A mobile robot with parallel kinematics constructed under requirements for assembling and machining of the ITER vacuum vessel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pessi, P.; Huapeng Wu; Handroos, H.; Jones, L.

2006-01-01

ITER sectors require more stringent tolerances ± 5 mm than normally expected for the size of structure involved. The walls of ITER sectors are made of 60 mm thick stainless steel and are joined together by high efficiency structural and leak tight welds. In addition to the initial vacuum vessel assembly, sectors may have to be replaced for repair. Since commercially available machines are too heavy for the required machining operations and the lifting of a possible e-beam gun column system, and conventional robots lack the stiffness and accuracy in such machining condition, a new flexible, lightweight and mobile robotic machine is being considered. For the assembly of the ITER vacuum vessel sector, precise positioning of welding end-effectors, at some distance in a confined space from the available supports, will be required, which is not possible using conventional machines or robots. This paper presents a special robot, able to carry out welding and machining processes from inside the ITER vacuum vessel, consisting of a ten-degree-of-freedom parallel robot mounted on a carriage driven by electric motor/gearbox on a track. The robot consists of a Stewart platform based parallel mechanism. Water hydraulic cylinders are used as actuators to reach six degrees of freedom for parallel construction. Two linear and two rotational motions are used for enlargement the workspace of the manipulator. The robot carries both welding gun such as a TIG, hybrid laser or e-beam welding gun to weld the inner and outer walls of the ITER vacuum vessel sectors and machining tools to cut and milling the walls with necessary accuracy, it can also carry other tools and material to a required position inside the vacuum vessel . For assembling an on line six degrees of freedom seam finding algorithm has been developed, which enables the robot to find welding seam automatically in a very complex environment. In the machining multi flexible machining processes carried out automatically by

Accuracy improvement of a hybrid robot for ITER application using POE modeling method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Yongbo; Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► The product of exponential (POE) formula for error modeling of hybrid robot. ► Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm for parameter identification. ► Simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the method. -- Abstract: This paper focuses on the kinematic calibration of a 10 degree-of-freedom (DOF) redundant serial–parallel hybrid robot to improve its accuracy. The robot was designed to perform the assembling and repairing tasks of the vacuum vessel (VV) of the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). By employing the product of exponentials (POEs) formula, we extended the POE-based calibration method from serial robot to redundant serial–parallel hybrid robot. The proposed method combines the forward and inverse kinematics together to formulate a hybrid calibration method for serial–parallel hybrid robot. Because of the high nonlinear characteristics of the error model and too many error parameters need to be identified, the traditional iterative linear least-square algorithms cannot be used to identify the parameter errors. This paper employs a global optimization algorithm, Differential Evolution (DE), to identify parameter errors by solving the inverse kinematics of the hybrid robot. Furthermore, after the parameter errors were identified, the DE algorithm was adopted to numerically solve the forward kinematics of the hybrid robot to demonstrate the accuracy improvement of the end-effector. Numerical simulations were carried out by generating random parameter errors at the allowed tolerance limit and generating a number of configuration poses in the robot workspace. Simulation of the real experimental conditions shows that the accuracy of the end-effector can be improved to the same precision level of the given external measurement device

Accuracy improvement of a hybrid robot for ITER application using POE modeling method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Yongbo, E-mail: yongbo.wang@hotmail.com [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta (Finland); Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta (Finland)

2013-10-15

Highlights: ► The product of exponential (POE) formula for error modeling of hybrid robot. ► Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm for parameter identification. ► Simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the method. -- Abstract: This paper focuses on the kinematic calibration of a 10 degree-of-freedom (DOF) redundant serial–parallel hybrid robot to improve its accuracy. The robot was designed to perform the assembling and repairing tasks of the vacuum vessel (VV) of the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). By employing the product of exponentials (POEs) formula, we extended the POE-based calibration method from serial robot to redundant serial–parallel hybrid robot. The proposed method combines the forward and inverse kinematics together to formulate a hybrid calibration method for serial–parallel hybrid robot. Because of the high nonlinear characteristics of the error model and too many error parameters need to be identified, the traditional iterative linear least-square algorithms cannot be used to identify the parameter errors. This paper employs a global optimization algorithm, Differential Evolution (DE), to identify parameter errors by solving the inverse kinematics of the hybrid robot. Furthermore, after the parameter errors were identified, the DE algorithm was adopted to numerically solve the forward kinematics of the hybrid robot to demonstrate the accuracy improvement of the end-effector. Numerical simulations were carried out by generating random parameter errors at the allowed tolerance limit and generating a number of configuration poses in the robot workspace. Simulation of the real experimental conditions shows that the accuracy of the end-effector can be improved to the same precision level of the given external measurement device.

Development and control towards a parallel water hydraulic weld/cut robot for machining processes in ITER vacuum vessel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki; Pessi, Pekka; Kilkki, Juha; Jones, Lawrence

2005-01-01

This paper presents a special robot, able to carry out welding and machining processes from inside the ITER vacuum vessel (VV), consisting of a five degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism, mounted on a carriage driven by two electric motors on a rack. The kinematic design of the robot has been optimised for ITER access and a hydraulically actuated pre-prototype built. A hybrid controller is designed for the robot, including position, speed and pressure feedback loops to achieve high accuracy and high dynamic performances. Finally, the experimental tests are given and discussed

Learning-based identification and iterative learning control of direct-drive robots

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bukkems, B.H.M.; Kostic, D.; Jager, de A.G.; Steinbuch, M.

2005-01-01

A combination of model-based and Iterative Learning Control is proposed as a method to achieve high-quality motion control of direct-drive robots in repetitive motion tasks. We include both model-based and learning components in the total control law, as their individual properties influence the

Intelligent controller of a flexible hybrid robot machine for ITER assembly and maintenance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-saedi, Mazin I.; Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Studying flexible multibody dynamic of hybrid parallel robot. • Investigating fuzzy-PD controller to control a hybrid flexible hydraulically driven robot. • Investigating ANFIS-PD controller to control a hybrid flexible robot. Compare to traditional PID this method gives better performance. • Using the equilibrium of reaction forces between the parallel and serial parts of hybrid robot to control the serial part hydraulically driven. - Abstract: The assembly and maintenance of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) vacuum vessel (VV) is highly challenging since the tasks performed by the robot involve welding, material handling, and machine cutting from inside the VV. To fulfill the tasks in ITER application, this paper presents a hybrid redundant manipulator with four DOFs provided by serial kinematic axes and six DOFs by parallel mechanism. Thus, in machining, to achieve greater end-effector trajectory tracking accuracy for surface quality, a robust control of the actuators for the flexible link has to be deduced. In this paper, the intelligent control of a hydraulically driven parallel robot part based on the dynamic model and two control schemes have been investigated: (1) fuzzy-PID self tuning controller composed of the conventional PID control and with fuzzy logic; (2) adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-PID (ANFIS-PID) self tuning of the gains of the PID controller, which are implemented independently to control each hydraulic cylinder of the parallel robot based on rod position predictions. The obtained results of the fuzzy-PID and ANFIS-PID self tuning controller can reduce more tracking errors than the conventional PID controller. Subsequently, the serial component of the hybrid robot can be analyzed using the equilibrium of reaction forces at the universal joint connections of the hexa-element. To achieve precise positional control of the end effector for maximum precision machining, the hydraulic cylinder should

Intelligent controller of a flexible hybrid robot machine for ITER assembly and maintenance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Al-saedi, Mazin I., E-mail: mazin.al-saedi@lut.fi; Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki

2014-10-15

Highlights: • Studying flexible multibody dynamic of hybrid parallel robot. • Investigating fuzzy-PD controller to control a hybrid flexible hydraulically driven robot. • Investigating ANFIS-PD controller to control a hybrid flexible robot. Compare to traditional PID this method gives better performance. • Using the equilibrium of reaction forces between the parallel and serial parts of hybrid robot to control the serial part hydraulically driven. - Abstract: The assembly and maintenance of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) vacuum vessel (VV) is highly challenging since the tasks performed by the robot involve welding, material handling, and machine cutting from inside the VV. To fulfill the tasks in ITER application, this paper presents a hybrid redundant manipulator with four DOFs provided by serial kinematic axes and six DOFs by parallel mechanism. Thus, in machining, to achieve greater end-effector trajectory tracking accuracy for surface quality, a robust control of the actuators for the flexible link has to be deduced. In this paper, the intelligent control of a hydraulically driven parallel robot part based on the dynamic model and two control schemes have been investigated: (1) fuzzy-PID self tuning controller composed of the conventional PID control and with fuzzy logic; (2) adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-PID (ANFIS-PID) self tuning of the gains of the PID controller, which are implemented independently to control each hydraulic cylinder of the parallel robot based on rod position predictions. The obtained results of the fuzzy-PID and ANFIS-PID self tuning controller can reduce more tracking errors than the conventional PID controller. Subsequently, the serial component of the hybrid robot can be analyzed using the equilibrium of reaction forces at the universal joint connections of the hexa-element. To achieve precise positional control of the end effector for maximum precision machining, the hydraulic cylinder should

Novel Robot Solutions for Carrying out Field Joint Welding and Machining in the Assembly of the Vacuum Vessel of ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pessi, P.

2009-01-01

It is necessary to use highly specialized robots in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) both in the manufacturing and maintenance of the reactor due to a demanding environment. The sectors of the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) require more stringent tolerances than normally expected for the size of the structure involved. VV consists of nine sectors that are to be welded together. The vacuum vessel has a toroidal chamber structure. The task of the designed robot is to carry the welding apparatus along a path with a stringent tolerance during the assembly operation. In addition to the initial vacuum vessel assembly, after a limited running period, sectors need to be replaced for repair. Mechanisms with closed-loop kinematic chains are used in the design of robots in this work. One version is a purely parallel manipulator and another is a hybrid manipulator where the parallel and serial structures are combined. Traditional industrial robots that generally have the links actuated in series are inherently not very rigid and have poor dynamic performance in high speed and high dynamic loading conditions. Compared with open chain manipulators, parallel manipulators have high stiffness, high accuracy and a high force/torque capacity in a reduced workspace. Parallel manipulators have a mechanical architecture where all of the links are connected to the base and to the end-effector of the robot. The purpose of this thesis is to develop special parallel robots for the assembly, machining and repairing of the VV of the ITER. The process of the assembly and machining of the vacuum vessel needs a special robot. By studying the structure of the vacuum vessel, two novel parallel robots were designed and built; they have six and ten degrees of freedom driven by hydraulic cylinders and electrical servo motors. Kinematic models for the proposed robots were defined and two prototypes built. Experiments for machine cutting and laser welding with the 6-DOF robot were

Novel Robot Solutions for Carrying out Field Joint Welding and Machining in the Assembly of the Vacuum Vessel of ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pessi, P.

2009-07-01

It is necessary to use highly specialized robots in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) both in the manufacturing and maintenance of the reactor due to a demanding environment. The sectors of the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) require more stringent tolerances than normally expected for the size of the structure involved. VV consists of nine sectors that are to be welded together. The vacuum vessel has a toroidal chamber structure. The task of the designed robot is to carry the welding apparatus along a path with a stringent tolerance during the assembly operation. In addition to the initial vacuum vessel assembly, after a limited running period, sectors need to be replaced for repair. Mechanisms with closed-loop kinematic chains are used in the design of robots in this work. One version is a purely parallel manipulator and another is a hybrid manipulator where the parallel and serial structures are combined. Traditional industrial robots that generally have the links actuated in series are inherently not very rigid and have poor dynamic performance in high speed and high dynamic loading conditions. Compared with open chain manipulators, parallel manipulators have high stiffness, high accuracy and a high force/torque capacity in a reduced workspace. Parallel manipulators have a mechanical architecture where all of the links are connected to the base and to the end-effector of the robot. The purpose of this thesis is to develop special parallel robots for the assembly, machining and repairing of the VV of the ITER. The process of the assembly and machining of the vacuum vessel needs a special robot. By studying the structure of the vacuum vessel, two novel parallel robots were designed and built; they have six and ten degrees of freedom driven by hydraulic cylinders and electrical servo motors. Kinematic models for the proposed robots were defined and two prototypes built. Experiments for machine cutting and laser welding with the 6-DOF robot were

Software design of the hybrid robot machine for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Ming, E-mail: Ming.Li@lut.fi [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Yang, Guangyou [School of Mechanical Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan (China)

2013-10-15

A specific software design is elaborated in this paper for the hybrid robot machine used for the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) assembly and maintenance. In order to provide the multi-machining-function as well as the complicated, flexible and customizable GUI designing satisfying the non-standardized VV assembly process in one hand, and in another hand guarantee the stringent machining precision in the real-time motion control of robot machine, a client–server-control software architecture is proposed, which separates the user interaction, data communication and robot control implementation into different software layers. Correspondingly, three particular application protocols upon the TCP/IP are designed to transmit the data, command and status between the client and the server so as to deal with the abundant data streaming in the software. In order not to be affected by the graphic user interface (GUI) modification process in the future experiment in VV assembly working field, the real-time control system is realized as a stand-alone module in the architecture to guarantee the controlling performance of the robot machine. After completing the software development, a milling operation is tested on the robot machine, and the result demonstrates that both the specific GUI operability and the real-time motion control performance could be guaranteed adequately in the software design.

Software design of the hybrid robot machine for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Ming; Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki; Yang, Guangyou

2013-01-01

A specific software design is elaborated in this paper for the hybrid robot machine used for the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) assembly and maintenance. In order to provide the multi-machining-function as well as the complicated, flexible and customizable GUI designing satisfying the non-standardized VV assembly process in one hand, and in another hand guarantee the stringent machining precision in the real-time motion control of robot machine, a client–server-control software architecture is proposed, which separates the user interaction, data communication and robot control implementation into different software layers. Correspondingly, three particular application protocols upon the TCP/IP are designed to transmit the data, command and status between the client and the server so as to deal with the abundant data streaming in the software. In order not to be affected by the graphic user interface (GUI) modification process in the future experiment in VV assembly working field, the real-time control system is realized as a stand-alone module in the architecture to guarantee the controlling performance of the robot machine. After completing the software development, a milling operation is tested on the robot machine, and the result demonstrates that both the specific GUI operability and the real-time motion control performance could be guaranteed adequately in the software design

Design and implementation of motion planning of inspection and maintenance robot for ITER-like vessel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Hesheng; Lai, Yinping [Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China (China); Chen, Weidong, E-mail: wdchen@sjtu.edu.cn [Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China (China); Cao, Qixin [Institute of Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China)

2015-12-15

Robot motion planning is a fundamental problem to ensure the robot executing the task without clashes, fast and accurately in a special environment. In this paper, a motion planning of a 12 DOFs remote handling robot used for inspecting the working state of the ITER-like vessel and maintaining key device components is proposed and implemented. Firstly, the forward and inverse kinematics are given by analytic method. The work space and posture space of this manipulator are both considered. Then the motion planning is divided into three stages: coming out of the cassette mover, moving along the in-vessel center line, and inspecting the D-shape section. Lastly, the result of experiments verified the performance of the motion design method. In addition, the task of unscrewing/screwing the screw demonstrated the feasibility of system in function.

Towards operations on Tore Supra of an ITER relevant inspection robot and associated processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gargiulo, L.; Cordier, J.J.; Friconneau, J.P.; Grisolia, C.; Palmer, J.D.; Perrot, Y.; Samaille, F.

2007-01-01

The aim of the project is to demonstrate on Tore Supra the reliability of a multi-purpose in-vessel remote handling inspection system using a long reach, limited payload carrier. The robot prototype is fully representative of the deployment carrier system that could be required on ITER. The demonstration on Tore Supra will help in the understanding of operation issues that could occur in the tokamak vacuum vessel equipped of actively cooled components. The viewing process that is currently under development will allow close inspection of the Tore Supra plasma facing components that are representative of the ITER divertor targets in terms of confined environment and identification of possible tiles failure of CFC carbon tiles. One of the other potential inspection processes that is foreseen to be tested using the AIA carrier in Tore Supra is the laser ablation system of the CFC armour. It could be fully relevant for the ITER wall detritiation issues. Such process can be simulated on Tore Supra through the deuterium inventory under long-time plasma discharges. The in situ leakage localisation of a damaged plasma facing component is also one of the major ITER maintenance challenges that could use remote handling inspection tools

Towards operations on Tore Supra of an ITER relevant inspection robot and associated processes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gargiulo, L. [Association Euratom-CEA, DSM/Departement de Recherche sur la Fusion Controlee, CEA/Cadarache, F-13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France)], E-mail: laurent.gargiulo@cea.fr; Cordier, J.J. [Association Euratom-CEA, DSM/Departement de Recherche sur la Fusion Controlee, CEA/Cadarache, F-13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France); Friconneau, J.P. [CEA-LIST Robotics and Interactive Systems Unit, BP6 F-92265 Fontenay aux Roses Cedex (France); Grisolia, C. [Association Euratom-CEA, DSM/Departement de Recherche sur la Fusion Controlee, CEA/Cadarache, F-13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France); Palmer, J.D. [EFDA CSU, Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasma Physik Boltzmannstr. 2, D-85748 Garching (Germany); Perrot, Y. [CEA-LIST Robotics and Interactive Systems Unit, BP6 F-92265 Fontenay aux Roses Cedex (France); Samaille, F. [Association Euratom-CEA, DSM/Departement de Recherche sur la Fusion Controlee, CEA/Cadarache, F-13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France)

2007-10-15

The aim of the project is to demonstrate on Tore Supra the reliability of a multi-purpose in-vessel remote handling inspection system using a long reach, limited payload carrier. The robot prototype is fully representative of the deployment carrier system that could be required on ITER. The demonstration on Tore Supra will help in the understanding of operation issues that could occur in the tokamak vacuum vessel equipped of actively cooled components. The viewing process that is currently under development will allow close inspection of the Tore Supra plasma facing components that are representative of the ITER divertor targets in terms of confined environment and identification of possible tiles failure of CFC carbon tiles. One of the other potential inspection processes that is foreseen to be tested using the AIA carrier in Tore Supra is the laser ablation system of the CFC armour. It could be fully relevant for the ITER wall detritiation issues. Such process can be simulated on Tore Supra through the deuterium inventory under long-time plasma discharges. The in situ leakage localisation of a damaged plasma facing component is also one of the major ITER maintenance challenges that could use remote handling inspection tools.

Non-iterative geometric approach for inverse kinematics of redundant lead-module in a radiosurgical snake-like robot.

Science.gov (United States)

Omisore, Olatunji Mumini; Han, Shipeng; Ren, Lingxue; Zhang, Nannan; Ivanov, Kamen; Elazab, Ahmed; Wang, Lei

2017-08-01

Snake-like robot is an emerging form of serial-link manipulator with the morphologic design of biological snakes. The redundant robot can be used to assist medical experts in accessing internal organs with minimal or no invasion. Several snake-like robotic designs have been proposed for minimal invasive surgery, however, the few that were developed are yet to be fully explored for clinical procedures. This is due to lack of capability for full-fledged spatial navigation. In rare cases where such snake-like designs are spatially flexible, there exists no inverse kinematics (IK) solution with both precise control and fast response. In this study, we proposed a non-iterative geometric method for solving IK of lead-module of a snake-like robot designed for therapy or ablation of abdominal tumors. The proposed method is aimed at providing accurate and fast IK solution for given target points in the robot's workspace. n-1 virtual points (VPs) were geometrically computed and set as coordinates of intermediary joints in an n-link module. Suitable joint angles that can place the end-effector at given target points were then computed by vectorizing coordinates of the VPs, in addition to coordinates of the base point, target point, and tip of the first link in its default pose. The proposed method is applied to solve IK of two-link and redundant four-link modules. Both two-link and four-link modules were simulated with Robotics Toolbox in Matlab 8.3 (R2014a). Implementation result shows that the proposed method can solve IK of the spatially flexible robot with minimal error values. Furthermore, analyses of results from both modules show that the geometric method can reach 99.21 and 88.61% of points in their workspaces, respectively, with an error threshold of 1 mm. The proposed method is non-iterative and has a maximum execution time of 0.009 s. This paper focuses on solving IK problem of a spatially flexible robot which is part of a developmental project for abdominal

Towards operations on Tore Supra of an ITER relevant inspection robot and associated processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laurent Gargiulo, L.; Cordier, J.-J.; Samaille, F.; Grisolia, Ch.; Perrot, Y.; Olivier, D.; Friconneau, J.-P.; Palmer, J.

