synchronous transfer.
Mobile work cell In this arrangement, the robot is provided with a means of transport, such as a
mobile base, within the work cell to perform various tasks at different locations.
The transport mechanism can be floor mounted tracks or overhead railing system that allows the
robot to be moved along linear paths.
Mobile robot work cells are suitable for installations where the 1 robot must service more than
one station (production machine) that has long processing cycles, and the stations cannot be
arranged around the robot in a robot-centred cell arrangement.
One such reason could be due to the stations being geographically separated by distances greater
than the robot's reach. The type of layout allows for time-sharing tasks that will lower the robot
idle time. One of the problems in designing this work cell is to find the optimum number of
stations or machines for the robot to service.
Robot cell design – selection of robot.
• Modifications need to be done in order to interface robots to equipment in the cell. Special
fixtures and control devices must be devised for integrated operation.
• For example, the work holding nests. conveyor stops to position and orientate parts for robots.
• Changes has to be done in machines to allow by robots and use of limit switches and other
devices to interface components
ii Part Position and Orientation
When parts are being delivered into the work cell, precise pick up locations along conveyors must
be established.
Parts must be in a known position and orientation for the robot to grasp accurately. As the parts
are being processed, the orientation must not be lost.
A way of achieving the above must be designed. For automated feeder systems, the design of the
way parts are being presented to the work cell must be provided for.
It there are more than one type of parts, there will be a necessity to identify various parts by
automated means, suct as optical techniques. magnetic techniques or limit switches that sense
different sizes or geometry.
Electronic tagging may also be used with pallets so that the parts are identified by the
information carried by the information card.
iv. Protection of robot from its environment
In applications such as spray painting. hot metal working conditions. abrasive applications.
adhesive sealant applications, the robot has to be protected from possible adverse environment.
(e.g. use of sleeves. long grippers).
v. Utilities
Requirements for electricity. air and hydraulic pressures. gas for furnaces has to be considered
and provided for.
1. Robot picks up raw work part from conveyor at a known pick up location (machine idle)
2. Robot loads part into fixture at machining centre (machine idle).
3. Machining centre begins auto machining cycle (robot idle).
4. Machine completes auto machining. Robot unloads machine and places part on the machine
on pallet (machine idle).
5. Robot moves back to pick up point (machine idle)
Here almost all activities occur sequentially. Therefore, the controller must ensure activities
occur in correct sequence and that each step is completed before the next is started.
Notice that machine idle / robot idle is significant. If we fit a double gripper, productivity can be
further improved.
1. Robot picks up raw work part using the first gripper from conveyor at a known pick up
location. Robot moves its double gripper into ready position in front of machining centre
(machine cycle in progress).
2. At completion of machine cycle, robot unloads finished part from the machine fixture with a
second gripper and loads raw part into fixture with the first gripper (machine idle).
3. Machining centre begins auto machining cycle. Robot moves finished part to pallet and places
it in programmed location on pallet.
4. Robot moves back to pick up point (machine cycle in progress).
• In the modified sequence, several activities occur simultaneously but initiated
sequentially. Sequence Control
Robotic engineers are designing the next generation of robots to look, feel and act more human,
to make it easier for us to warm up to a cold machine. Realistic looking hair and skin with
embedded sensors will allow robots to react naturally in their environment.
Tele Robots
Tele robotics is the area of robotics concerned with the control of semi-autonomous robots from
a distance, chiefly using Wireless network (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the Deep Space Network, and
similar) or tethered connections. It is a combination of two major subfields, teleoperation and
telepresence
Laboratory Robots
Laboratory robotics is the act of using robots in biology or chemistry labs. For example,
pharmaceutical companies employ robots to move biological or chemical samples around to
synthesize novel chemical entities or to test
Hobbyist Robots
This category of robots are generally used for entertainment purpose and experimenting purpose.
These robots usually equipped with speech synthesis techniques.