2006-01-01

The aim of the project is to demonstrate on Tore Supra the reliability of a multi-purpose in-vessel Remote Handling inspection system using a long reach, limited payload carrier. This project called AIA (Articulated Inspection Arm) is currently being developed at CEA under a European EFDA work program. The paper describes the detailed design, the manufacturing processes and the results of the first module test campaign in the CEA Tore Supra ME60 facility, at representative vacuum, temperature and nominal loading conditions. The second part of this work that is reported in the paper, concerns the description of the whole integration of the device on the Tore Supra tokamak that is foreseen to be operated on Tore Supra early 2007. The deployer system and the 10 m long storage vacuum vessel are presented. The robot prototype is fully representative of the deployment carrier system that could be required on ITER. The demonstration on Tore Supra will help in the understanding of operation issues that could occur in the tokamak vacuum vessel equipped of actively cooled components. The viewing process that is currently under development is presented in the paper. It will allow close inspection of the Tore Supra Plasma Facing Components that are representative of the ITER divertor targets in terms of confined environment and identification of possible tiles failure of CFC carbon tiles. Such viewing process could be used on ITER during the early stage of operation under a limited radiation level. The AIA technology is also showing promising potential for generic application in alternative systems for ITER. The feasibility study for viewing inspection of the beam line components in the neutral beam test facility is presented. One of the other potential inspection processes that is foreseen to be tested using the AIA carrier in Tore Supra is the laser ablation system of the CFC armour. It could be fully relevant for the ITER wall detritiation issues. Such process can be

ITER Articulated Inspection Arm (AIA): Geometric calibration issues of a long-reach flexible robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arhur, D.; Perrot, Y.; Bidard, C.; Friconneau, J.P.; Palmer, J.D.; Semeraro, L.

2005-01-01

This paper is part of the Remote Handling (RH) activities for the future fusion reactor ITER. Specifically it relates to the possibility to carry out close inspection tasks of the Vacuum Vessel first wall using a long reach robot called the 'Articulated Inspection Arm' (AIA). Early studies for this device identified the need of improving the accuracy of the end-effector position in such robot structures. Therefore, the aim of this R and D program performed under the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) work program is to develop a flexible parametric model with localised compliances of an AIA-like system, in order to compensate for its flexibilities. The geometric calibration is performed using a non-linear multivariable optimisation technique, which minimizes the average error between the simulated and real robot position. The optimised set of parameters, tested on the first segment of the robot, enables to divide by 3 the error on the end-effector position, in comparison to a rigid model. We expect better prediction after mechanical improvements to reduce the serious backlash in the joints. The prediction model applied to the whole arm will enable errors to be reduced from more than 1 m, in some configurations, to a final accuracy of a few centimetres

Indirect iterative learning control for a discrete visual servo without a camera-robot model.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Ping; Bamforth, Leon C A; Feng, Zuren; Baruch, John E F; Chen, YangQuan

2007-08-01

This paper presents a discrete learning controller for vision-guided robot trajectory imitation with no prior knowledge of the camera-robot model. A teacher demonstrates a desired movement in front of a camera, and then, the robot is tasked to replay it by repetitive tracking. The imitation procedure is considered as a discrete tracking control problem in the image plane, with an unknown and time-varying image Jacobian matrix. Instead of updating the control signal directly, as is usually done in iterative learning control (ILC), a series of neural networks are used to approximate the unknown Jacobian matrix around every sample point in the demonstrated trajectory, and the time-varying weights of local neural networks are identified through repetitive tracking, i.e., indirect ILC. This makes repetitive segmented training possible, and a segmented training strategy is presented to retain the training trajectories solely within the effective region for neural network approximation. However, a singularity problem may occur if an unmodified neural-network-based Jacobian estimation is used to calculate the robot end-effector velocity. A new weight modification algorithm is proposed which ensures invertibility of the estimation, thus circumventing the problem. Stability is further discussed, and the relationship between the approximation capability of the neural network and the tracking accuracy is obtained. Simulations and experiments are carried out to illustrate the validity of the proposed controller for trajectory imitation of robot manipulators with unknown time-varying Jacobian matrices.

Velocity Tracking Control of Wheeled Mobile Robots by Iterative Learning Control

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaochun Lu

2016-05-01

Full Text Available This paper presents an iterative learning control (ILC strategy to resolve the trajectory tracking problem of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs based on dynamic model. In the previous study of WMRs’ trajectory tracking, ILC was usually applied to the kinematical model of WMRs with the assumption that desired velocity can be tracked immediately. However, this assumption cannot be realized in the real world at all. The kinematic and dynamic models of WMRs are deduced in this chapter, and a novel combination of D-type ILC algorithm and dynamic model of WMR with random bounded disturbances are presented. To analyze the convergence of the algorithm, the method of contracting mapping, which shows that the designed controller can make the velocity tracking errors converge to zero completely when the iteration times tend to infinite, is adopted. Simulation results show the effectiveness of D-type ILC in the trajectory tracking problem of WMRs, demonstrating the effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm in the condition of random bounded disturbance. A comparative study conducted between D-type ILC and compound cosine function neural network (NN controller also demonstrates the effectiveness of the ILC strategy.

Development of an inspection robot under iter relevant vacuum and temperature conditions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hatchressian, J-C; Bruno, V; Gargiulo, L; Bayetti, P; Cordier, J-J; Samaille, F [Association Euratom-CEA, DSM/Departement de Recherche sur la Fusion Controlee, CEA Cadarache, F-13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance Cedex (France); Keller, D; Perrot, Y; Friconneau, J-P [CEA, LIST, Service de Robotique Interactive, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265 France (France); Palmer, J D [EFDA-CSU Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasma Physik Boltzmannstr.2, D-85748 Garching Germany (Germany)

2008-03-15

Robotic operations are one of the major maintenance challenges for ITER and future fusion reactors. In vessel inspection operations without loss of conditioning could be very mandatory. Within this framework, the aim of the Articulated Inspection Arm (AIA) project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a multi-purpose in-vessel Remote Handling inspection system. It is a long reach, composed of 5 segments with in all 8 degrees of freedom, limited payload carrier (up to 10kg) and a total range of 8m. The project is currently developed by the CEA within the European work program. Some tests will validate chosen concepts for operations under ITER relevant vacuum and temperature conditions. The presence of magnetic fields, radiation and neutron beams will not be considered. This paper deals with the choices of the materials to minimize the out-gassing under vacuum and high temperature during conditioning, the implantation of the electronics which are enclosed in boxes with special gaskets, the design of the first embedded process which is a viewing system.

Iterative Goal Refinement for Robotics

Science.gov (United States)

2014-06-01

Researchers have used a variety of ways to represent such constraints (e.g., as a constraint satisfaction problem ( Scala , to appear), in PDDL (Vaquro...lifecycle to recent models of replanning (Talamadupala et al., 2013) and continual planning ( Scala , to appear). We described goal reasoning in...F., & Barreiro, J. (2013). Towards deliberative control in marine robotics. In Marine Robot Autonomy (pp. 91–175). Springer. Scala , E. (to appear

Autonomous Integrated Navigation for Indoor Robots Utilizing On-Line Iterated Extended Rauch-Tung-Striebel Smoothing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuan Xu

2013-11-01

Full Text Available In order to reduce the estimated errors of the inertial navigation system (INS/Wireless sensor network (WSN-integrated navigation for mobile robots indoors, this work proposes an on-line iterated extended Rauch-Tung-Striebel smoothing (IERTSS utilizing inertial measuring units (IMUs and an ultrasonic positioning system. In this mode, an iterated Extended Kalman filter (IEKF is used in forward data processing of the Extended Rauch-Tung-Striebel smoothing (ERTSS to improve the accuracy of the filtering output for the smoother. Furthermore, in order to achieve the on-line smoothing, IERTSS is embedded into the average filter. For verification, a real indoor test has been done to assess the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective in reducing the errors compared with the conventional schemes.

Development and test of prototype components for ITER; Entwicklung und Test von Prototypkomponenten fuer ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biel, Wolfgang; Behr, Wilfried; Castano-Bardawil, David; and others

2015-08-15

The scientific program of the project is divided into the following partial projects: (1.) ITER Diagnostic Port Plug for the charge-exchange spectroscopy (CXRS) with the subthemes: (a) Development of prototypes for critical mechanical components, (b) development of a roboter for the laser welding of vacuum seals and pipings at the Port Plug, (c) mirror studies, (d) CXRS prototype spectrometer, (2.) ITER tritium retention diagnostics (TR), (3.) ITER disruption mitigation ventile (DMV).

Robotic guarded motion system and method

Science.gov (United States)

Bruemmer, David J.

2010-02-23

A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller. The system controller executes instructions for repeating, on each iteration through an event timing loop, the acts of defining an event horizon, detecting a range to obstacles around the robot, and testing for an event horizon intrusion. Defining the event horizon includes determining a distance from the robot that is proportional to a current velocity of the robot and testing for the event horizon intrusion includes determining if any range to the obstacles is within the event horizon. Finally, on each iteration through the event timing loop, the method includes reducing the current velocity of the robot in proportion to a loop period of the event timing loop if the event horizon intrusion occurs.

Iterative design process for robots with personality

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Meerbeek, B.W.; Saerbeck, M.; Bartneck, C.; Dautenhahn, K.

2009-01-01

Previous research has shown that autonomous robots tend to induce the perception of a personality through their behavior and appearance. It has therefore been suggested that the personality of a robot can be used as a design guideline. A welldefined and clearly communicated personality can serve as

Functional electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control and 3D robotics reduces motor impairment in chronic stroke

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Meadmore Katie L

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Novel stroke rehabilitation techniques that employ electrical stimulation (ES and robotic technologies are effective in reducing upper limb impairments. ES is most effective when it is applied to support the patients’ voluntary effort; however, current systems fail to fully exploit this connection. This study builds on previous work using advanced ES controllers, and aims to investigate the feasibility of Stimulation Assistance through Iterative Learning (SAIL, a novel upper limb stroke rehabilitation system which utilises robotic support, ES, and voluntary effort. Methods Five hemiparetic, chronic stroke participants with impaired upper limb function attended 18, 1 hour intervention sessions. Participants completed virtual reality tracking tasks whereby they moved their impaired arm to follow a slowly moving sphere along a specified trajectory. To do this, the participants’ arm was supported by a robot. ES, mediated by advanced iterative learning control (ILC algorithms, was applied to the triceps and anterior deltoid muscles. Each movement was repeated 6 times and ILC adjusted the amount of stimulation applied on each trial to improve accuracy and maximise voluntary effort. Participants completed clinical assessments (Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test at baseline and post-intervention, as well as unassisted tracking tasks at the beginning and end of each intervention session. Data were analysed using t-tests and linear regression. Results From baseline to post-intervention, Fugl-Meyer scores improved, assisted and unassisted tracking performance improved, and the amount of ES required to assist tracking reduced. Conclusions The concept of minimising support from ES using ILC algorithms was demonstrated. The positive results are promising with respect to reducing upper limb impairments following stroke, however, a larger study is required to confirm this.

IWR-solution for the ITER vacuum vessel assembly

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, H., E-mail: huapeng@lut.fi [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Handroos, H. [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Pela, P. [Tekes (Finland); Wang, Y. [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland)

2011-10-15

The assembly of ITER vacuum vessel (VV) is still a very big challenge as the process can only be done from inside the VV. The welding of the VV assembly is carried out using the dedicated robotic systems. The main functions of the robots are: (i) measuring the actual space between every two sectors, (ii) positioning of the 150 kg splice plates between the sector shells, (iii) welding the splice plates to the sector shells, (iv) NDT of the welds, (v) repairing, including machining of the welds, (vi) He-leak tests of the welds, and (vii) the non-planned functions that may turn out. This paper presents a reasonable method to assemble the ITER VV. In this article, one parallel mobile robot, running on the track rail fixed on the wall inside the VV, is designed and tested. The assembling process, carried out by the mobile robot together with the welding robot, is presented.

Characterization Of Robot Work Cell

Science.gov (United States)

Anderson, Ronald R.; Paternoster, Vincent Y.; Guthmiller, Wayne A.

1990-01-01

Iterative process of measurement and computation used to characterize work cell of robot, increasing accuracy of mathematical model of work cell. Characterization needed because model used in off-line programming (OLP) to compute paths to control motion of robot. Increases accuracies of model and paths.

Development and test of prototype components for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biel, Wolfgang; Behr, Wilfried; Castano-Bardawil, David

2015-08-01

The scientific program of the project is divided into the following partial projects: (1.) ITER Diagnostic Port Plug for the charge-exchange spectroscopy (CXRS) with the subthemes: (a) Development of prototypes for critical mechanical components, (b) development of a roboter for the laser welding of vacuum seals and pipings at the Port Plug, (c) mirror studies, (d) CXRS prototype spectrometer, (2.) ITER tritium retention diagnostics (TR), (3.) ITER disruption mitigation ventile (DMV).

ITER articulated inspection arm (AIA): R and d progress on vacuum and temperature technology for remote handling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perrot, Y.; Cordier, J.J.; Friconneau, J.P.; Gargiulo, L.; Martin, E.; Palmer, J.D.; Tesini, A.

2005-01-01

This paper is part of the remote handling (RH) activities for the future fusion reactor ITER. The aim of the R and D program performed under the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) work program is to demonstrate the feasibility of close inspection tasks such as viewing or leak testing of the Divertor cassettes and the Vacuum Vessel (VV) first wall of ITER. It is assumed that a long reach, limited payload carrier penetrates the ITER chamber through the openings evenly distributed around the machine such as In-Vessel Viewing System (IVVS) access or through upper port plugs. To perform an intervention a short time after plasma shut down, the operation of the robot should be realised under ITER conditioning i.e. under high vacuum and temperature conditions (120 o C). The feasibility analysis drove the design of the so-called articulated inspection arm (AIA) which is a 8.2 m long robot made of five modules with a 11 actuated joints kinematics. A single module prototype was designed in detail and manufactured to be tested under ITER realistic conditions at CEA-Cadarache test facility. As well as demonstrating the potential for the application of an AIA type device in ITER, this program is also dedicated to explore the necessary robotic technologies required to ITER's IVVS deployment system. This paper presents the whole AIA robot concept, the first results of the test campaign on the prototype vacuum and temperature demonstrator module

ITER articulated inspection arm (AIA): R and d progress on vacuum and temperature technology for remote handling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perrot, Y. [Robotics and Interactive Systems Unit-CEA/LIST, BP6 F-92265 Fontenay aux Roses Cedex (France)]. E-mail: yann.perrot@cea.fr; Cordier, J.J. [DRFC-CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France); Friconneau, J.P. [Robotics and Interactive Systems Unit-CEA/LIST, BP6 F-92265 Fontenay aux Roses Cedex (France); Gargiulo, L. [DRFC-CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France); Martin, E. [ITER International Team, Boltzmannstrasse 2, 85748 Garching (Germany); Palmer, J.D. [EFDA CSU Garching, Boltzmannstrasse 2, 85748 Garching (Germany); Tesini, A. [ITER International Team, ITER Naka Joint Work Site, 801-1, Muouyama, Naka-machi, Naka-gun, Iberaki-ken 311-0193 (Japan)

2005-11-15

This paper is part of the remote handling (RH) activities for the future fusion reactor ITER. The aim of the R and D program performed under the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) work program is to demonstrate the feasibility of close inspection tasks such as viewing or leak testing of the Divertor cassettes and the Vacuum Vessel (VV) first wall of ITER. It is assumed that a long reach, limited payload carrier penetrates the ITER chamber through the openings evenly distributed around the machine such as In-Vessel Viewing System (IVVS) access or through upper port plugs. To perform an intervention a short time after plasma shut down, the operation of the robot should be realised under ITER conditioning i.e. under high vacuum and temperature conditions (120 {sup o}C). The feasibility analysis drove the design of the so-called articulated inspection arm (AIA) which is a 8.2 m long robot made of five modules with a 11 actuated joints kinematics. A single module prototype was designed in detail and manufactured to be tested under ITER realistic conditions at CEA-Cadarache test facility. As well as demonstrating the potential for the application of an AIA type device in ITER, this program is also dedicated to explore the necessary robotic technologies required to ITER's IVVS deployment system. This paper presents the whole AIA robot concept, the first results of the test campaign on the prototype vacuum and temperature demonstrator module.

Robots de servicio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafael Aracil

2008-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: El término Robots de Servicio apareció a finales de los años 80 como una necesidad de desarrollar máquinas y sistemas capaces de trabajar en entornos diferentes a los fabriles. Los Robots de Servicio tenían que poder trabajar en entornos noestructurados, en condiciones ambientales cambiantes y con una estrecha interacción con los humanos. En 1995 fue creado por la IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, el Technical Committee on Service Robots, y este comité definió en el año 2000 las áreas de aplicación de los Robots de Servicios, que se pueden dividir en dos grandes grupos: 1 sectores productivos no manufactureros tales como edificación, agricultura, naval, minería, medicina, etc. y 2 sectores de servicios propiamente dichos: asistencia personal, limpieza, vigilancia, educación, entretenimiento, etc. En este trabajo se hace una breve revisión de los principales conceptos y aplicaciones de los robots de servicio. Palabras clave: Robots de servicio, robots autónomos, robots de exteriores, robots de educación y entretenimiento, robots caminantes y escaladores, robots humanoides

Software protocol design: Communication and control in a multi-task robot machine for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Ming; Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki; Yang, Guangyou; Wang, Yongbo

2015-01-01

applying these protocols, the software for a multi-task robot machine that is used for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance has been developed and it is demonstrated that machining tasks of the robot machine, such as milling, drilling, welding etc., can be implemented in both an individual and composite way.

Software protocol design: Communication and control in a multi-task robot machine for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Ming, E-mail: ming.li@lut.fi [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Wu, Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); Yang, Guangyou [School of Mechanical Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan (China); Wang, Yongbo [Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland)

2015-10-15

applying these protocols, the software for a multi-task robot machine that is used for ITER vacuum vessel assembly and maintenance has been developed and it is demonstrated that machining tasks of the robot machine, such as milling, drilling, welding etc., can be implemented in both an individual and composite way.

CONTROL PREDICTIVO DE UN ROBOT TIPO SCARA PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF A SCARA ROBOT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oscar Andrés Vivas Albán

2006-08-01

Full Text Available Este artículo presenta una aplicación eficiente de un control por modelo de referencia sobre un robot de tipo SCARA. El control estudiado es un control predictivo funcional, el que hace uso de un modelo dinámico simplificado del robot. Los ensayos simulados se realizan sobre un robot de cuatro grados de libertad, tipo SCARA. Con el fin de comparar diferentes estrategias de control, se diseña un controlador clásico tipo PID y dos controladores basados en el modelo de referencia. En este último caso el sistema se linealiza y se desacoplada por realimentación, lo que transforma el sistema a controlar en un simple par de integradores. Al sistema lineal y desacoplado resultante se le aplica el control por par calculado y el control predictivo funcional. Los tres controladores estudiados se simulan sobre el robot SCARA con valores numéricos reales. Las pruebas permiten valorar las respuestas de estos controladores en seguimiento de trayectoria, rechazo de perturbaciones y presencia de errores en el modelado con consignas complejas similares a las utilizadas en procesos de fabricación.This paper describes an efficient approach for model based control, applied on a SCARA robot. The studied control is the predictive functional control which uses a simplified dynamical model of the robot. The simulated tests are made on a SCARA type robot, with four DOF. To compare several control strategies, a classical PID control and two model based controllers are designed. In the last case, the model is first linearized and decoupled by feedback, transforming the system into a double set of integrators. Computed torque control and predictive functional control are applied to the linear and decoupled system. The three studied controllers are simulated on the SCARA robot with real numerical values. Tracking performance, disturbance rejection and model robot mismatch are enlightened, using complex machining tasks trajectories and error presence in the modelling

Robots and service innovation in health care.

Science.gov (United States)

Oborn, Eivor; Barrett, Michael; Darzi, Ara

2011-01-01

Robots have long captured our imagination and are being used increasingly in health care. In this paper we summarize, organize and criticize the health care robotics literature and highlight how the social and technical elements of robots iteratively influence and redefine each other. We suggest the need for increased emphasis on sociological dimensions of using robots, recognizing how social and work relations are restructured during changes in practice. Further, we propose the usefulness of a 'service logic' in providing insight as to how robots can influence health care innovation. The Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd 2011.

Solving the robot-world, hand-eye(s) calibration problem with iterative methods

Science.gov (United States)

Robot-world, hand-eye calibration is the problem of determining the transformation between the robot end effector and a camera, as well as the transformation between the robot base and the world coordinate system. This relationship has been modeled as AX = ZB, where X and Z are unknown homogeneous ...

Using Functional Electrical Stimulation Mediated by Iterative Learning Control and Robotics to Improve Arm Movement for People With Multiple Sclerosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Sampson, Patrica; Freeman, Chris; Coote, Susan; Demain, Sara; Feys, Peter; Meadmore, Katie; Hughes, Ann-Marie

2016-02-01

Few interventions address multiple sclerosis (MS) arm dysfunction but robotics and functional electrical stimulation (FES) appear promising. This paper investigates the feasibility of combining FES with passive robotic support during virtual reality (VR) training tasks to improve upper limb function in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The system assists patients in following a specified trajectory path, employing an advanced model-based paradigm termed iterative learning control (ILC) to adjust the FES to improve accuracy and maximise voluntary effort. Reaching tasks were repeated six times with ILC learning the optimum control action from previous attempts. A convenience sample of five pwMS was recruited from local MS societies, and the intervention comprised 18 one-hour training sessions over 10 weeks. The accuracy of tracking performance without FES and the amount of FES delivered during training were analyzed using regression analysis. Clinical functioning of the arm was documented before and after treatment with standard tests. Statistically significant results following training included: improved accuracy of tracking performance both when assisted and unassisted by FES; reduction in maximum amount of FES needed to assist tracking; and less impairment in the proximal arm that was trained. The system was well tolerated by all participants with no increase in muscle fatigue reported. This study confirms the feasibility of FES combined with passive robot assistance as a potentially effective intervention to improve arm movement and control in pwMS and provides the basis for a follow-up study.

A Multi-purpose Rescue Vehicle and a human–robot interface architecture for remote assistance in ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soares, João; Vale, Alberto; Ventura, Rodrigo

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Design of an omnidirectional vehicle equipped with cameras and laser range finders. • Two robotic manipulators that slide over the vehicle's body to perform independent tasks. • Architecture to connect the control system, communication, power, navigation and HMI. • An immersive interface HMI with augmented reality features with head mounted display. - Abstract: The remote handling (RH) plays an important role in nuclear test facilities, such as in ITER, for in-vessel and ex-vessel maintenance operations. Unexpected situations may occur when RH devices fail. Since no human being is allowed during the RH operations, a Multi-purpose Rescue Vehicle (MPRV) must be required for providing support in site. This paper proposes a design of a MPRV, i.e., a mobile platform equipped with different sensors and two manipulators with different sets of end-effectors. A human–machine interface is also proposed to remotely operate the MPRV and to carry out rescue and recovery operations.

A Multi-purpose Rescue Vehicle and a human–robot interface architecture for remote assistance in ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soares, João [Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Vale, Alberto, E-mail: avale@ipfn.tecnico.ulisboa.pt [Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto SuperiorTécnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Ventura, Rodrigo, E-mail: rodrigo.ventura@isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt [Laboratório de Robótica e Sistemas em Engenharia eCiência, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal)

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Design of an omnidirectional vehicle equipped with cameras and laser range finders. • Two robotic manipulators that slide over the vehicle's body to perform independent tasks. • Architecture to connect the control system, communication, power, navigation and HMI. • An immersive interface HMI with augmented reality features with head mounted display. - Abstract: The remote handling (RH) plays an important role in nuclear test facilities, such as in ITER, for in-vessel and ex-vessel maintenance operations. Unexpected situations may occur when RH devices fail. Since no human being is allowed during the RH operations, a Multi-purpose Rescue Vehicle (MPRV) must be required for providing support in site. This paper proposes a design of a MPRV, i.e., a mobile platform equipped with different sensors and two manipulators with different sets of end-effectors. A human–machine interface is also proposed to remotely operate the MPRV and to carry out rescue and recovery operations.

Robotics and tele-operation technology for applications in nuclear fields

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kosuge, Kazuhiro; Hirata, Yasuhisa; Takeo, Koji

2002-01-01

In this article, we introduce available robotics and tele-operation technology for applications in Nuclear Fields. First, robotics technology for manipulation of a large object is introduced which has been experimentally applied to ITER Maintenance Robot. Then, transportation technology of a large object by multiple mobile robots is reviewed. At last, recent tele-operation technologies and a prototype tele-operation system, referred to as VISIT (Visual Interface System for Interactive Task-execution), is introduced. Several experimental results are also introduced. (author)

Static stiffness modeling of a novel hybrid redundant robot machine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Ming; Wu Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki

2011-01-01

This paper presents a modeling method to study the stiffness of a hybrid serial-parallel robot IWR (Intersector Welding Robot) for the assembly of ITER vacuum vessel. The stiffness matrix of the basic element in the robot is evaluated using matrix structural analysis (MSA); the stiffness of the parallel mechanism is investigated by taking account of the deformations of both hydraulic limbs and joints; the stiffness of the whole integrated robot is evaluated by employing the virtual joint method and the principle of virtual work. The obtained stiffness model of the hybrid robot is analytical and the deformation results of the robot workspace under certain external load are presented.

Towards playful learning and computational thinking — Developing the educational robot BRICKO

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pedersen, B. K. M. K.; Andersen, K. E.; J⊘rgensen, A.

2018-01-01

Educational Robotics has proven a feasible way of supporting and exemplifying Computational Thinking. With this paper, we describe the user-centered iterative and incremental development of a new educational robotic system, BRICKO, to support tangible, social and playful interaction while educating...... children in 1st–3rd grade in Computational Thinking. We develop the system through seven main iterations including a total of 108 participant pupils and their teachers. The methodology is a mixture of observation and interviews using Wizard of OZ testing with the early pilot prototypes as well as usability...... categories of command-bricks. We discuss the methodologies used for assuring a playful and social educational robotic system and conclude that we achieved a useful prototype for supporting education in Computational Thinking....

Ping-Pong Robotics with High-Speed Vision System

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Hailing; Wu, Haiyan; Lou, Lei

2012-01-01

The performance of vision-based control is usually limited by the low sampling rate of the visual feedback. We address Ping-Pong robotics as a widely studied example which requires high-speed vision for highly dynamic motion control. In order to detect a flying ball accurately and robustly...... of the manipulator are updated iteratively with decreasing error. Experiments are conducted on a 7 degrees of freedom humanoid robot arm. A successful Ping-Pong playing between the robot arm and human is achieved with a high successful rate of 88%....

Hand-Eye LRF-Based Iterative Plane Detection Method for Autonomous Robotic Welding

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sungmin Lee

2015-12-01

Full Text Available This paper proposes a hand-eye LRF-based (laser range finder welding plane-detection method for autonomous robotic welding in the field of shipbuilding. The hand-eye LRF system consists of a 6 DOF manipulator and an LRF attached to the wrist of the manipulator. The welding plane is detected by the LRF with only the wrist's rotation to minimize a mechanical error caused by the manipulator's motion. A position on the plane is determined as an average position of the detected points on the plane, and a normal vector to the plane is determined by applying PCA (principal component analysis to the detected points. In this case, the accuracy of the detected plane is analysed by simulations with respect to the wrist's angle interval and the plane angle. As a result of the analysis, an iterative plane-detection method with the manipulator's alignment motion is proposed to improve the performance of plane detection. For verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed plane-detection method, experiments are carried out with a prototype of the hand-eye LRF-based system, which consists of a 1 DOF wrist's joint, an LRF system and a rotatable plane. In addition, the experimental results of the PCA-based plane detection method are compared with those of the two representative plane-detection methods, based on RANSAC (RANdom SAmple Consensus and the 3D Hough transform in both accuracy and computation time's points of view.

Study on Parameter Identification of Assembly Robot based on Screw Theory

Science.gov (United States)

Yun, Shi; Xiaodong, Zhang

2017-11-01

The kinematic model of assembly robot is one of the most important factors affecting repetitive precision. In order to improve the accuracy of model positioning, this paper first establishes the exponential product model of ER16-1600 assembly robot on the basis of screw theory, and then based on iterative least squares method, using ER16-1600 model robot parameter identification. By comparing the experiment before and after the calibration, it is proved that the method has obvious improvement on the positioning accuracy of the assembly robot.

Desarrollo del Robot Paralelo Parallix LKF-240

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eduardo Castillo Castañeda

2013-09-01

Full Text Available En este trabajo se presenta al robot paralelo PARALLIX LKF-2040 desarrollado en la Instituto Politécnico Nacional y actualmente comercializado en Instituciones de Educación Superior para fortalecer la enseñanza de la mecatrónica. Este mecanismo posee una plataforma fija y otra móvil. Los actuadores están montados en la plataforma fija, reduciendo el cableado y manteniéndolo fuera del espacio de trabajo. La plataforma móvil es el elemento efector y puede ser posicionada en un amplio espacio de trabajo. La estructura del manipulador es ligera, simplificando la dinámica y minimizando el peso a desplazar. Lo anterior, permite utilizar el par generado por los motores sólo para el desplazamiento de la carga. El robot PARALLIX LKF-2040 tiene sus orígenes en la configuración del robot tipo Delta pero tiene articulaciones rotacionales en lugar de esféricas, proporcionando un espacio de trabajo más amplio. Primeramente, se presenta el concepto de robot paralelo y sus ventajas respecto a los robots convencionales tipo serial. Se muestra la estructura geométrica de un robot paralelo tipo 3RSS y se encuentra la solución de su cinemática inversa. También, se presentan los resultados obtenidos del análisis del espacio de trabajo y el diseño de una arquitectura de control de tres ejes para servomotores con encoder incremental en cuadratura. Además, se proponen técnicas novedosas basadas en análisis de imágenes para determinar la precisión y la repetibilidad del robot, así como la rigidez bajo diferentes condiciones de carga.

Development of radiation hardness components for ITER remote maintenance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Obara, Kenjiro; Kakudate, Satoshi; Oka, Kiyoshi; Ito, Akira [Japan Atomic Energy Research Inst., Tokai, Ibaraki (Japan). Tokai Research Establishment; Yagi, Toshiaki; Morita, Yousuke

1998-04-01

In the ITER, in-vessel remote handling is required to assemble and maintain in-vessel components in DT operations. Since in-vessel remote handling systems must operate under intense gamma ray radiation exceeding 30 kGy/h, their components must have sufficiently high radiation hardness to allow maintenance long enough in ITER in-vessel environments. Thus, extensive radiation tests and quality improvement, including optimization of material compositions, have been conducted through the ITER R and D program to develop radiation hardness components that meet radiation doses from 10 to 100 MGy at 10 kGy/h. This paper presents the latest on radiation hardness component development conducted by the Japan Home Team as a contribution to the ITER. The remote handling components tested are categorized for use in robotic or viewing systems, or as common components. Radiation tests have been conducted on commercially available products for screening, on modified products, and on new products to improve the radiation hardness. (author)

Development of radiation hardness components for ITER remote maintenance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obara, Kenjiro; Kakudate, Satoshi; Oka, Kiyoshi; Ito, Akira; Yagi, Toshiaki; Morita, Yousuke

1998-01-01

In the ITER, in-vessel remote handling is required to assemble and maintain in-vessel components in DT operations. Since in-vessel remote handling systems must operate under intense gamma ray radiation exceeding 30 kGy/h, their components must have sufficiently high radiation hardness to allow maintenance long enough in ITER in-vessel environments. Thus, extensive radiation tests and quality improvement, including optimization of material compositions, have been conducted through the ITER R and D program to develop radiation hardness components that meet radiation doses from 10 to 100 MGy at 10 kGy/h. This paper presents the latest on radiation hardness component development conducted by the Japan Home Team as a contribution to the ITER. The remote handling components tested are categorized for use in robotic or viewing systems, or as common components. Radiation tests have been conducted on commercially available products for screening, on modified products, and on new products to improve the radiation hardness. (author)

A Service-Oriented Framework for the Development of Home Robots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tsung-Hsien Yang

2013-02-01

Full Text Available In recent years, researchers have been building home robots able to interact and work with people. Yet, because of the complicated and independent robot development environments, it is not always easy to share and reuse robot code created by different providers. In this work, we present an ontology-based framework that integrates service-oriented computing environments with the standard web interface to develop reusable robotic services. In addition to the service discovery, selection, and composition processes often performed by traditional web services, our work also includes an adaptive mechanism through which the user can iteratively modify composite robotic services to suit his or her needs. The proposed methodology has been implemented and evaluated, and the results show that our framework can be used to build robotic services successfully.

Analysis of a closed-kinematic chain robot manipulator

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Charles C.; Pooran, Farhad J.

1988-01-01

Presented are the research results from the research grant entitled: Active Control of Robot Manipulators, sponsored by the Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA) under grant number NAG-780. This report considers a class of robot manipulators based on the closed-kinematic chain mechanism (CKCM). This type of robot manipulators mainly consists of two platforms, one is stationary and the other moving, and they are coupled together through a number of in-parallel actuators. Using spatial geometry and homogeneous transformation, a closed-form solution is derived for the inverse kinematic problem of the six-degree-of-freedom manipulator, built to study robotic assembly in space. Iterative Newton Raphson method is employed to solve the forward kinematic problem. Finally, the equations of motion of the above manipulators are obtained by employing the Lagrangian method. Study of the manipulator dynamics is performed using computer simulation whose results show that the robot actuating forces are strongly dependent on the mass and centroid locations of the robot links.

Robot NAO cantante

OpenAIRE

Caballero Pamos, Adrián

2016-01-01

En los últimos años la robótica ha experimentado un crecimiento exponencial incorporando todo tipo de funcionalidades. Introducir el mundo musical en los robots es una de ellas. En este Trabajo Fin de Grado se presenta el desarrollo de un sistema que permite al robot NAO leer una partitura, analizarla y reproducirla a modo de canto. La finalidad del trabajo es que el robot actúe como un intérprete frente a una partitura musical tal y como lo haría un humano. Debe ser capaz de interpretar cual...

Accurate multi-robot targeting for keyhole neurosurgery based on external sensor monitoring.

Science.gov (United States)

Comparetti, Mirko Daniele; Vaccarella, Alberto; Dyagilev, Ilya; Shoham, Moshe; Ferrigno, Giancarlo; De Momi, Elena

2012-05-01

Robotics has recently been introduced in surgery to improve intervention accuracy, to reduce invasiveness and to allow new surgical procedures. In this framework, the ROBOCAST system is an optically surveyed multi-robot chain aimed at enhancing the accuracy of surgical probe insertion during keyhole neurosurgery procedures. The system encompasses three robots, connected as a multiple kinematic chain (serial and parallel), totalling 13 degrees of freedom, and it is used to automatically align the probe onto a desired planned trajectory. The probe is then inserted in the brain, towards the planned target, by means of a haptic interface. This paper presents a new iterative targeting approach to be used in surgical robotic navigation, where the multi-robot chain is used to align the surgical probe to the planned pose, and an external sensor is used to decrease the alignment errors. The iterative targeting was tested in an operating room environment using a skull phantom, and the targets were selected on magnetic resonance images. The proposed targeting procedure allows about 0.3 mm to be obtained as the residual median Euclidean distance between the planned and the desired targets, thus satisfying the surgical accuracy requirements (1 mm), due to the resolution of the diffused medical images. The performances proved to be independent of the robot optical sensor calibration accuracy.

Social Set Visualizer (SoSeVi) II

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Flesch, Benjamin; Vatrapu, Ravi

2016-01-01

This paper reports the second iteration of the Social Set Visualizer (SoSeVi), a set theoretical visual analytics dashboard of big social data. In order to further demonstrate its usefulness in large-scale visual analytics tasks of individual and collective behavior of actors in social networks......, the current iteration of the Social Set Visualizer (SoSeVi) in version II builds on recent advancements in visualizing set intersections. The development of the SoSeVi dashboard involved cutting-edge open source visual analytics libraries (D3.js) and creation of new visualizations such as of actor mobility...

ROBOTIC SURGERY: BIOETHICAL ASPECTS.

Science.gov (United States)

Siqueira-Batista, Rodrigo; Souza, Camila Ribeiro; Maia, Polyana Mendes; Siqueira, Sávio Lana

2016-01-01

The use of robots in surgery has been increasingly common today, allowing the emergence of numerous bioethical issues in this area. To present review of the ethical aspects of robot use in surgery. Search in Pubmed, SciELO and Lilacs crossing the headings "bioethics", "surgery", "ethics", "laparoscopy" and "robotic". Of the citations obtained, were selected 17 articles, which were used for the preparation of the article. It contains brief presentation on robotics, its inclusion in health and bioethical aspects, and the use of robots in surgery. Robotic surgery is a reality today in many hospitals, which makes essential bioethical reflection on the relationship between health professionals, automata and patients. A utilização de robôs em procedimentos cirúrgicos tem sido cada vez mais frequente na atualidade, o que permite a emergência de inúmeras questões bioéticas nesse âmbito. Apresentar revisão sobre os aspectos éticos dos usos de robôs em cirurgia. Realizou-se revisão nas bases de dados Pubmed, SciELO e Lilacs cruzando-se os descritores "bioética", "cirurgia", "ética", "laparoscopia" e "robótica". Do total de citações obtidas, selecionou-se 17 artigos, os quais foram utilizados para a elaboração do artigo. Ele contém breve apresentação sobre a robótica, sua inserção na saúde e os aspectos bioéticos da utilização dos robôs em procedimentos cirúrgicos. A cirurgia robótica é uma realidade, hoje, em muitas unidades hospitalares, o que torna essencial a reflexão bioética sobre as relações entre profissionais da saúde, autômatos e pacientes.

VirtualBot, un entorn de programació de robots en format web

OpenAIRE

Moreu Reñé, Xavi

2016-01-01

VirtualBot és una web on es programen una sèrie de robots en un llenguatge virtual que es mouran per un entorn 3D. Es pot programar més d'un robot per poder experimentar cooperacions. El programa permet editar l'entorn com són els murs i balises, les quals un robot podrà agafar i desar a un interruptor. VirtualBox es una web donde se programan una serie de robots en un lenguaje virtual que se moverán por un entorno 3D. Se puede programar más de un robot para poder experimentar cooperacione...

INTELLIGENT FRACTIONAL ORDER ITERATIVE LEARNING CONTROL USING FEEDBACK LINEARIZATION FOR A SINGLE-LINK ROBOT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Iman Ghasemi

2017-05-01

Full Text Available In this paper, iterative learning control (ILC is combined with an optimal fractional order derivative (BBO-Da-type ILC and optimal fractional and proportional-derivative (BBO-PDa-type ILC. In the update law of Arimoto's derivative iterative learning control, a first order derivative of tracking error signal is used. In the proposed method, fractional order derivative of the error signal is stated in term of 'sa' where  to update iterative learning control law. Two types of fractional order iterative learning control namely PDa-type ILC and Da-type ILC are gained for different value of a. In order to improve the performance of closed-loop control system, coefficients of both  and  learning law i.e. proportional , derivative  and  are optimized using Biogeography-Based optimization algorithm (BBO. Outcome of the simulation results are compared with those of the conventional fractional order iterative learning control to verify effectiveness of BBO-Da-type ILC and BBO-PDa-type ILC

MODELADO, SIMULACIÓN Y CONTROL DEL ROBOT PARA CIRUGÍA LAPAROSCÓPICA 'LAPBOT' MODELING, SIMULATION AND CONTROL OF SURGICAL LAPAROSCOPIC ROBOT 'LAPBOT'

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sergio Alexander Salinas

2009-12-01

Full Text Available Este artículo presenta el modelado matemático y estructural, la simulación por computador y el control por par calculado del robot para cirugía laparoscópica ‘LapBot’, que ha sido desarrollado en el Grupo de Investigación de Automática Industrial de la Universidad del Cauca, Colombia. Inicialmente se muestra un resumen de los principales robots utilizados como asistentes para cirugías de laparoscopia en el mundo, y de cómo tratan ellos el problema del paso por la incisión practicada en la cavidad abdominal. Con base en lo anterior se describen los requerimientos que deben cumplir los robots de este tipo y a partir de éstos se diseña el robot LapBot. Se muestra el modelo cinemático y dinámico del robot LapBot, así como el modelo de la restricción espacial que representa el punto de incisión abdominal. Se implementa una estrategia de control basada en el modelo del robot (control por par calculado. Diversas trayectorias en un plano y en un espacio de tres dimensiones son utilizadas para validar tanto el modelo como el controlador.This paper presents the mathematical and structural model, simulation and computed torque control of the LapBot robot, developed by the Group of Investigation of Industrial Automatics, of the University of Cauca, Colombia. First, a summary of the principal surgery assistant robots of the world is presented, and how they solve the problem of passing through the incision into the abdominal cavity. Based on this, the conditions that must be fulfilled by the robots of this type is exposed, and from these conditions the LapBot robot is designed. Its kinematics and dynamics model is shown, as well as the mathematical spatial restriction that incision represents. A control strategy based on the model (computed torque control is implemented. Several trajectories defined in a plane and in a three dimensions space are used to validate the model and the control.

Iterative learning control an optimization paradigm

CERN Document Server

Owens, David H

2016-01-01

This book develops a coherent theoretical approach to algorithm design for iterative learning control based on the use of optimization concepts. Concentrating initially on linear, discrete-time systems, the author gives the reader access to theories based on either signal or parameter optimization. Although the two approaches are shown to be related in a formal mathematical sense, the text presents them separately because their relevant algorithm design issues are distinct and give rise to different performance capabilities. Together with algorithm design, the text demonstrates that there are new algorithms that are capable of incorporating input and output constraints, enable the algorithm to reconfigure systematically in order to meet the requirements of different reference signals and also to support new algorithms for local convergence of nonlinear iterative control. Simulation and application studies are used to illustrate algorithm properties and performance in systems like gantry robots and other elect...

Modelo cinematico del mini robot movil Ricimaf

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abelardo del Pozo Quintero

2012-12-01

Full Text Available El presente trabajo describe el modelo dinámico del mini robot móvil construido en el Icimaf, cuya  tracción se logra mediante dos motores de paso acoplados a dos ruedas plásticas forradas con una capa de goma para facilitar su  movimiento y una pequeña rueda direccional. Se elabora la estructura jacobiana necesaria para el desarrollo del modelo dinámico. Se incluye el análisis de un rasgo especial de estos robots, que  es su naturaleza no holonómica, en contraste  con los robots manipuladores, lo que da lugar a un tipo de restricción del movimiento. La elaboración del modelo dinámico originó el empleo de los multiplicadores de Lagrange. Para la obtención de las ecuaciones dinámicas se emplea el método de Euler-Lagrange

Estudio del uso de robots industriales como asistentes en operaciones de laparoscopia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bernardo Efraín Garcés

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo presenta un estudio sobre el uso de los robots industriales como asistentes en operaciones de laparoscopia. Se presenta un resumen sobre la laparoscopia como método quirúrgico así como de esta intervención asistida por robots. Se aborda de manera particular el problema del paso por el orificio abdominal (trocar por donde se introducen los instrumentos quirúrgicos. Este problema es resuelto a través de un algoritmo de optimización que entrega las trayectorias que deben seguir las articulaciones del codo y la muñeca de un robot antropomórfico. Se estudian dos robots industriales (Puma de Unimation y PA10 de Mitsubishi y se evalúan en simulación sus respectivos desempeños como posibles asistentes en operaciones de este tipo.

Biologically based neural network for mobile robot navigation

Science.gov (United States)

Torres Muniz, Raul E.

1999-01-01

The new tendency in mobile robots is to crete non-Cartesian system based on reactions to their environment. This emerging technology is known as Evolutionary Robotics, which is combined with the Biorobotic field. This new approach brings cost-effective solutions, flexibility, robustness, and dynamism into the design of mobile robots. It also provides fast reactions to the sensory inputs, and new interpretation of the environment or surroundings of the mobile robot. The Subsumption Architecture (SA) and the action selection dynamics developed by Brooks and Maes, respectively, have successfully obtained autonomous mobile robots initiating this new trend of the Evolutionary Robotics. Their design keeps the mobile robot control simple. This work present a biologically inspired modification of these schemes. The hippocampal-CA3-based neural network developed by Williams Levy is used to implement the SA, while the action selection dynamics emerge from iterations of the levels of competence implemented with the HCA3. This replacement by the HCA3 results in a closer biological model than the SA, combining the Behavior-based intelligence theory with neuroscience. The design is kept simple, and it is implemented in the Khepera Miniature Mobile Robot. The used control scheme obtains an autonomous mobile robot that can be used to execute a mail delivery system and surveillance task inside a building floor.

Wireless robot teleoperation via internet using IPv6 over a bluetooth personal area network

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos Araque Rodríguez

2010-01-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se presenta el diseño, construcción y pruebas de un sistema que permite la manipulación y visualización del robot Microbot Teachmover usando una conexión inalámbrica Bluetooth con dirección IPv6, brindando la posibilidad de manejar el robot desde diferentes escenarios: desde un dispositivo móvil que se encuentra en la misma piconet del robot; desde un computador que se encuentre en la misma piconet del robot y desde un computador que se encuentre conectado a Internet con una dirección IPv6.

Upper limb stroke rehabilitation: the effectiveness of Stimulation Assistance through Iterative Learning (SAIL).

Science.gov (United States)

Meadmore, Katie L; Cai, Zhonglun; Tong, Daisy; Hughes, Ann-Marie; Freeman, Chris T; Rogers, Eric; Burridge, Jane H

2011-01-01

A novel system has been developed which combines robotic therapy with electrical stimulation (ES) for upper limb stroke rehabilitation. This technology, termed SAIL: Stimulation Assistance through Iterative Learning, employs advanced model-based iterative learning control (ILC) algorithms to precisely assist participant's completion of 3D tracking tasks with their impaired arm. Data is reported from a preliminary study with unimpaired participants, and also from a single hemiparetic stroke participant with reduced upper limb function who has used the system in a clinical trial. All participants completed tasks which involved moving their (impaired) arm to follow an image of a slowing moving sphere along a trajectory. The participants' arm was supported by a robot and ES was applied to the triceps brachii and anterior deltoid muscles. During each task, the same tracking trajectory was repeated 6 times and ILC was used to compute the stimulation signals to be applied on the next iteration. Unimpaired participants took part in a single, one hour training session and the stroke participant undertook 18, 1 hour treatment sessions composed of tracking tasks varying in length, orientation and speed. The results reported describe changes in tracking ability and demonstrate feasibility of the SAIL system for upper limb rehabilitation. © 2011 IEEE

Control desacoplado de un actuador de rigidez variable para robots asistenciales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Medina

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Los actuadores de rigidez variable son dispositivos que permiten cambiar la posición y rigidez articular de un robot en forma simultánea. En los últimos años se han diseñado y desarrollado muchos dispositivos de este tipo, con la esperanza de favorecer la seguridad en la interacción humano-robot y mejorar el rendimiento dinámico de los robots. En este artículo se presenta el desarrollo de un controlador para un actuador de rigidez variable de configuración serie. La estrategia de control se basa en la linealización por realimentación y el ajuste de dos controladores lineales. Esta estrategia permite el seguimiento de referencias de posición y rigidez articular de forma simultánea y desacoplada. Además, se realizan simulaciones en las que se incorpora este dispositivo dentro del robot asistencial ASIBOT, a fin de evaluar el desempeño del controlador, los cambios en la dinámica del robot y las posibles ventajas que tendrá la inclusión del mismo a nivel de seguridad en la interacción física humano-robot. Abstract: The variable stiffness actuators are devices that change the position and stiffness of a robot simultaneously. In recent years have been designed and developed many devices of this type, hoping to ensure safety in human-robot interaction and improve the dynamic performance of robots. In this article, we present the control of a variable stiffness actuator with serial configuration. The control strategy is based on feedback linearization and adjustment of two linear controllers. This allows the control, independently, of the stiffness and the equilibrium position of the joint. Finally, the behavior of this device within the assistive robot ASIBOT, is simulated in order to assess: the controller performance, changes in the dynamics of the robot and possible advantages of a level of safety during physical interaction human-robot. Palabras clave: control de robot

A new multiple robot path planning algorithm: dynamic distributed particle swarm optimization.

Science.gov (United States)

Ayari, Asma; Bouamama, Sadok

2017-01-01

Multiple robot systems have become a major study concern in the field of robotic research. Their control becomes unreliable and even infeasible if the number of robots increases. In this paper, a new dynamic distributed particle swarm optimization (D 2 PSO) algorithm is proposed for trajectory path planning of multiple robots in order to find collision-free optimal path for each robot in the environment. The proposed approach consists in calculating two local optima detectors, LOD pBest and LOD gBest . Particles which are unable to improve their personal best and global best for predefined number of successive iterations would be replaced with restructured ones. Stagnation and local optima problems would be avoided by adding diversity to the population, without losing the fast convergence characteristic of PSO. Experiments with multiple robots are provided and proved effectiveness of such approach compared with the distributed PSO.

Stereo-Based Visual Odometry for Autonomous Robot Navigation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ioannis Kostavelis

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Mobile robots should possess accurate self-localization capabilities in order to be successfully deployed in their environment. A solution to this challenge may be derived from visual odometry (VO, which is responsible for estimating the robot's pose by analysing a sequence of images. The present paper proposes an accurate, computationally-efficient VO algorithm relying solely on stereo vision images as inputs. The contribution of this work is twofold. Firstly, it suggests a non-iterative outlier detection technique capable of efficiently discarding the outliers of matched features. Secondly, it introduces a hierarchical motion estimation approach that produces refinements to the global position and orientation for each successive step. Moreover, for each subordinate module of the proposed VO algorithm, custom non-iterative solutions have been adopted. The accuracy of the proposed system has been evaluated and compared with competent VO methods along DGPS-assessed benchmark routes. Experimental results of relevance to rough terrain routes, including both simulated and real outdoors data, exhibit remarkable accuracy, with positioning errors lower than 2%.

inversiones en robots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jorge Luis García Alcaraz

2006-01-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se presenta un análisis comparativo de los resultados de la aplicación de dos técnicas para evaluar robots industriales, una de las cuales ha sido reportada en la literatura y la otra es una evaluación mediante la técnica TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Se discuten los resultados obtenidos por las dos técnicas y se demuestra su solidez ante cambios en la evaluación. Finalmente, se hace una serie de recomendaciones y observaciones.

X-ray computed tomography reconstruction on non-standard trajectories for robotized inspection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Banjak, Hussein

2016-01-01

The number of industrial applications of computed tomography (CT) is large and rapidly increasing with typical areas of use in the aerospace, automotive and transport industry. To support this growth of CT in the industrial field, the identified requirements concern firstly software development to improve the reconstruction algorithms and secondly the automation of the inspection process. Indeed, the use of robots gives more flexibility in the acquisition trajectory and allows the control of large and complex objects, which cannot be inspected using classical CT systems. In this context of new CT trend, a robotic platform has been installed at CEA LIST to better understand and solve specific challenges linked to the robotization of the CT process. The considered system integrates two robots that move the X-ray generator and detector. This thesis aims at achieving this new development. In particular, the objective is to develop and implement analytical and iterative reconstruction algorithms adapted to such robotized trajectories. The main focus of this thesis is concerned with helical-like scanning trajectories. We consider two main problems that could occur during acquisition process: truncated and limited-angle data. We present in this work experimental results for reconstruction on such non-standard trajectories. CIVA software is used to simulate these complex inspections and our developed algorithms are integrated as reconstruction tools. This thesis contains three parts. In the first part, we introduce the basic principles of CT and we present an overview of existing analytical and iterative algorithms for non-standard trajectories. In the second part, we modify the approximate helical FDK algorithm to deal with transversely truncated data and we propose a modified FDK algorithm adapted to reverse helical trajectory with the scan range less than 360 degrees. For iterative reconstruction, we propose two algebraic methods named SART-FISTA-TV and DART

Development of an automated method for in situ measurement of the geometrical properties of the ITER bolometer diagnostic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meister, H., E-mail: meister@ipp.mpg.de; Penzel, F.; Giannone, L.; Kannamueller, M.; Kling, A.; Koll, J.; Trautmann, T.

2011-10-15

In order to derive the local emission profile of the plasma radiation in a fusion device using the line-integrated measurements of the bolometer diagnostic, tomographic reconstruction methods have to be applied to the measurements from many lines-of-sight. A successful reconstruction needs to take the finite sizes of detectors and apertures and the resulting non-ideal measurements into account. In ITER a method for in situ measurement of the geometrical properties of the various components of the bolometer diagnostic after installation is required as the viewing cones have to pass through narrow gaps between components. The method proposed to be used for ITER uses the beam of a laser with high intensity to illuminate the bolometer assembly from many different angles {xi} and {theta}. A light-weight robot from Kuka Robotics is used to efficiently position the laser on many points covering the complete viewing cone of each line-of-sight and to direct the beam precisely into the entrance aperture of the bolometer. Measuring the response of the bolometer allows for the calculation of the transmission function t({xi}, {theta}), the angular etendue and finally the geometric function in reconstruction space, which is required for the tomography algorithms. Measuring the transmission function for a laboratory assembly demonstrates the viability of the proposed method. Results for a collimator-type camera from a prototype envisaged for ITER are presented. The implemented procedure is discussed in detail, in particular with respect to the automatisation applied which takes the achievable positioning and alignment accuracies of the robot into account. This discussion is extended towards the definition of requirements for a remote-handling tool for ITER.

Prepare the Future Robotics in Nuclear

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez de Leon, J. N.; Ferre Perez, M.

2013-01-01

The design and construction of ITER has shown the relevance of Robotics for optimal maintenance and operation of facilities. The Laboratory of Remote Handling included in the design has TechnoFusion given the opportunity to carry out a reflection on the strategy to promote robotics in the nuclear sector in Spain. And take advantage of the scientific and technological potential of Spanish research groups. This work of research and reflection has led to further international standardization activities in this field. Adopted ISO TC 85/SC 2/WG in the 24 development of a standard for Telerobotics. In Spain, to follow this work was created last January 73 inside the CTN AENOR Nuclear Industry a Working Group on Nuclear Remote Handling.

Applying principles of Design For Assembly to ITER maintenance operations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heemskerk, Cock; de Baar, Marco; Elzendoorn, Ben; Koning, Jarich; Verhoeven, Toon; Vreede, Fred de

2009-01-01

In ITER, maintenance operations in the vessel and in the Hot Cell will be largely done by Remote Handling (RH). Remotely performed maintenance actions tend to be more time-costly than actions performed by direct human access. With a human operator in the control loop and adequate situational feedback, a two-armed master slave manipulator system can mimic direct access with dexterous manipulation, tactile feedback and vision. But even then, turnaround times are still very high. Adapting the design for simplified maintenance operations can yield significant time savings. One of the methods known to produce a simpler, more robust design, which is also better suited for handling with robots, is Design For Assembly (DFA). This paper discusses whether and how the principles of DFA can be applied to simplify maintenance operations for ITER. While DFA is normally used with series-production and ITER is a unique product, it is possible to apply the principles of DFA to ITER maintenance operations. Furthermore, DFA's principles can be applied at different abstraction levels. Combining principles of DFA with Virtual Reality leads to new insights and provides additional value.

Robots Móviles con Orugas Historia, Modelado, Localización y Control

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ramón González

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Uno de los campos de aplicación más significativos de la robótica móvil consiste en robots capaces de operar en condiciones exteriores sobre terrenos no preparados (robots planetarios, robots en agricultura, robot en operaciones de búsqueda y rescate, robots militares, etc.. Sin embargo, conseguir que los robots se muevan de forma eficiente y precisa en este tipo de entornos no es una tarea sencilla. Un primer aspecto crítico es el sistema de locomoción. En este caso, las orugas constituyen una alternativa sólida a otro tipo de sistemas y desde principios del siglo XX han demostrado sus bondades en vehículos tripulados. En este artículo se motiva y se demuestra mediante pruebas reales la idoneidad de este tipo de locomoción para robots móviles en terrenos no preparados. Es importante remarcar que este artículo pretende ser un resumen extendido del libro recientemente publicado por los autores “Autonomous Tracked Robots in Planar Off-Road Conditions” (González et al., 2014, y, por lo tanto, no pretende ser una contribución original. Inicialmente se presenta una perspectiva histórica de los vehículos y los robots con orugas. Posteriormente se discuten los aspectos de modelado con especial mención al fenomeno del deslizamiento. A continuación, se analizan varias estrategias de localización, en particular, la odometria visual. También se analiza el aspecto del control de navegación, para ello se analizan varias estrategias con compensación del deslizamiento. Finalmente se expresan las conclusiones del trabajo en base a la experiencia de los autores en este campo. Abstract: One of the most significant research field in mobile robotics deals with robots operating in off-road conditions (planetary rovers, agriculture robots, search and rescue operations, military robots, etc.. However, obtaining a successful result is not an easy task. One primary point is the

Robot articulado de 5 GDL didáctico diseñado para fabricarse con impresora 3D.

OpenAIRE

TORRÓ LLUCH, PABLO

2015-01-01

[ES] El proyecto consta en diseñar un brazo articulado de 5 GDL. Se modelará toda la estructura del robot para ser impresa en 3D. Se fabricará el robot y se construirá el prototipo. Se desarrollará el sistema de control para mover los distintos ejes y se programará para ello. Torró Lluch, P. (2015). Robot articulado de 5 GDL didáctico diseñado para fabricarse con impresora 3D. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/54050. TFGM

Protocolo de comunicación trabajador-robot mediante imágenes

OpenAIRE

Castilla Berduque, José Angel

2015-01-01

La idea del proyecto viene del concepto de “fábricas del futuro”, donde las barreras entre robots y humanos se rompen para que la colaboración entre ambos sea como en un equipo. Para la realización de este proyecto se ha utilizado el brazo robótico IRB120 de la marca ABB de 6 Grados de libertad, Matlab y el software Robot Studio. El Objetivo principal de este proyecto es establecer el protocolo de comunicación trabajador-robot mediante imágenes. El trabajador debería poder ...

ITER...ation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Troyon, F.

1997-01-01

Recurrent attacks against ITER, the new generation of tokamak are a mix of political and scientific arguments. This short article draws a historical review of the European fusion program. This program has allowed to build and manage several installations in the aim of getting experimental results necessary to lead the program forwards. ITER will bring together a fusion reactor core with technologies such as materials, superconductive coils, heating devices and instrumentation in order to validate and delimit the operating range. ITER will be a logical and decisive step towards the use of controlled fusion. (A.C.)

A Vision-Based Self-Calibration Method for Robotic Visual Inspection Systems

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Shibin; Ren, Yongjie; Zhu, Jigui; Yang, Shourui; Ye, Shenghua

2013-01-01

A vision-based robot self-calibration method is proposed in this paper to evaluate the kinematic parameter errors of a robot using a visual sensor mounted on its end-effector. This approach could be performed in the industrial field without external, expensive apparatus or an elaborate setup. A robot Tool Center Point (TCP) is defined in the structural model of a line-structured laser sensor, and aligned to a reference point fixed in the robot workspace. A mathematical model is established to formulate the misalignment errors with kinematic parameter errors and TCP position errors. Based on the fixed point constraints, the kinematic parameter errors and TCP position errors are identified with an iterative algorithm. Compared to the conventional methods, this proposed method eliminates the need for a robot-based-frame and hand-to-eye calibrations, shortens the error propagation chain, and makes the calibration process more accurate and convenient. A validation experiment is performed on an ABB IRB2400 robot. An optimal configuration on the number and distribution of fixed points in the robot workspace is obtained based on the experimental results. Comparative experiments reveal that there is a significant improvement of the measuring accuracy of the robotic visual inspection system. PMID:24300597

Development and design optimization of water hydraulic manipulator for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kekaelaeinen, Teemu; Mattila, Jouni; Virvalo, Tapio

2009-01-01

This paper describes one of the research projects carried out in The Preparation of Remote Handling Engineers for ITER (PREFIT) program within the European Fusion Training Scheme (EFTS). This research project is focusing on the design and optimization of water hydraulic manipulators used to test several remote handling tasks of ITER at Divertor Test Platform 2 (DTP2), Tampere, Finland, and later in ITER. In this project, a water hydraulic manipulator designed and build by Department of Intelligent Hydraulics and Automation in Tampere University of Technology, Finland (TUT/IHA) is further optimized as a case study for a given manipulator requirement specification in order to illustrate and verify developed comprehensive design guidelines and performance metrics. Without meaningful manipulator performance parameters, the evaluation of alternative robot manipulators designs remains ad hoc at best. Therefore, more comprehensive design guidelines and performance metrics are needed for comparing and improving different existing manipulators versus task requirements or for comparing different digital prototypes at early design phase of manipulators. In this paper the description of the project, its background and developments are presented and discussed.

Development of Vision Control Scheme of Extended Kalman filtering for Robot's Position Control

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jang, W. S.; Kim, K. S.; Park, S. I.; Kim, K. Y.

2003-01-01

It is very important to reduce the computational time in estimating the parameters of vision control algorithm for robot's position control in real time. Unfortunately, the batch estimation commonly used requires too murk computational time because it is iteration method. So, the batch estimation has difficulty for robot's position control in real time. On the other hand, the Extended Kalman Filtering(EKF) has many advantages to calculate the parameters of vision system in that it is a simple and efficient recursive procedures. Thus, this study is to develop the EKF algorithm for the robot's vision control in real time. The vision system model used in this study involves six parameters to account for the inner(orientation, focal length etc) and outer (the relative location between robot and camera) parameters of camera. Then, EKF has been first applied to estimate these parameters, and then with these estimated parameters, also to estimate the robot's joint angles used for robot's operation. finally, the practicality of vision control scheme based on the EKF has been experimentally verified by performing the robot's position control

Articulated inspection arm for ITER, a demonstration in the Tore Supra tokamak

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cordier, J.J.; Gargiulo, L.; Grisolia, C.; Samaille, F. [Association Euratom-CEA Cadarache, 13 - Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France). Dept. de Recherches sur la Fusion Controlee; Friconneau, J.P.; Perrot, Y. [CEA Fontenay-aux-Roses, LIST Robotics and Interactive Systems Unit, 92 (France); Palmer, J.D. [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasmaphysik Boltzmannstr.2, Garching (Germany)

2003-07-01

The aim of this program is to demonstrate for ITER the feasibility of an in-vessel remote handling inspection using a long reach, limited payload carrier (1 to 10 kg) for penetration of the ITER chamber through the openings. This device is dedicated to close inspection of the Plasma Facing Components (PFC). An articulated demonstrator called articulated inspection arm (AIA) has been manufactured. A feasibility study of a full AIA operation in Tore Supra was performed, taking into account ITER reference requirements. A scale one demonstration of the AIA under ITER relevant condition is feasible on Tore Supra and would give significant improvement in research results for ITER remote Handling equipment. The test of the AIA demonstrator behaviour is foreseen in 2005 in real Tokamak conditions. The paper presents the full robot concept, the results of the first test campaign, the AIA new design and its integration on Tore Supra. Several potential uses of the AIA for the in vessel components inspection are being studied such as PFC visual inspection, water loop leak testing, laser ablation for wall detritiation and carbon dust and flakes removal are foreseen as utilities to be placed at the AIA head. These various systems are described in the paper.

Articulated inspection arm for ITER, a demonstration in the Tore Supra tokamak

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cordier, J.J.; Gargiulo, L.; Grisolia, C.; Samaille, F.; Palmer, J.D.

2003-01-01

The aim of this program is to demonstrate for ITER the feasibility of an in-vessel remote handling inspection using a long reach, limited payload carrier (1 to 10 kg) for penetration of the ITER chamber through the openings. This device is dedicated to close inspection of the Plasma Facing Components (PFC). An articulated demonstrator called articulated inspection arm (AIA) has been manufactured. A feasibility study of a full AIA operation in Tore Supra was performed, taking into account ITER reference requirements. A scale one demonstration of the AIA under ITER relevant condition is feasible on Tore Supra and would give significant improvement in research results for ITER remote Handling equipment. The test of the AIA demonstrator behaviour is foreseen in 2005 in real Tokamak conditions. The paper presents the full robot concept, the results of the first test campaign, the AIA new design and its integration on Tore Supra. Several potential uses of the AIA for the in vessel components inspection are being studied such as PFC visual inspection, water loop leak testing, laser ablation for wall detritiation and carbon dust and flakes removal are foreseen as utilities to be placed at the AIA head. These various systems are described in the paper

Seguimiento de Trayectorias en Robots Manipuladores: Revisión de Soluciones y Nuevas Propuestas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Torres

2009-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: El problema del seguimiento de trayectoria en robots manipuladores ha sido abordado aplicando una gran variedad de controladores, desde estructuras sencillas basadas en PD hasta otras más complejas basadas en controladores adaptativos y robustos. Estas últimas técnicas presentan inconvenientes como la presunción de ciertas cotas en los términos de la ecuación dinámica del robot o la no inclusión de las ligaduras del sistema en el algoritmo de control. En el presente trabajo se hace una revisión de las técnicas clásicas de control de manipuladores y se introduce un conjunto de técnicas novedosas de control robusto y de control predictivo, con las que se evitan los problemas comentados. En particular se describe un controlador con una acción robusta autoadaptativa, necesaria para evitar los errores en la cancelación de términos no lineales de la dinámica del robot. Este esquema es mejorado mediante técnicas predictivas que permiten la inclusión de las ligaduras de movimiento del robot en el algoritmo de control. Se incluyen resultados reales y en simulación en un robot PUMA-560 de Unimation que prueban la bondad de dichos controladores. Palabras clave: Manipuladores robot, Control Robusto, Control Adaptativo, Control Autoadaptativo, Control Predictivo, Implementación, Tareas en tiempo real

Desarrollo de un robot móvil compacto integrado en el middleware ROS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

André Araújo

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta el robot TraxBot y su integración completa en el Robot Operating System (ROS. El TraxBot es una plataforma de robótica móvil, desarrollada y ensamblada en el Instituto de Sistemas y Robótica (ISR Coimbra. El objetivo de este trabajo es reducir drásticamente el tiempo de desarrollo, proporcionando abstracción de hardware y modos de operación intuitiva, permitiendo a los investigadores centrarse en sus motivaciones principales de investigación, por ejemplo, la búsqueda y rescate con múltiples robots o robótica de enjambres. Se describen las potencialidades del TraxBot, que combinado con un controlador de ROS específicamente desarrollado, facilita el uso de varias herramientas para el análisis de datos y la interacción entre múltiples robots, sensores y dispositivos de teleoperación. Para validar el sistema, se llevaron a cabo diversas pruebas experimentales utilizando robots reales y virtuales. Abstract: This paper presents the TraxBot robot and its full integration in the Robotic Operating System (ROS. The TraxBot is a compact mobile robotic platform developed and assembled at the Institute of Systems and Robots (ISR Coimbra. The goal in this work is to drastically decrease the development time, providing hardware abstraction and intuitive operation modes, allowing researchers to focus in their main research motivations, e.g., search and rescue, multi-robot surveillance or swarm robotics. The potentialities of the TraxBot are described which, combined with the ROS driver developed, provide several tools for data analysis and easiness of interaction between multiple robots, sensors and tele-operation devices. To validate the approach, diverse experimental tests using real and virtual simulated robots were conducted. Palabras clave: ROS, robot móvil, sistemas embebidos, diseño, middleware, montaje y test., Keywords: ROS, mobile robot, Arduino, embedded system, design, assembling and testing.

Cinemática inversa de robot serial utilizando algoritmo genético basado en MCDS

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Juan Jairo Vaca González

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Los robots manipuladores seriales son herramientas eficaces para realizar tareas repetitivas y de precisión en la industria, siempre que se comprenda la cinemática involucrada en el posicionamiento y orientación del efector final. Este artículo presenta una metodología para resolver el problema cinemático inverso de un robot serial (Melfa RV-2A utilizando un algoritmo genético (AG a partir del modelo cinemático directo Screws (MCDS. Para esto, se obtienen los parámetros Screw que modelan el robot, se calcula el espacio de trabajo asociado y se diseña el AG contemplando una función multi-objetivo de alcance de posición y orientación en que se sitúa el efector final, con respecto a una coordenada y orientación de un punto objetivo establecido. La validación del AG se realiza según la aptitud, el tiempo de convergencia y la cantidad de generaciones usadas por la función para alcanzar el objetivo. Por tanto, la implementación de un AG basado en un MCDS es una herramienta prometedora que podría utilizarse para calcular la cinemática inversa de robots seriales. Esta novedosa implementación permite establecer por primera vez la exposición matricial de un sistema cinemático directo para obtener la solución cinemática inversa de un robot serial. En consecuencia, se demuestra que esta es una metodología factible y eficiente para solucionar la cinemática inversa de cualquier tipo de robot manipulador.

Prepare the Future Robotics in Nuclear; Preparar el futuro en Robotica Nuclear

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sanchez de Leon, J. N.; Ferre Perez, M.

2013-07-01

The design and construction of ITER has shown the relevance of Robotics for optimal maintenance and operation of facilities. The Laboratory of Remote Handling included in the design has TechnoFusion given the opportunity to carry out a reflection on the strategy to promote robotics in the nuclear sector in Spain. And take advantage of the scientific and technological potential of Spanish research groups. This work of research and reflection has led to further international standardization activities in this field. Adopted ISO TC 85/SC 2/WG in the 24 development of a standard for Tele robotics. In Spain, para follow this work was created last January 73 inside the CTN AENOR Nuclear Industry a Working Group on Nuclear Remote Handling.

A human-oriented framework for developing assistive service robots.

Science.gov (United States)

McGinn, Conor; Cullinan, Michael F; Culleton, Mark; Kelly, Kevin

2018-04-01

Multipurpose robots that can perform a range of useful tasks have the potential to increase the quality of life for many people living with disabilities. Owing to factors such as high system complexity, as-yet unresolved research questions and current technology limitations, there is a need for effective strategies to coordinate the development process. Integrating established methodologies based on human-centred design and universal design, a framework was formulated to coordinate the robot design process over successive iterations of prototype development. An account is given of how the framework was practically applied to the problem of developing a personal service robot. Application of the framework led to the formation of several design goals which addressed a wide range of identified user needs. The resultant prototype solution, which consisted of several component elements, succeeded in demonstrating the performance stipulated by all of the proposed metrics. Application of the framework resulted in the development of a complex prototype that addressed many aspects of the functional and usability requirements of a personal service robot. Following the process led to several important insights which directly benefit the development of subsequent prototypes. Implications for Rehabilitation This research shows how universal design might be used to formulate usability requirements for assistive service robots. A framework is presented that guides the process of designing service robots in a human-centred way. Through practical application of the framework, a prototype robot system that addressed a range of identified user needs was developed.

Control de Tracción en Robots Móviles con Ruedas

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R. Fernández

2012-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta una solución para mejorar el rendimiento de los robots móviles con ruedas que se desplacen sobre superficies con un bajo coeficiente de fricción estática. En estas circunstancias, los robots móviles con ruedas pueden experimentar pérdidas de tracción, y por tanto, sufrir deslizamientos a lo largo de la superficie. La solución descrita propone la utilización de una configuración especial para el robot móvil, en la que todas las ruedas son accionadas de forma independiente, y una estructura de control que consta de tres partes bien diferenciadas: un controlador de seguimiento con realimentación de estado basado en el modelo cinemático del robot, una extensión de la ley de control cinemático resultante para incorporar la dinámica del robot móvil utilizando backstepping, y un algoritmo de distribución de la fuerza de tracción global, que calcula las señales de referencia adecuadas para cada una de las ruedas. Con esta estructura se consigue controlar la posición y la velocidad del robot móvil, y al mismo tiempo, distribuir la fuerza de tracción global entre las ruedas, evitando así el deslizamiento del robot. El funcionamiento de los algoritmos de control es evaluado mediante pruebas experimentales. Abstract: This article presents a solution to improve the performance of wheeled mobile robots that move upon surfaces with small coefficient of static friction. In these circumstances the wheeled mobile robots can experience loss of traction and therefore, slide along the surface. The proposed solution implies the use of a special configuration for the mobile robot, in which all the wheels are driven independently, and a control structure which consists of three distinct parts: firstly, a state-feedback tracking controller based on the kinematic model of the mobile robot is derived. Secondly, an extension of the kinematic control law is made to incorporate the dynamics of the wheeled mobile

Iterative learning control for electrical stimulation and stroke rehabilitation

CERN Document Server

Freeman, Chris T; Burridge, Jane H; Hughes, Ann-Marie; Meadmore, Katie L

2015-01-01

Iterative learning control (ILC) has its origins in the control of processes that perform a task repetitively with a view to improving accuracy from trial to trial by using information from previous executions of the task. This brief shows how a classic application of this technique – trajectory following in robots – can be extended to neurological rehabilitation after stroke. Regaining upper limb movement is an important step in a return to independence after stroke, but the prognosis for such recovery has remained poor. Rehabilitation robotics provides the opportunity for repetitive task-oriented movement practice reflecting the importance of such intense practice demonstrated by conventional therapeutic research and motor learning theory. Until now this technique has not allowed feedback from one practice repetition to influence the next, also implicated as an important factor in therapy. The authors demonstrate how ILC can be used to adjust external functional electrical stimulation of patients’ mus...

Integración del brazo robot IRB120 en entorno ROS-MATLAB

OpenAIRE

Gómez Cuadrado, José Manuel

2017-01-01

Este proyecto usa el entorno ROS (Robot Operating System) para desarrollar el control del brazo robot IRB 120 y su implementación en el entorno de trabajo MATLAB. Se explicará la creación del modelo del robot, la planificación de trayectorias y la comunicación con dicho robot. This project uses the ROS (Robot Operating System) environment for developing the control of the IRB 120 robotic arm and its implementation in the MATLAB working environment. It will explain the creation of the...

A Review of Mobile Robotic Telepresence

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Annica Kristoffersson

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Mobile robotic telepresence (MRP systems incorporate video conferencing equipment onto mobile robot devices which can be steered from remote locations. These systems, which are primarily used in the context of promoting social interaction between people, are becoming increasingly popular within certain application domains such as health care environments, independent living for the elderly, and office environments. In this paper, an overview of the various systems, application areas, and challenges found in the literature concerning mobile robotic telepresence is provided. The survey also proposes a set terminology for the field as there is currently a lack of standard terms for the different concepts related to MRP systems. Further, this paper provides an outlook on the various research directions for developing and enhancing mobile robotic telepresence systems per se, as well as evaluating the interaction in laboratory and field settings. Finally, the survey outlines a number of design implications for the future of mobile robotic telepresence systems for social interaction.

Robotics in scansorial environments

Science.gov (United States)

Autumn, Kellar; Buehler, Martin; Cutkosky, Mark; Fearing, Ronald; Full, Robert J.; Goldman, Daniel; Groff, Richard; Provancher, William; Rizzi, Alfred A.; Saranli, Uluc; Saunders, Aaron; Koditschek, Daniel E.

2005-05-01

We review a large multidisciplinary effort to develop a family of autonomous robots capable of rapid, agile maneuvers in and around natural and artificial vertical terrains such as walls, cliffs, caves, trees and rubble. Our robot designs are inspired by (but not direct copies of) biological climbers such as cockroaches, geckos, and squirrels. We are incorporating advanced materials (e.g., synthetic gecko hairs) into these designs and fabricating them using state of the art rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., shape deposition manufacturing) that permit multiple iterations of design and testing with an effective integration path for the novel materials and components. We are developing novel motion control techniques to support dexterous climbing behaviors that are inspired by neuroethological studies of animals and descended from earlier frameworks that have proven analytically tractable and empirically sound. Our near term behavioral targets call for vertical climbing on soft (e.g., bark) or rough surfaces and for ascents on smooth, hard steep inclines (e.g., 60 degree slopes on metal or glass sheets) at one body length per second.

Kinematics and dynamics of a six-degree-of-freedom robot manipulator with closed kinematic chain mechanism

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Charles C.; Pooran, Farhad J.

1989-01-01

This paper deals with a class of robot manipulators built based on the kinematic chain mechanism (CKCM). This class of CKCM manipulators consists of a fixed and a moving platform coupled together via a number of in-parallel actuators. A closed-form solution is derived for the inverse kinematic problem of a six-degre-of-freedom CKCM manipulator designed to study robotic applications in space. Iterative Newton-Raphson method is employed to solve the forward kinematic problem. Dynamics of the above manipulator is derived using the Lagrangian approach. Computer simulation of the dynamical equations shows that the actuating forces are strongly dependent on the mass and centroid of the robot links.

Control Servo-Visual de un Robot Manipulador Planar Basado en Pasividad

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Carlos Soria

2008-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se diseña un controlador servo visual basado en la propiedad de pasividad del sistema visual. Se propone un regulador con ganancias de control variables, de tal manera que se evita la saturación de los actuadores y al mismo tiempo presenta la capacidad de corregir errores de pequeña magnitud. Asimismo el diseno se hace tenieñdo en cuenta el desempeño L2, a fin de darle capacidad de seguimiento de objetos en movimiento, con un error de control pequeño. Se muestran resultados experimentales realizados en un robot manipulador industrial tipo planar para verificar el cumplimiento de los objetivos del controlador propuesto. Palabras Clave: robot manipulador industrial, control servo visual, control no lineal, pasividad

Estructura Robótica Pre-Tensada para Robot en Tuberías Petroleras

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María Alejandra Urdaneta

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta el desarrollo de un robot basado en la estructura Pre-Tensada con el fin de realizar tareas de inspección y mantenimiento en tuberías petroleras. Este tipo de estructura mecánica se caracteriza por su bajo peso y su alta capacidad de adaptación a los diferentes diámetros.La aplicación requiere que el dispositivo desarrollado se desplace verticalmente y a alta velocidad por las tuberías utilizadas en la extracción del petróleo. Cabe destacar que en dichas instalaciones se cuenta con Bombas Electro Sumergibles (BES y Bombas de Cavidad Progresiva (BCP, ambas muy sensibles a las condiciones adversas del entorno; por lo tanto, la importancia de esta investigación radica en que el robot incorpora una red de sensores específicos para medir aquellas variables que puedan interferir en el funcionamiento normal de las bombas. Además, este robot permite automatizar la recuperación de objetos que pueden caer al pozo durante la instalación y mantenimiento del mismo, actualmente este proceso es manual.En este artículo se describen detalladamente las hipótesis de diseño realizadas y la metodología utilizada para el desarrollo del primer prototipo. Finalmente se presentan los resultados obtenidos de dicho desarrollo a través de los cuales se ha podido validar la potencialidad de la aplicación. Abstract: This paper presents the development of a robot based on the prestressed structure to carry out maintenance inspection on oil pipelines. This type of mechanical structure is characterized by low weight and high capacity of adaptation to different diameters. The application requires the device to move vertically and developed high-speed. Note that in such facilities with electric submersible pumps (ESP and Progressive Cavity Pumps (BCP, both highly sensitive to adverse environmental conditions, therefore, the importance of this research is that the robot incorporates a specific sensor network to measure those

Mechanical Design of Odin, an Extendable Heterogeneous Deformable Modular Robot

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lyder, Andreas; Garcia, Ricardo Franco Mendoza; Støy, Kasper

2008-01-01

Highly sophisticated animals consist of a set of heterogenous modules decided by nature so that they can survive in a complex environment. In this paper we present a new modular robot inspired by biology called Odin. The Odin robot is based on a deformable lattice and consists of an extendable se...

Monocular-Based 6-Degree of Freedom Pose Estimation Technology for Robotic Intelligent Grasping Systems

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Tao Liu

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Industrial robots are expected to undertake ever more advanced tasks in the modern manufacturing industry, such as intelligent grasping, in which robots should be capable of recognizing the position and orientation of a part before grasping it. In this paper, a monocular-based 6-degree of freedom (DOF pose estimation technology to enable robots to grasp large-size parts at informal poses is proposed. A camera was mounted on the robot end-flange and oriented to measure several featured points on the part before the robot moved to grasp it. In order to estimate the part pose, a nonlinear optimization model based on the camera object space collinearity error in different poses is established, and the initial iteration value is estimated with the differential transformation. Measuring poses of the camera are optimized based on uncertainty analysis. Also, the principle of the robotic intelligent grasping system was developed, with which the robot could adjust its pose to grasp the part. In experimental tests, the part poses estimated with the method described in this paper were compared with those produced by a laser tracker, and results show the RMS angle and position error are about 0.0228° and 0.4603 mm. Robotic intelligent grasping tests were also successfully performed in the experiments.

Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods for parameter estimation of a novel hybrid redundant robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Yongbo; Wu Huapeng; Handroos, Heikki

2011-01-01

This paper presents a statistical method for the calibration of a redundantly actuated hybrid serial-parallel robot IWR (Intersector Welding Robot). The robot under study will be used to carry out welding, machining, and remote handing for the assembly of vacuum vessel of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The robot has ten degrees of freedom (DOF), among which six DOF are contributed by the parallel mechanism and the rest are from the serial mechanism. In this paper, a kinematic error model which involves 54 unknown geometrical error parameters is developed for the proposed robot. Based on this error model, the mean values of the unknown parameters are statistically analyzed and estimated by means of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. The computer simulation is conducted by introducing random geometric errors and measurement poses which represent the corresponding real physical behaviors. The simulation results of the marginal posterior distributions of the estimated model parameters indicate that our method is reliable and robust.

Developing Humanoid Robots for Real-World Environments

Science.gov (United States)

Stoica, Adrian; Kuhlman, Michael; Assad, Chris; Keymeulen, Didier

2008-01-01

Humanoids are steadily improving in appearance and functionality demonstrated in controlled environments. To address the challenges of operation in the real-world, researchers have proposed the use of brain-inspired architectures for robot control, and the use of robot learning techniques that enable the robot to acquire and tune skills and behaviours. In the first part of the paper we introduce new concepts and results in these two areas. First, we present a cerebellum-inspired model that demonstrated efficiency in the sensory-motor control of anthropomorphic arms, and in gait control of dynamic walkers. Then, we present a set of new ideas related to robot learning, emphasizing the importance of developing teaching techniques that support learning. In the second part of the paper we propose the use in robotics of the iterative and incremental development methodologies, in the context of practical task-oriented applications. These methodologies promise to rapidly reach system-level integration, and to early identify system-level weaknesses to focus on. We apply this methodology in a task targeting the automated assembly of a modular structure using HOAP-2. We confirm this approach led to rapid development of a end-to-end capability, and offered guidance on which technologies to focus on for gradual improvement of a complete functional system. It is believed that providing Grand Challenge type milestones in practical task-oriented applications accelerates development. As a meaningful target in short-mid term we propose the 'IKEA Challenge', aimed at the demonstration of autonomous assembly of various pieces of furniture, from the box, following included written/drawn instructions.

Outcomes from the Delphi process of the Thoracic Robotic Curriculum Development Committee.

Science.gov (United States)

Veronesi, Giulia; Dorn, Patrick; Dunning, Joel; Cardillo, Giuseppe; Schmid, Ralph A; Collins, Justin; Baste, Jean-Marc; Limmer, Stefan; Shahin, Ghada M M; Egberts, Jan-Hendrik; Pardolesi, Alessandro; Meacci, Elisa; Stamenkovic, Sasha; Casali, Gianluca; Rueckert, Jens C; Taurchini, Mauro; Santelmo, Nicola; Melfi, Franca; Toker, Alper

2018-06-01

As the adoption of robotic procedures becomes more widespread, additional risk related to the learning curve can be expected. This article reports the results of a Delphi process to define procedures to optimize robotic training of thoracic surgeons and to promote safe performance of established robotic interventions as, for example, lung cancer and thymoma surgery. In June 2016, a working panel was spontaneously created by members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) with a specialist interest in robotic thoracic surgery and/or surgical training. An e-consensus-finding exercise using the Delphi methodology was applied requiring 80% agreement to reach consensus on each question. Repeated iterations of anonymous voting continued over 3 rounds. Agreement was reached on many points: a standardized robotic training curriculum for robotic thoracic surgery should be divided into clearly defined sections as a staged learning pathway; the basic robotic curriculum should include a baseline evaluation, an e-learning module, a simulation-based training (including virtual reality simulation, Dry lab and Wet lab) and a robotic theatre (bedside) observation. Advanced robotic training should include e-learning on index procedures (right upper lobe) with video demonstration, access to video library of robotic procedures, simulation training, modular console training to index procedure, transition to full-procedure training with a proctor and final evaluation of the submitted video to certified independent examiners. Agreement was reached on a large number of questions to optimize and standardize training and education of thoracic surgeons in robotic activity. The production of the content of the learning material is ongoing.

Diseño e implementación de un sistema de control para el robot móvil P3-AT por medio de gestos manuales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manuel Veintimilla

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Este documento detalla como se construyó una relación entre un usuario y un robot móvil a través de una red cliente servidor inalámbrica utilizando el sensor Kinect para la respectiva adquisicion de datos. El robot se mueve con los gestos indicados por la persona, ya sea que se necesite explorar o simplemente trasladar el robot. El usuario debe desarrollar la destreza para manipular el robot siguiendo el manual de usuario e iniciar con el simulador, así con este procedimiento se evita tener errores desde la conexión con el robot hasta la ejecución de los comportamientos. Los comportamientos se ejecutan con botones en la interfaz del cliente, y cada uno de forma exclusiva.

Lázaro: Robot Móvil dotado de Brazo para Contacto con el Suelo

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Jesús M. García

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Este artículo tiene por objetivo describir a Lázaro, el cual es un pequeño robot móvil que posee un brazo diseñado especialmente para propiciar un punto adicional de contacto con el suelo que puede utilizarse para mejorar la estabilidad al vuelco y superar obstáculos. Específicamente, se aborda la descripción de la estructura mecánica así como los componentes electrónicos destinados a percepción, comunicación y control. Posteriormente, se revisan las características de funcionamiento de este robot, en cuanto a su cinemática, arquitectura de control, modos de operación e interface. Finalmente, se hace una descripción de algunas pruebas de funcionamiento. Abstract: This paper aims to describe Lázaro, which is a small mobile robot that has an arm designed especially to provide an additional contact point with the ground that can be used to improve the tipover stability and to overcome obstacles. Specifically, the description of the mechanical structure and electronic components for perception, communication and control is discussed. Subsequently, the operating characteristics of the robot are reviewed in terms of kinematics, control architecture, operating modes and interface. Finally, a description of some performance tests is presented. Palabras clave: Robots móviles, estabilidad al vuelco, control de movimiento, tele-operación, Keywords: Mobile robots, tipover stability, motion control, teleoperation

Robot-Beacon Distributed Range-Only SLAM for Resource-Constrained Operation.

Science.gov (United States)

Torres-González, Arturo; Martínez-de Dios, Jose Ramiro; Ollero, Anibal

2017-04-20

This work deals with robot-sensor network cooperation where sensor nodes (beacons) are used as landmarks for Range-Only (RO) Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Most existing RO-SLAM techniques consider beacons as passive devices disregarding the sensing, computational and communication capabilities with which they are actually endowed. SLAM is a resource-demanding task. Besides the technological constraints of the robot and beacons, many applications impose further resource consumption limitations. This paper presents a scalable distributed RO-SLAM scheme for resource-constrained operation. It is capable of exploiting robot-beacon cooperation in order to improve SLAM accuracy while meeting a given resource consumption bound expressed as the maximum number of measurements that are integrated in SLAM per iteration. The proposed scheme combines a Sparse Extended Information Filter (SEIF) SLAM method, in which each beacon gathers and integrates robot-beacon and inter-beacon measurements, and a distributed information-driven measurement allocation tool that dynamically selects the measurements that are integrated in SLAM, balancing uncertainty improvement and resource consumption. The scheme adopts a robot-beacon distributed approach in which each beacon participates in the selection, gathering and integration in SLAM of robot-beacon and inter-beacon measurements, resulting in significant estimation accuracies, resource-consumption efficiency and scalability. It has been integrated in an octorotor Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and evaluated in 3D SLAM outdoor experiments. The experimental results obtained show its performance and robustness and evidence its advantages over existing methods.

Reference trajectory tracking for a multi-DOF robot arm

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Krasňanský Róbert

2015-12-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the problem of tracking the generated reference trajectory by the simulation model of a multi-DOF robot arm. The kinematic transformation between task space and joint configuration coordinates is nonlinear and configuration dependent. To obtain the solution of the forward kinematics problem, the homogeneous transformation matrix is used. A solution to the inverse kinematics is a vector of joint configuration coordinates calculated using of pseudoinverse Jacobian technique. These coordinates correspond to a set of task space coordinates. The algorithm is presented which uses iterative solution and is simplified by considering stepper motors in robot arm joints. The reference trajectory in Cartesian coordinate system is generated on-line by the signal generator previously developed in MS Excel. Dynamic Data Exchange communication protocol allows sharing data with Matlab-Simulink. These data represent the reference tracking trajectory of the end effector. Matlab-Simulink software is used to calculate the representative joint rotations. The proposed algorithm is demonstrated experimentally on the model of 7-DOF robot arm system.

A Modular, Reconfigurable Mold for a Soft Robotic Gripper Design Activity

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Jiawei Zhang

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Soft robotics is an emerging field with strong potential to serve as an educational tool due to its advantages such as low costs and shallow learning curves. In this paper, we introduce a modular and reconfigurable mold for flexible design of pneumatic soft robotic grippers. By using simple assembly kits, students at all levels are able to design and construct soft robotic grippers that vary in function and performance. The process of constructing the modular mold enables students to understand how design choices impact system performance. Our unique modular mold allows students to select the number and length of fingers in a gripper, as well as to adjust the internal geometry of the pneumatic actuator cavity, which dictates how and where bending of a finger occurs. In addition, the mold may be deconstructed and reconfigured, which allows for fast iterative design and lowers material costs (since a new mold does not need to be made to implement a design change. We further demonstrate the feasibility of the modular mold by implementing it in a soft robot design activity in classrooms and showing a sufficiently high rate of student success in designing and constructing a functional soft robotic gripper.

Uso de Plataformas para el Desarrollo de Aplicaciones Virtuales en el Modelado de Robot Manipuladores

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Róger E. Sánchez-Alonso

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se propone el uso de plataformas para el desarrollo de aplicaciones virtuales como herramientas para el modelado de robots manipuladores. La propuesta se basa en aprovechar el gran potencial que actualmente tienen estas plataformas para solucionar la dinámica de cuerpos rígidos, lo que permite modelar de forma sencilla los aspectos mecánicos del manipulador. Por otro lado, la posibilidad ofrecida por estas plataformas de incorporar código de programación en lenguajes convencionales, permite modelar el comportamiento dinámico de sistemas físicos reales, tales como sensores y actuadores, lo que hace posible la implementación de una etapa virtual de instrumentación y control tal y como se realiza en un robot real. El uso de estas plataformas permite modelar desde cero cualquier robot manipulador. El modelado de un robot paralelo reconfigurable es presentado como caso de estudio. Abstract: This paper describes the use of platforms for the development of virtual applications as tools for modeling of robot manipulators. The proposal is based on take advantage of the potential that these platforms currently have for solving the rigid body dynamics, which easily allows modeling the mechanical aspects of the manipulator. On the other hand, the possibility offered by these platforms of incorporate programming code in conventional languages allows to modeling the dynamic behavior of real physical systems, such as sensors and actuators, which allows implementing the development of the instrumentation and control stage of an industrial robot in the same way as a real one. Using these platforms allows the modeling from the bases of any manipulator robot. The modeling of a reconfigurable parallel robot is presented as a case study. Palabras clave: Modelado, Robots manipuladores, Realidad virtual, Sistemas dinámicos, Keywords: Modeling, Manipulator Robots, Virtual reality, Dynamic systems

Laws on Robots, Laws by Robots, Laws in Robots : Regulating Robot Behaviour by Design

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Leenes, R.E.; Lucivero, F.

2015-01-01

Speculation about robot morality is almost as old as the concept of a robot itself. Asimov’s three laws of robotics provide an early and well-discussed example of moral rules robots should observe. Despite the widespread influence of the three laws of robotics and their role in shaping visions of

Concepción, Desarrollo y Avances en el Control de Navegación de Robots Submarinos Paralelos: El Robot Remo-I

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

César Álvarez

2009-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: El robot REMO I es un vehículo submarino operado remotamente (ROV, que tiene como cuerpo principal, una estructura paralela de Stewart – Gough, que le permite variar su geometría para realizar maniobras de navegación con gran flexibilidad con solo modificar la orientación y el desplazamiento de un único impulsor situado en la parte trasera. Como consecuencia, el robot puede describir trayectorias complejas para llegar a lugares de difícil acceso dentro del agua. En este trabajo se presenta una breve descripción mecánica del REMO I, su sistema de instrumentación y control, y las estrategias a utilizar para la arquitectura de control que se emplea en el control de lastrado y la navegación. Palabras clave: Vehículos submarinos, robots submarinos, estructura paralela, plataformas Stewart – Gough, ROV, AUV

Caminata del robot humanoide RH-2 en la plataforma de simulación OpenHRP

OpenAIRE

Torre Doblas, Carlos de

2010-01-01

En primer lugar, en este proyecto se trabajará con el simulador OpenHRP3, intentando comprender su funcionamiento interno (carga de archivos, lenguajes, funcionalidades, etc.). También se adaptará el modelo del robot humanoide Rh-2 al entorno del mismo, pudiendo así realizar simulaciones. La verdadera finalidad de este proyecto, y en lo que se ha hecho especial incapié, es simular el robot sosteniendo una caja, validando así las fuerzas que sienten las distintas partes del cuerpo en los momen...

Beating-heart registration for organ-mounted robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Wood, Nathan A; Schwartzman, David; Passineau, Michael J; Moraca, Robert J; Zenati, Marco A; Riviere, Cameron N

2018-03-06

Organ-mounted robots address the problem of beating-heart surgery by adhering to the heart, passively providing a platform that approaches zero relative motion. Because of the quasi-periodic deformation of the heart due to heartbeat and respiration, registration must address not only spatial registration but also temporal registration. Motion data were collected in the porcine model in vivo (N = 6). Fourier series models of heart motion were developed. By comparing registrations generated using an iterative closest-point approach at different phases of respiration, the phase corresponding to minimum registration distance is identified. The spatiotemporal registration technique presented here reduces registration error by an average of 4.2 mm over the 6 trials, in comparison with a more simplistic static registration that merely averages out the physiological motion. An empirical metric for spatiotemporal registration of organ-mounted robots is defined and demonstrated using data from animal models in vivo. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Image-Based Robotic Waxing System for Detailing Automobiles.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Chi-Ying; Hsu, Bing-Cheng

2018-05-14

Waxing is an important aspect of automobile detailing, aimed at protecting the finish of the car and preventing rust. At present, this delicate work is conducted manually due to the need for iterative adjustments to achieve acceptable quality. This paper presents a robotic waxing system in which surface images are used to evaluate the quality of the finish. An RGB-D camera is used to build a point cloud that details the sheet metal components to enable path planning for a robot manipulator. The robot is equipped with a multi-axis force sensor to measure and control the forces involved in the application and buffing of wax. Images of sheet metal components that were waxed by experienced car detailers were analyzed using image processing algorithms. A Gaussian distribution function and its parameterized values were obtained from the images for use as a performance criterion in evaluating the quality of surfaces prepared by the robotic waxing system. Waxing force and dwell time were optimized using a mathematical model based on the image-based criterion used to measure waxing performance. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed robotic waxing system and image-based performance evaluation scheme.

Conceptual design of an in-vessel inspection robotic system for Tokamak environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, Prabhat; Raju, Daniel; Ranjan, Vaibhav; Patel, Prateek; Dave, Jatinkumar; Naik, Mehul

2013-01-01

An in-vessel inspection robotic system has been conceptualized for operation inside a tokamak vessel. The robotic system is envisaged to comprise of a robotic arm, end-effector, microcontroller and wireless communication system. The end-effector is envisaged to be a special purpose camera for in-situ inspection between plasma shots. The three-link robotic arm, designed for ITER-like environment, has 4 revolute joints- 3 providing manipulation in poloidal plane and the fourth one providing limited movement in adjacent toroidal planes. This paper provides the conceptual design of the system along with kinematic analysis of robotic arm. Solutions have been derived for forward and inverse kinematic models and the Jacobian matrix for the robotic arm linkage. In forward kinematic model, given a set of joint-link parameters, the position and orientation of end-effector are determined with respect to a reference frame. In inverse kinematic model, given the specified position and orientation of end-effector with respect to a reference frame, a set of joint variables are derived that would bring the end-effector into the required posture. Using Jacobian matrix, the relation between the end-effector velocity and the joint velocity of a manipulator is obtained i.e. given the individual joint velocity; the end-effector velocity is obtained. A CAD model has been generated using CATIA to simulate the kinematic model and carry out computational stress analysis. (author)

Mechanical Design of Odin, an Extendable Heterogeneous Deformable Modular Robot

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lyder, Andreas; Garcia, Ricardo Franco Mendoza; Støy, Kasper

2008-01-01

Highly sophisticated animals consist of a set of heterogenous modules decided by nature so that they can survive in a complex environment. In this paper we present a new modular robot inspired by biology called Odin. The Odin robot is based on a deformable lattice and consists of an extendable se...... of heterogeneous modules. We present the design and implementation of a cubic closed-packed (CCP) joint module, a telescoping link, and a flexible connection mechanism. The developed robot is highly versatile and opens up for a wide range of new research in modular robotics.......Highly sophisticated animals consist of a set of heterogenous modules decided by nature so that they can survive in a complex environment. In this paper we present a new modular robot inspired by biology called Odin. The Odin robot is based on a deformable lattice and consists of an extendable set...

TRUST AND REPUTATION MODEL DESIGN FOR OBJECTS OF MULTI-AGENT ROBOTICS SYSTEMS WITH DECENTRALIZED CONTROL

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I. A. Zikratov

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The problem of mechanisms design for protection of multi-agent robotics systems from attacks of robots-saboteurs is considered. Functioning analysis of these systems with decentralized control is carried out. The type of the so-called soft attacks using interception of messages, misinformation formation and transmission to group of robots which are also realizing other actions without identified signs of invasion of robots-saboteurs. Analysis of existing information security models of the system based on the trust level computation, calculated in the process of agents’ interaction is carried out. Information security model is offered in which robots-agents produce the trust levels to each other on the basis of situation analysis emerging on a certain step of iterative algorithm with usage of onboard sensor devices. On the basis of calculated trust levels, recognition of “saboteur” objects in the group of legitimate robots-agents is done. For measure of likeness (adjacency increase for objects from the same category (“saboteur” or “legitimate agent”, calculation algorithm for agents reputation is offered as a measure of public opinion about qualities of this or that agent-subject. Implementation alternatives of the algorithms for detection of saboteurs on the example of the basic algorithm for distribution of purposes in the group of robots are considered.

Cultural Robotics: The Culture of Robotics and Robotics in Culture

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hooman Samani

2013-12-01

Full Text Available In this paper, we have investigated the concept of “Cultural Robotics” with regard to the evolution of social into cultural robots in the 21st Century. By defining the concept of culture, the potential development of a culture between humans and robots is explored. Based on the cultural values of the robotics developers, and the learning ability of current robots, cultural attributes in this regard are in the process of being formed, which would define the new concept of cultural robotics. According to the importance of the embodiment of robots in the sense of presence, the influence of robots in communication culture is anticipated. The sustainability of robotics culture based on diversity for cultural communities for various acceptance modalities is explored in order to anticipate the creation of different attributes of culture between robots and humans in the future.

Friendly network robotics; Friendly network robotics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

This paper summarizes the research results on the friendly network robotics in fiscal 1996. This research assumes an android robot as an ultimate robot and the future robot system utilizing computer network technology. The robot aiming at human daily work activities in factories or under extreme environments is required to work under usual human work environments. The human robot with similar size, shape and functions to human being is desirable. Such robot having a head with two eyes, two ears and mouth can hold a conversation with human being, can walk with two legs by autonomous adaptive control, and has a behavior intelligence. Remote operation of such robot is also possible through high-speed computer network. As a key technology to use this robot under coexistence with human being, establishment of human coexistent robotics was studied. As network based robotics, use of robots connected with computer networks was also studied. In addition, the R-cube (R{sup 3}) plan (realtime remote control robot technology) was proposed. 82 refs., 86 figs., 12 tabs.

Iterating skeletons

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dieterle, Mischa; Horstmeyer, Thomas; Berthold, Jost

2012-01-01

a particular skeleton ad-hoc for repeated execution turns out to be considerably complicated, and raises general questions about introducing state into a stateless parallel computation. In addition, one would strongly prefer an approach which leaves the original skeleton intact, and only uses it as a building...... block inside a bigger structure. In this work, we present a general framework for skeleton iteration and discuss requirements and variations of iteration control and iteration body. Skeleton iteration is expressed by synchronising a parallel iteration body skeleton with a (likewise parallel) state......Skeleton-based programming is an area of increasing relevance with upcoming highly parallel hardware, since it substantially facilitates parallel programming and separates concerns. When parallel algorithms expressed by skeletons involve iterations – applying the same algorithm repeatedly...

Robot vision for nuclear advanced robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakayama, Ryoichi; Okano, Hideharu; Kuno, Yoshinori; Miyazawa, Tatsuo; Shimada, Hideo; Okada, Satoshi; Kawamura, Astuo

1991-01-01

This paper describes Robot Vision and Operation System for Nuclear Advanced Robot. This Robot Vision consists of robot position detection, obstacle detection and object recognition. With these vision techniques, a mobile robot can make a path and move autonomously along the planned path. The authors implemented the above robot vision system on the 'Advanced Robot for Nuclear Power Plant' and tested in an environment mocked up as nuclear power plant facilities. Since the operation system for this robot consists of operator's console and a large stereo monitor, this system can be easily operated by one person. Experimental tests were made using the Advanced Robot (nuclear robot). Results indicate that the proposed operation system is very useful, and can be operate by only person. (author)

Implementación de un control fuzzy para el control cinemático directo en un robot manipulador Implementation of a fuzzy control for the direct kinematic control of a robot manipulator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D.A Tibaduiza

2011-12-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se muestra el desarrollo e implementación de la lógica difusa como herramienta de control de posición para cada una de las articulaciones de un robot tipo PUMA. Se hace una descripción general del robot y se muestra el cálculo del volumen de trabajo, el cual es usado para la fuzzificación en el desarrollo del controlador. Finalmente es mostrado el desarrollo y la simulación del controlador usando la toolbox fuzzy de Matlab, así como la descripción de una implementación realizada en un PLC.In this article, the development and implementation of a fuzzy logic system as position control tool of each one of the joints in a PUMA robot is shown. A general description, which include general descriptions about the robot as workspace and therefore the development of the strategy of control with the definition of the rules in the fuzzification process is also included. Finally are shown the development and simulation of the controller using the fuzzy control toolbox of Matlab and the description of a implementation in a PLC.

Adaptive Iterated Extended Kalman Filter and Its Application to Autonomous Integrated Navigation for Indoor Robot

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuan Xu

2014-01-01

Full Text Available As the core of the integrated navigation system, the data fusion algorithm should be designed seriously. In order to improve the accuracy of data fusion, this work proposed an adaptive iterated extended Kalman (AIEKF which used the noise statistics estimator in the iterated extended Kalman (IEKF, and then AIEKF is used to deal with the nonlinear problem in the inertial navigation systems (INS/wireless sensors networks (WSNs-integrated navigation system. Practical test has been done to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective to reduce the mean root-mean-square error (RMSE of position by about 92.53%, 67.93%, 55.97%, and 30.09% compared with the INS only, WSN, EKF, and IEKF.

TRUST MODEL FOR INFORMATION SECURITY OF MULTI-AGENT ROBOTIC SYSTEMS WITH A DECENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I. A. Zikratov

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The paper deals with the issues on protection of multi-agent robotic systems against attacks by robots-saboteurs. The operation analysis of such systems with decentralized control is carried out. Concept of harmful information impact (attack from a robot-saboteur to the multi-agent robotic system is given. The class of attacks is considered using interception of messages, formation and transfer of misinformation to group of robots, and also carrying out other actions with vulnerabilities of multiagent algorithms without obviously identified signs of invasion of robots-saboteurs. The model of information security is developed, in which robots-agents work out trust levels to each other analyzing the events occurring in the system. The idea of trust model consists in the analysis of transferred information by each robot and the executed actions of other members in a group, comparison of chosen decision on iteration step k with objective function of the group. Distinctive feature of the trust model in comparison with the closest analogue - Buddy Security Model in which the exchange between the agents security tokens is done — is involvement of the time factor during which agents have to "prove" by their actions the usefulness in achievement of a common goal to members of the group. Variants of this model realization and ways of an assessment of trust levels for agents in view of the security policy accepted in the group are proposed.

Automated measurement of bolometer line of sight alignment and characteristics for application in ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Penzel, Florian Olivier

2015-07-01

The line of sight (LOS) alignment and characteristic of a bolometer camera used in a fusion experiment is a crucial parameter for the measurement accuracy of the diagnostic. A robot based LOS measurement device has been developed which allows the fully automatic measurement of the two dimensional transmission function of a bolometer camera. It has been used to optimize camera prototypes for ITER and has been successfully operated in the fusion experiment ASDEX Upgrade in order to measure the LOS alignment.

8th International Conference on Field and Service Robotics

CERN Document Server

Tadokoro, Satoshi

2014-01-01

FSR, the International Conference on Field and Service Robotics, is the leading single track conference of robotics for field and service applications. This book presents the results of FSR2012, the eighth conference of Field and Service Robotics, which was originally planned for 2011 with the venue of Matsushima in Tohoku region of Japan. However, on March 11, 2011, a magnitude M9.0 earthquake occurred off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, and a large-scale disaster was caused by the Tsunami which resulted, therefore the conference was postponed by one year to July, 2012. In fact, this earthquake raised issues concerning the contribution of field and service robotics technology to emergency scenarios. A number of precious lessons were learned from operation of robots in the resulting, very real and challenging, disaster environments. Up-to-date study on disaster response, relief and recovery was then featured in the conference. This book offers 43 papers on a broad range of topics including: Disaster Response, Se...

Robot Biocooperativo con Modulación Háptica para Tareas de Neurorehabilitación de los Miembros Superiores

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C. Rodríguez-Guerrero

2011-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Los robots biocooperativos pueden mejorar las terapias tradicionales de rehabilitación proporcionando al paciente la asistencia adecuada en el instante adecuado. Distintos pacientes necesitan diferentes niveles de asistencia por parte del robot. Por ello, es muy interesante poder analizar el estado del paciente para, a partir de este análisis, determinar el grado de asistencia que el robot de rehabilitación debe proporcionarle.En este artículo se presenta un novedoso método de rehabilitación para pacientes con discapacidad en los miembros superiores, que incluye las señales fisiológicas del paciente en el lazo de realimentación del control del robot de rehabilitación. Esto permite que el robot se “adapte” a las necesidades de cada paciente, regulando dinámicamente la cantidad de asistencia/resistencia de cada terapia, en función de los valores de las señales fisiológicas del paciente, que se miden y procesan “on-line”, mientras el paciente ejecuta las actividades de rehabilitación asistido por el robot. De esta forma, se conjuga la intensidad de la terapia con el estado de salud del paciente, pudiendo detectar y corregir (variando la intensidad de la actividad realizada, situaciones de estrés y ansiedad en el paciente, que podrían comprometer el resultado del programa de rehabilitación planificado. Palabras clave: Robot, control biocooperativo, psicofisiología, rehabilitación, háptico

Programación de comportamientos de un robot autónomo

OpenAIRE

Vivet Moral, Gerard

2016-01-01

El propósito de este proyecto, es lograr un mayor grado de autonomía de los comportamientos de un robot. Para incrementar la autonomía, necesitamos supervisar las baterías del robot, parar su estado actual, volver a la estación de carga y acoplarse cuando sea necesario. Asimismo, el robot se desplazará por su entorno hacia destinos dados por el usuario, a la vez evitando objetos que interrumpan su trayectoria planificada de manera dinámica. Todo ello adherido en un solo script Python y ROS (S...

MÓDULO CONDUCTUAL INMERSO EN UNA ARQUITECTURA DE CONTROL PARA SISTEMAS MULTI-ROBOTS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ángel Eduardo Gil Pérez

2016-03-01

Full Text Available El presente trabajo describe el diseño de un módulo conductual para robots de propósito general, implementado en el marco de una arquitectura de control para sistemas multi-robots.El mismo está estructurado en cuatro capas: reactiva, cognitiva, social, y una capa transversal que gestiona un conjunto de emociones básicas, que afectan de forma directael comportamiento del robot y su disposición hacia la ejecución de las tareas y hacia la interrelación con los otros individuos del sistema (es decir, a las otras capas. El objetivo de la arquitectura es brindar una plataforma que facilite los procesos de auto-organización y emergencia del sistema.Se propone un modelo emocional, que toma en consideración cuatro emociones básicas y un estado neutro; esto con el fin de dotar a los robots de un factor adicional que influya en su funcionamiento, que puede ser determinante cuando estos enfrentan situaciones donde la incertidumbre se hace presente. De esta forma, se busca mejorar su proceso de toma de decisión y su adaptación a las dinámicas presentes en el entorno, en particular analizando la influencia de las emociones en sistemas de este tipo.

Robotics

Science.gov (United States)

Popov, E. P.; Iurevich, E. I.

The history and the current status of robotics are reviewed, as are the design, operation, and principal applications of industrial robots. Attention is given to programmable robots, robots with adaptive control and elements of artificial intelligence, and remotely controlled robots. The applications of robots discussed include mechanical engineering, cargo handling during transportation and storage, mining, and metallurgy. The future prospects of robotics are briefly outlined.

ITER-FEAT - outline design report. Report by the ITER Director. ITER meeting, Tokyo, January 2000

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

It is now possible to define the key elements of ITER-FEAT. This report provides the results, to date, of the joint work of the Special Working Group in the form of an Outline Design Report on the ITER-FEAT design which, subject to the views of ITER Council and of the Parties, will be the focus of further detailed design work and analysis in order to provide to the Parties a complete and fully integrated engineering design within the framework of the ITER EDA extension

Seguimiento de trayectorias con un robot móvil de configuración diferencial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leonardo Enrique Solaque Guzmán

2014-06-01

Full Text Available En este trabajo se desarrolla un sistema de control, aplicado en un robot móvil de configuración diferencial, para seguir una trayectoria determinada. Para dar solución al problema, primero se implementa la cinemática directa del robot para simular el comportamiento del mismo. Luego para cumplir el objetivo, dos sistemas de control (holonómico y no-holonómico, fueron desarrollados e implementados a partir de la cinemática inversa. Posteriormente, se desarrollan pruebas que permiten comparar el rendimiento de los dos controladores, determinando cuál proporciona la mejor solución.

Collective Odor Source Estimation and Search in Time-Variant Airflow Environments Using Mobile Robots

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Qing-Hao; Yang, Wei-Xing; Wang, Yang; Zeng, Ming

2011-01-01

This paper addresses the collective odor source localization (OSL) problem in a time-varying airflow environment using mobile robots. A novel OSL methodology which combines odor-source probability estimation and multiple robots’ search is proposed. The estimation phase consists of two steps: firstly, the separate probability-distribution map of odor source is estimated via Bayesian rules and fuzzy inference based on a single robot’s detection events; secondly, the separate maps estimated by different robots at different times are fused into a combined map by way of distance based superposition. The multi-robot search behaviors are coordinated via a particle swarm optimization algorithm, where the estimated odor-source probability distribution is used to express the fitness functions. In the process of OSL, the estimation phase provides the prior knowledge for the searching while the searching verifies the estimation results, and both phases are implemented iteratively. The results of simulations for large-scale advection–diffusion plume environments and experiments using real robots in an indoor airflow environment validate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed OSL method. PMID:22346650

Robot 2015 : Second Iberian Robotics Conference : Advances in Robotics

CERN Document Server

Moreira, António; Lima, Pedro; Montano, Luis; Muñoz-Martinez, Victor

2016-01-01

This book contains a selection of papers accepted for presentation and discussion at ROBOT 2015: Second Iberian Robotics Conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, November 19th-21th, 2015. ROBOT 2015 is part of a series of conferences that are a joint organization of SPR – “Sociedade Portuguesa de Robótica/ Portuguese Society for Robotics”, SEIDROB – Sociedad Española para la Investigación y Desarrollo de la Robótica/ Spanish Society for Research and Development in Robotics and CEA-GTRob – Grupo Temático de Robótica/ Robotics Thematic Group. The conference organization had also the collaboration of several universities and research institutes, including: University of Minho, University of Porto, University of Lisbon, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, University of Aveiro, University of Zaragoza, University of Malaga, LIACC, INESC-TEC and LARSyS. Robot 2015 was focussed on the Robotics scientific and technological activities in the Iberian Peninsula, although open to research and delegates from other...

The use of iteration factors in the solution of the NLTE line transfer problem-II. Multilevel atom

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuzmanovska-Barandovska, O.; Atanackovic, O.

2010-01-01

The iteration factors method (IFM) developed in Paper I (Atanackovic-Vukmanovic and Simonneau, 1994) to solve the NLTE line transfer problem for a two-level atom model, is extended here to deal with a multilevel atom case. At the beginning of each iteration step, for each line transition, angle and frequency averaged depth-dependent iteration factors are computed from the formal solution of radiative transfer (RT) equation and used to close the system of the RT equation moments, non-linearly coupled with the statistical equilibrium (SE) equations. Non-linear coupling of the atomic level populations and the corresponding line radiation field intensities is tackled in two ways. One is based on the linearization of the equations with respect to the relevant variables, and the other on the use of the old (known from the previous iteration) level populations in the line-opacity-like terms of the SE equations. In both cases the use of quasi-invariant iteration factors provided very fast and accurate solution. The properties of the proposed procedures are investigated in detail by applying them to the solution of the prototype multilevel RT problem of Avrett and Loeser , and compared with the properties of some other methods.

ITER council proceedings: 2001

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

Continuing the ITER EDA, two further ITER Council Meetings were held since the publication of ITER EDA documentation series no, 20, namely the ITER Council Meeting on 27-28 February 2001 in Toronto, and the ITER Council Meeting on 18-19 July in Vienna. That Meeting was the last one during the ITER EDA. This volume contains records of these Meetings, including: Records of decisions; List of attendees; ITER EDA status report; ITER EDA technical activities report; MAC report and advice; Final report of ITER EDA; and Press release

ITER safety

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raeder, J.; Piet, S.; Buende, R.

1991-01-01

As part of the series of publications by the IAEA that summarize the results of the Conceptual Design Activities for the ITER project, this document describes the ITER safety analyses. It contains an assessment of normal operation effluents, accident scenarios, plasma chamber safety, tritium system safety, magnet system safety, external loss of coolant and coolant flow problems, and a waste management assessment, while it describes the implementation of the safety approach for ITER. The document ends with a list of major conclusions, a set of topical remarks on technical safety issues, and recommendations for the Engineering Design Activities, safety considerations for siting ITER, and recommendations with regard to the safety issues for the R and D for ITER. Refs, figs and tabs

Cultural Robotics: The Culture of Robotics and Robotics in Culture

OpenAIRE

Hooman Samani; Elham Saadatian; Natalie Pang; Doros Polydorou; Owen Noel Newton Fernando; Ryohei Nakatsu; Jeffrey Tzu Kwan Valino Koh

2013-01-01

In this paper, we have investigated the concept of “Cultural Robotics” with regard to the evolution of social into cultural robots in the 21st Century. By defining the concept of culture, the potential development of a culture between humans and robots is explored. Based on the cultural values of the robotics developers, and the learning ability of current robots, cultural attributes in this regard are in the process of being formed, which would define the new concept of cultural robotics. Ac...

Robot Saltador y Procedimiento para su Control

OpenAIRE

Akinfiev, Teodor; Armada, Manuel; Fernández, Roemi; Montes, Héctor

2005-01-01

Robot saltador para el movimiento en terrenos con obstáculos, que contiene al menos un resorte (4) con uno de sus extremos unido al cuerpo (1) del robot, y una cadena cinemática entre el motor (5) y el resorte (4) que comprende un cilindro (7) conectado con el eje del motor (5) y una cuerda (8), con uno de sus extremos conectado al cilindro (7) y con el segundo extremo conectado al pie (3). El procedimiento de control se caracteriza porque en el momento en el que el pie (3) pierde el contacto...

Robot Actors, Robot Dramaturgies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jochum, Elizabeth

This paper considers the use of tele-operated robots in live performance. Robots and performance have long been linked, from the working androids and automata staged in popular exhibitions during the nineteenth century and the robots featured at Cybernetic Serendipity (1968) and the World Expo...

Final report of the ITER EDA. Final report of the ITER Engineering Design Activities. Prepared by the ITER Council

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

This is the Final Report by the ITER Council on work carried out by ITER participating countries on cooperation in the Engineering Design Activities (EDA) for the ITER. In this report the main ITER EDA technical objectives, the scope of ITER EDA, its organization and resources, engineering design of ITER tokamak and its main parameters are presented. This Report also includes safety and environmental assessments, site requirements and proposed schedule and estimates of manpower and cost as well as proposals on approaches to joint implementation of the project

Navegación de Robots Móviles en Entornos no Estructurados utilizando Álgebra Lineal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrés Rosales

2009-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Este trabajo presenta un enfoque basado en la teoría del álgebra lineal, los métodos numéricos y una modificación al método de fuerza ficticia, para la navegación de robots móviles en entornos dinámicos. Para el diseño del controlador se utiliza el modelo dinámico de un robot móvil no holonómico tipo uniciclo. Trabajos anteriores a menudo ignoran la dinámica del robot, por lo que sufren de singularidades en sus algoritmos. Los resultados de simulación y experimentación confirman la factibilidad y efectividad del controlador propuesto, logrando que el robot sea capaz de adaptar su comportamiento al nivel del conocimiento disponible y navegar de manera segura en entornos no estructurados, mientras se minimiza el error de seguimiento. Palabras clave: álgebra lineal, evasión de obstáculos, fuerza ficticia, modelo dinámico, robot móvil

Optimización de la Energía Consumida por las Extremidades de un Robot Caminante

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Calderón López Hugo Enrique

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Se presenta un método de optimización multi-objetivo, aplicado al funcionamiento de las cadenas cinemáticas abiertas, analizando el caso del movimiento de una extremidad de un robot caminante electro-hidráulico. Para demostrar la efectividad del método propuesto, se aplica en dos casos de estudio. El primer caso muestra el movimiento de la extremidad sin obstáculos en su espacio de trabajo, y en el segundo se incluye la evasión de un obstáculo. Se usan como criterios de optimización, la minimización del desplazamiento angular de los eslabones con mayor consumo de energía y la minimización del valor absoluto máximo de la aceleración angular de los eslabones. En ambos casos se determinó una trayectoria que disminuye el consumo de energía en más de un 25% respecto de otros métodos planteados en la literatura, a la vez que se mejora el comportamiento dinámico del sistema evitando variaciones en la velocidad y la aceleración durante la fase de trasferencia, además de aumentar la precisión y exactitud de la posición del pie. Abstract: It presents a method of multi-objective optimization, applied to energy consumption of open kinematic chains, analyzing the case of the movement of an extremity of a walking electro- hydraulic robot. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, it is applied in two cases of displacement. The first case shows the movement of the extremity without obstacles in its workspace and the second includes the evasion of an obstacle. The minimization of angular displacement of the links with higher energy consumption and the minimization of the maximum absolute value of the angular acceleration of the links are used as optimization criteria. In both cases a trajectory that reduces energy consumption by more than 25% over the other methods proposed in the literature, at the same time the dynamic behavior of the system by avoiding variations in the speed and the acceleration is improved

Computer-based laparoscopic and robotic surgical simulators: performance characteristics and perceptions of new users.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, David W; Romanelli, John R; Kuhn, Jay N; Thompson, Renee E; Bush, Ron W; Seymour, Neal E

2009-01-01

This study aimed to define perceptions of the need and the value of new simulation devices for laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. The initial experience of surgeons using both robotic and nonrobotic laparoscopic simulators to perform an advanced laparoscopic skill was evaluated. At the 2006 Society of American Gastroesophageal Surgeons (SAGES) meeting, 63 Learning Center attendees used a new virtual reality robotic surgery simulator (SEP Robot) and either a computer-enhanced laparoscopic simulator (ProMIS) or a virtual reality simulator (SurgicalSIM). Demographic and training data were collected by an intake survey. Subjects then were assessed during one iteration of laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying on the SEP Robot and either the ProMIS or the SurgicalSIM. A posttask survey determined users' impressions of task realism, interface quality, and educational value. Performance data were collected and comparisons made between user-defined groups, different simulation platforms, and posttask survey responses. The task completion rate was significantly greater for experts than for nonexperts on the virtual reality platforms (SurgicalSIM: 100% vs 36%; SEP Robot: 93% vs 63%; p platforms, whereas simulator metrics best discriminated expertise for the videoscopic platform. Similar comparisons for the virtual reality platforms were not feasible because of the low task completion rate for nonexperts. The added degrees of freedom associated with the robotic surgical simulator instruments facilitated completion of the task by nonexperts. All platforms were perceived as effective training tools.

Robotic Eye-in-hand Calibration in an Uncalibrated Environment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sebastian Van Delden

2008-12-01

Full Text Available The optical flow of high interest points in images of an uncalibrated scene is used to recover the camera orientation of an eye-in-hand robotic manipulator. The system is completely automated, iteratively performing a sequence of rotations and translations until the camera frame is aligned with the manipulator's world frame. The manipulator must be able to translate and rotate its end-effector with respect to its world frame. The system is implemented and being tested on a Stäubli RX60 manipulator using an off-the-shelf Logitech USB camera.

Hybrid FES-robot cooperative control of ambulatory gait rehabilitation exoskeleton.

Science.gov (United States)

del-Ama, Antonio J; Gil-Agudo, Angel; Pons, José L; Moreno, Juan C

2014-03-04

Robotic and functional electrical stimulation (FES) approaches are used for rehabilitation of walking impairment of spinal cord injured individuals. Although devices are commercially available, there are still issues that remain to be solved. Control of hybrid exoskeletons aims at blending robotic exoskeletons and electrical stimulation to overcome the drawbacks of each approach while preserving their advantages. Hybrid actuation and control have a considerable potential for walking rehabilitation but there is a need of novel control strategies of hybrid systems that adequately manage the balance between FES and robotic controllers. Combination of FES and robotic control is a challenging issue, due to the non-linear behavior of muscle under stimulation and the lack of developments in the field of hybrid control. In this article, a cooperative control strategy of a hybrid exoskeleton is presented. This strategy is designed to overcome the main disadvantages of muscular stimulation: electromechanical delay and change in muscle performance over time, and to balance muscular and robotic actuation during walking.Experimental results in healthy subjects show the ability of the hybrid FES-robot cooperative control to balance power contribution between exoskeleton and muscle stimulation. The robotic exoskeleton decreases assistance while adequate knee kinematics are guaranteed. A new technique to monitor muscle performance is employed, which allows to estimate muscle fatigue and implement muscle fatigue management strategies. Kinesis is therefore the first ambulatory hybrid exoskeleton that can effectively balance robotic and FES actuation during walking. This represents a new opportunity to implement new rehabilitation interventions to induce locomotor activity in patients with paraplegia.Acronym list: 10 mWT: ten meters walking test; 6 MWT: six minutes walking test; FSM: finite-state machine; t-FSM: time-domain FSM; c-FSM: cycle-domain FSM; FES: functional electrical

iterClust: a statistical framework for iterative clustering analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Ding, Hongxu; Wang, Wanxin; Califano, Andrea

2018-03-22

In a scenario where populations A, B1 and B2 (subpopulations of B) exist, pronounced differences between A and B may mask subtle differences between B1 and B2. Here we present iterClust, an iterative clustering framework, which can separate more pronounced differences (e.g. A and B) in starting iterations, followed by relatively subtle differences (e.g. B1 and B2), providing a comprehensive clustering trajectory. iterClust is implemented as a Bioconductor R package. andrea.califano@columbia.edu, hd2326@columbia.edu. Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.

Approximate Dynamic Programming in Tracking Control of a Robotic Manipulator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcin Szuster

2016-02-01

Full Text Available This article focuses on the implementation of an approximate dynamic programming algorithm in the discrete tracking control system of the three-degrees of freedom Scorbot-ER 4pc robotic manipulator. The controlled system is included in an articulated robots group which uses rotary joints to access their work space. The main part of the control system is a dual heuristic dynamic programming algorithm that consists of two structures designed in the form of neural networks: an actor and a critic. The actor generates the suboptimal control law while the critic approximates the difference of the value function from Bellman's equation with respect to the state. The residual elements of the control system are the PD controller, the supervisory term and an additional control signal. The structure of the supervisory term derives from the stability analysis performed using the Lyapunov stability theorem. The control system works online, the neural networks' weights-adaptation procedure is performed in every iteration step, and the neural networks' preliminary learning process is not required. The performance of the control system was verified by a series of computer simulations and experiments performed using the Scorbot-ER 4pc robotic manipulator.

Modelling and Experiment Based on a Navigation System for a Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgical Robot

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xingguang Duan

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In view of the characteristics of high risk and high accuracy in cranio-maxillofacial surgery, we present a novel surgical robot system that can be used in a variety of surgeries. The surgical robot system can assist surgeons in completing biopsy of skull base lesions, radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion, and radioactive particle implantation of skull base malignant tumors. This paper focuses on modelling and experimental analyses of the robot system based on navigation technology. Firstly, the transformation relationship between the subsystems is realized based on the quaternion and the iterative closest point registration algorithm. The hand-eye coordination model based on optical navigation is established to control the end effector of the robot moving to the target position along the planning path. The closed-loop control method, “kinematics + optics” hybrid motion control method, is presented to improve the positioning accuracy of the system. Secondly, the accuracy of the system model was tested by model experiments. And the feasibility of the closed-loop control method was verified by comparing the positioning accuracy before and after the application of the method. Finally, the skull model experiments were performed to evaluate the function of the surgical robot system. The results validate its feasibility and are consistent with the preoperative surgical planning.

Modelling and Experiment Based on a Navigation System for a Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgical Robot

Science.gov (United States)

Duan, Xingguang; Gao, Liang; Li, Jianxi; Li, Haoyuan; Guo, Yanjun

2018-01-01

In view of the characteristics of high risk and high accuracy in cranio-maxillofacial surgery, we present a novel surgical robot system that can be used in a variety of surgeries. The surgical robot system can assist surgeons in completing biopsy of skull base lesions, radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion, and radioactive particle implantation of skull base malignant tumors. This paper focuses on modelling and experimental analyses of the robot system based on navigation technology. Firstly, the transformation relationship between the subsystems is realized based on the quaternion and the iterative closest point registration algorithm. The hand-eye coordination model based on optical navigation is established to control the end effector of the robot moving to the target position along the planning path. The closed-loop control method, “kinematics + optics” hybrid motion control method, is presented to improve the positioning accuracy of the system. Secondly, the accuracy of the system model was tested by model experiments. And the feasibility of the closed-loop control method was verified by comparing the positioning accuracy before and after the application of the method. Finally, the skull model experiments were performed to evaluate the function of the surgical robot system. The results validate its feasibility and are consistent with the preoperative surgical planning. PMID:29599948

AEKF-SLAM: A New Algorithm for Robotic Underwater Navigation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xin Yuan

2017-05-01

Full Text Available In this work, we focus on key topics related to underwater Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM applications. Moreover, a detailed review of major studies in the literature and our proposed solutions for addressing the problem are presented. The main goal of this paper is the enhancement of the accuracy and robustness of the SLAM-based navigation problem for underwater robotics with low computational costs. Therefore, we present a new method called AEKF-SLAM that employs an Augmented Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF-based SLAM algorithm. The AEKF-based SLAM approach stores the robot poses and map landmarks in a single state vector, while estimating the state parameters via a recursive and iterative estimation-update process. Hereby, the prediction and update state (which exist as well in the conventional EKF are complemented by a newly proposed augmentation stage. Applied to underwater robot navigation, the AEKF-SLAM has been compared with the classic and popular FastSLAM 2.0 algorithm. Concerning the dense loop mapping and line mapping experiments, it shows much better performances in map management with respect to landmark addition and removal, which avoid the long-term accumulation of errors and clutters in the created map. Additionally, the underwater robot achieves more precise and efficient self-localization and a mapping of the surrounding landmarks with much lower processing times. Altogether, the presented AEKF-SLAM method achieves reliably map revisiting, and consistent map upgrading on loop closure.

Is Ethics of Robotics about Robots? Philosophy of Robotics Beyond Realism and Individualilsm.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Coeckelbergh, Mark

2011-01-01

If we are doing ethics of robotics, what exactly is the object of our inquiry? This paper challenges 'individualist' robot ontology and 'individualist' social philosophy of robots. It is argued that ethics of robotics should not study and evaluate robotics exclusively in terms of individual

Robots como ferramenta pedagógica nos primeiros anos a aprendizagem como participação

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SÓNIA MATILDE PINTO CORREIA MARTINS

2015-01-01

Full Text Available El presente artículo describe y analiza un proyecto realizado con dos grados del 1er ciclo de enseñanza básica en Portugal (2doy 3er grado que trabajaron en conjunto con robots, tomando el aprendizaje como un fenómeno intrín-secamente relacionado a la participación en comunidades de práctica (Lave, 1996; Lave; Wenger, 1991. Se pretende caracterizar a los participantes, a la metodología de trabajo implementada, describirlos artefactos utilizados (robots y escritura de una historia y analizar la relación de los participantes con los robots, así como los patrones de participación que se relevaron con este tipo de trabajo. Se busca enfatizar e las contribuciones derivadas de la participación en ambientes sociales digitales para el aprendizaje de los alumnos, como la participación y la negociación conjunta de significados, la importancia de que los robots y la historia hayan sido “construidos” por los alumnos y la existencia de un repertorio compartido y un emprendi-miento conjunto.

Exploratorium: Robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Brand, Judith, Ed.

2002-01-01

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on the topic robotics. It explains how to make a vibrating robotic bug and features articles on robots. Contents include: (1) "Where Robot Mice and Robot Men Run Round in Robot Towns" (Ray Bradbury); (2) "Robots at Work" (Jake Widman); (3) "Make a Vibrating Robotic Bug" (Modesto Tamez); (4) "The Robot…

Un nuevo método cooperativo para encontrar personas en un entorno urbano con robots móviles

OpenAIRE

Goldhoorn, Alex; Garrell Zulueta, Anais; Alquézar Mancho, René; Sanfeliu Cortés, Alberto

2016-01-01

Se presenta un nuevo método para localizar a personas en entornos urbanos usando robots móviles sociales que trabajan de manera cooperativa, el cual supera las limitaciones de enfoques ya existentes, que se adaptan a entornos específicos, o se basan en comportamientos humanos poco realistas. Con este m ´etodo cooperativo los robots pueden encontrar a personas fuera del campo de rango de sensores u ocultados por obstáculos dinámicos o estáticos. Nuestro enfoque incluye la búsqueda de personas,...

Diseño de un laboratorio remoto de robots y procesos de manufactura industriales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafael Castillo Ortega

2013-12-01

Full Text Available El presente artículo aborda el diseño de un Laboratorio Remoto de Robots y Procesos de Manufactura Industriales. Primero se presenta el estado del arte y después se expone una propuesta que consiste en acceder por software al escritorio remoto de las PC que controlan dichos dispositivos y también acceder por hardware a un dispositivo diseñado para manipular el Teach pendant (consola de programación de los robots industriales para su programación sin modificar tanto el software propietario como el hardware original de cada equipo. Se utilizó un servidor web tipo LAMP programado con software libre para la administración del uso de los equipos; la retroalimentación de los usuarios remotos se realizó mediante monitoreo con cámaras IP.

Robotics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scheide, A.W.

1983-01-01

This article reviews some of the technical areas and history associated with robotics, provides information relative to the formation of a Robotics Industry Committee within the Industry Applications Society (IAS), and describes how all activities relating to robotics will be coordinated within the IEEE. Industrial robots are being used for material handling, processes such as coating and arc welding, and some mechanical and electronics assembly. An industrial robot is defined as a programmable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for a variety of tasks. The initial focus of the Robotics Industry Committee will be on the application of robotics systems to the various industries that are represented within the IAS

ITER council proceedings: 2000

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

No ITER Council Meetings were held during 2000. However, two ITER EDA Meetings were held, one in Tokyo, January 19-20, and one in Moscow, June 29-30. The parties participating in these meetings were those that partake in the extended ITER EDA, namely the EU, the Russian Federation, and Japan. This document contains, a/o, the records of these meetings, the list of attendees, the agenda, the ITER EDA Status Reports issued during these meetings, the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) reports and recommendations, the MAC Reports and Advice (also for the July 1999 Meeting), the ITER-FEAT Outline Design Report, the TAC Reports and Recommendations both meetings), Site requirements and Site Design Assumptions, the Tentative Sequence of technical Activities 2000-2001, Report of the ITER SWG-P2 on Joint Implementation of ITER, EU/ITER Canada Proposal for New ITER Identification

Aproximación neuro-fuzzy para identificación de señales viales mediante tecnología infrarroja

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

G.N. Marichal

2007-04-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este artículo se presenta un sistema basado en tecnología infrarroja para la clasificación de marcas viales empleando un sistema Neuro-Fuzzy como herramienta de clasificación. El sistema se ha testeado a partir de los datos suministrados cuando se ha instalado un prototipo en un robot móvil. Los resultados obtenidos son explicados en este artículo, haciendo hincapié en el diseño de nuevas reglas y la mejoría lograda mediante los métodos propuestos. Palabras clave: Control Inteligente, Robótica, Navegación de robots, Sistemas Neuro-Fuzzy

Perl Modules for Constructing Iterators

Science.gov (United States)

Tilmes, Curt

2009-01-01

The Iterator Perl Module provides a general-purpose framework for constructing iterator objects within Perl, and a standard API for interacting with those objects. Iterators are an object-oriented design pattern where a description of a series of values is used in a constructor. Subsequent queries can request values in that series. These Perl modules build on the standard Iterator framework and provide iterators for some other types of values. Iterator::DateTime constructs iterators from DateTime objects or Date::Parse descriptions and ICal/RFC 2445 style re-currence descriptions. It supports a variety of input parameters, including a start to the sequence, an end to the sequence, an Ical/RFC 2445 recurrence describing the frequency of the values in the series, and a format description that can refine the presentation manner of the DateTime. Iterator::String constructs iterators from string representations. This module is useful in contexts where the API consists of supplying a string and getting back an iterator where the specific iteration desired is opaque to the caller. It is of particular value to the Iterator::Hash module which provides nested iterations. Iterator::Hash constructs iterators from Perl hashes that can include multiple iterators. The constructed iterators will return all the permutations of the iterations of the hash by nested iteration of embedded iterators. A hash simply includes a set of keys mapped to values. It is a very common data structure used throughout Perl programming. The Iterator:: Hash module allows a hash to include strings defining iterators (parsed and dispatched with Iterator::String) that are used to construct an overall series of hash values.

Applicability of a track-based multiprocess portable robot to some maintenance tasks in CANDU nuclear plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hazel, B.; Fihey, J.-L.; Laroche, Y.

2000-01-01

Hydro-Quebec has developed a six-axis, track-based, multiprocess robot. This lightweight (30 kg) compact robot travels on a bent track with a radius of curvature ranging from 1 m to infinity (straight track). Standard and tandem wires GMAW, FCAW and Narrow gap TIG welding as well as plasma gouging and cutting, electrical and pneumatic rough and precision grinding, and profile measurement functionalities have been incorporated. A description of this technology an its newly developed functionalities is given in this paper. Since 1995, a number of industrial and R and D projects have been performed using this technology now called the Scompi technology. The main field of application is the in situ repair of hydraulic turbine runners. However some applications have been developed in the nuclear field. One particular development was funded by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. Scompi was selected by the ITER US Home Team for a demonstration of remote techniques for welding, cutting and rewelding the 30 m diameter, 17 m high, vacuum vessel. The demonstration involved all position robotic plasma cutting and NG-TIG welding of a 316L, 40 mm thick, double wall. In 1998, two Scompi robots working in tandem performed in York, Pa, the joint welding and cutting of a full scale portion of the vacuum vessel. In 1995, the applicability of the Scompi technology to the repair of the divider plates in the four steam generators at Gentilly-2 was evaluated based on a joint proposal by Ontario Hydro Technologies (now Ontario Power Technologies-OPT) and Hydro-Quebec. A MIG welding procedure was proposed for the horizontal and vertical divider plates welds. A complete simulation of the robot and primary head demonstrated the feasibility of the concept. However, based on cost and scheduling, it was decided to proceed with a manual repair. Nevertheless it is anticipated that this technology will find its niche in the maintenance of Candu reactors. (author)

Applicability of a track-based multiprocess portable robot to some maintenance tasks in CANDU nuclear plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hazel, B.; Fihey, J.-L.; Laroche, Y. [Hydro-Quebec, Varennes, Quebec (Canada)

2000-07-01

Hydro-Quebec has developed a six-axis, track-based, multiprocess robot. This lightweight (30 kg) compact robot travels on a bent track with a radius of curvature ranging from 1 m to infinity (straight track). Standard and tandem wires GMAW, FCAW and Narrow gap TIG welding as well as plasma gouging and cutting, electrical and pneumatic rough and precision grinding, and profile measurement functionalities have been incorporated. A description of this technology an its newly developed functionalities is given in this paper. Since 1995, a number of industrial and R and D projects have been performed using this technology now called the Scompi technology. The main field of application is the in situ repair of hydraulic turbine runners. However some applications have been developed in the nuclear field. One particular development was funded by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. Scompi was selected by the ITER US Home Team for a demonstration of remote techniques for welding, cutting and rewelding the 30 m diameter, 17 m high, vacuum vessel. The demonstration involved all position robotic plasma cutting and NG-TIG welding of a 316L, 40 mm thick, double wall. In 1998, two Scompi robots working in tandem performed in York, Pa, the joint welding and cutting of a full scale portion of the vacuum vessel. In 1995, the applicability of the Scompi technology to the repair of the divider plates in the four steam generators at Gentilly-2 was evaluated based on a joint proposal by Ontario Hydro Technologies (now Ontario Power Technologies-OPT) and Hydro-Quebec. A MIG welding procedure was proposed for the horizontal and vertical divider plates welds. A complete simulation of the robot and primary head demonstrated the feasibility of the concept. However, based on cost and scheduling, it was decided to proceed with a manual repair. Nevertheless it is anticipated that this technology will find its niche in the maintenance of Candu reactors. (author)

ITER overview

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.; Aymar, R.; Chuyanov, V.; Huguet, M.; Parker, R.R.

2001-01-01

This report summarizes technical works of six years done by the ITER Joint Central Team and Home Teams under terms of Agreement of the ITER Engineering Design Activities. The major products are as follows: complete and detailed engineering design with supporting assessments, industrial-based cost estimates and schedule, non-site specific comprehensive safety and environmental assessment, and technology R and D to validate and qualify design including proof of technologies and industrial manufacture and testing of full size or scalable models of key components. The ITER design is at an advanced stage of maturity and contains sufficient technical information for a construction decision. The operation of ITER will demonstrate the availability of a new energy source, fusion. (author)

ITER Overview

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.; Aymar, R.; Chuyanov, V.; Huguet, M.; Parker, R.

1999-01-01

This report summarizes technical works of six years done by the ITER Joint Central Team and Home Teams under terms of Agreement of the ITER Engineering Design Activities. The major products are as follows: complete and detailed engineering design with supporting assessments, industrial-based cost estimates and schedule, non-site specific comprehensive safety and environmental assessment, and technology R and D to validate and qualify design including proof of technologies and industrial manufacture and testing of full size or scalable models of key components. The ITER design is at an advanced stage of maturity and contains sufficient technical information for a construction decision. The operation of ITER will demonstrate the availability of a new energy source, fusion. (author)

ITER Council proceedings: 1993

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

Records of the third ITER Council Meeting (IC-3), held on 21-22 April 1993, in Tokyo, Japan, and the fourth ITER Council Meeting (IC-4) held on 29 September - 1 October 1993 in San Diego, USA, are presented, giving essential information on the evolution of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA), such as the text of the draft of Protocol 2 further elaborated in ''ITER EDA Agreement and Protocol 2'' (ITER EDA Documentation Series No. 5), recommendations on future work programmes: a description of technology R and D tasks; the establishment of a trust fund for the ITER EDA activities; arrangements for Visiting Home Team Personnel; the general framework for the involvement of other countries in the ITER EDA; conditions for the involvement of Canada in the Euratom Contribution to the ITER EDA; and other attachments as parts of the Records of Decision of the aforementioned ITER Council Meetings

ITER council proceedings: 1993

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1994-12-31

Records of the third ITER Council Meeting (IC-3), held on 21-22 April 1993, in Tokyo, Japan, and the fourth ITER Council Meeting (IC-4) held on 29 September - 1 October 1993 in San Diego, USA, are presented, giving essential information on the evolution of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA), such as the text of the draft of Protocol 2 further elaborated in ``ITER EDA Agreement and Protocol 2`` (ITER EDA Documentation Series No. 5), recommendations on future work programmes: a description of technology R and D tastes; the establishment of a trust fund for the ITER EDA activities; arrangements for Visiting Home Team Personnel; the general framework for the involvement of other countries in the ITER EDA; conditions for the involvement of Canada in the Euratom Contribution to the ITER EDA; and other attachments as parts of the Records of Decision of the aforementioned ITER Council Meetings.

Control de Robots Móviles con Incertidumbres Dinámicas usando Redes de Base Radial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisco G. Rossomando

2010-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta un control de seguimiento de trayectorias de robots móviles. La estructura de control propuesta combina una linealización por realimentación basada en el modelo cinemático nominal, y una red neuronal directa para el control dinámico adaptable. La dinámica del robot es aprendida por una red neuronal basada en funciones de base radial (RN-FBR en un lazo de realimentación adaptable, ajustando el peso y las funciones de base radial. Se muestra un análisis de estabilidad del sistema de neuro-control adaptable. Se comprueba que los errores de control están limitados en función del error de aproximación de la RN-FBR. El funcionamiento del controlador también se verifica experimentalmente. Palabras clave: robot móvil, control no lineal, redes neuronales, control adaptable, funciones de base radial

Iterative learning control with applications in energy generation, lasers and health care.

Science.gov (United States)

Rogers, E; Tutty, O R

2016-09-01

Many physical systems make repeated executions of the same finite time duration task. One example is a robot in a factory or warehouse whose task is to collect an object in sequence from a location, transfer it over a finite duration, place it at a specified location or on a moving conveyor and then return for the next one and so on. Iterative learning control was especially developed for systems with this mode of operation and this paper gives an overview of this control design method using relatively recent relevant applications in wind turbines, free-electron lasers and health care, as exemplars to demonstrate its applicability.

ITER-FEAT safety

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gordon, C.W.; Bartels, H.-W.; Honda, T.; Raeder, J.; Topilski, L.; Iseli, M.; Moshonas, K.; Taylor, N.; Gulden, W.; Kolbasov, B.; Inabe, T.; Tada, E.

2001-01-01

Safety has been an integral part of the design process for ITER since the Conceptual Design Activities of the project. The safety approach adopted in the ITER-FEAT design and the complementary assessments underway, to be documented in the Generic Site Safety Report (GSSR), are expected to help demonstrate the attractiveness of fusion and thereby set a good precedent for future fusion power reactors. The assessments address ITER's radiological hazards taking into account fusion's favourable safety characteristics. The expectation that ITER will need regulatory approval has influenced the entire safety design and assessment approach. This paper summarises the ITER-FEAT safety approach and assessments underway. (author)

Towards Versatile Robots Through Open Heterogeneous Modular Robots

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lyder, Andreas

arises, a new robot can be assembled rapidly from the existing modules, in contrast to conventional robots, which require a time consuming and expensive development process. In this thesis we define a modular robot to be a robot consisting of dynamically reconfigurable modules. The goal of this thesis......Robots are important tools in our everyday life. Both in industry and at the consumer level they serve the purpose of increasing our scope and extending our capabilities. Modular robots take the next step, allowing us to easily create and build various robots from a set of modules. If a problem...... is to increase the versatility and practical usability of modular robots by introducing new conceptual designs. Until now modular robots have been based on a pre-specified set of modules, and thus, their functionality is limited. We propose an open heterogeneous design concept, which allows a modular robot...

Socially intelligent robots: dimensions of human-robot interaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Dautenhahn, Kerstin

2007-04-29

Social intelligence in robots has a quite recent history in artificial intelligence and robotics. However, it has become increasingly apparent that social and interactive skills are necessary requirements in many application areas and contexts where robots need to interact and collaborate with other robots or humans. Research on human-robot interaction (HRI) poses many challenges regarding the nature of interactivity and 'social behaviour' in robot and humans. The first part of this paper addresses dimensions of HRI, discussing requirements on social skills for robots and introducing the conceptual space of HRI studies. In order to illustrate these concepts, two examples of HRI research are presented. First, research is surveyed which investigates the development of a cognitive robot companion. The aim of this work is to develop social rules for robot behaviour (a 'robotiquette') that is comfortable and acceptable to humans. Second, robots are discussed as possible educational or therapeutic toys for children with autism. The concept of interactive emergence in human-child interactions is highlighted. Different types of play among children are discussed in the light of their potential investigation in human-robot experiments. The paper concludes by examining different paradigms regarding 'social relationships' of robots and people interacting with them.

Modeling of dialogue regimes of distance robot control

Science.gov (United States)

Larkin, E. V.; Privalov, A. N.

2017-02-01

Process of distance control of mobile robots is investigated. Petri-Markov net for modeling of dialogue regime is worked out. It is shown, that sequence of operations of next subjects: a human operator, a dialogue computer and an onboard computer may be simulated with use the theory of semi-Markov processes. From the semi-Markov process of the general form Markov process was obtained, which includes only states of transaction generation. It is shown, that a real transaction flow is the result of «concurrency» in states of Markov process. Iteration procedure for evaluation of transaction flow parameters, which takes into account effect of «concurrency», is proposed.

Desarrollo de Experimentos de un Robot Navegador con Redes Neuronales en un Ambiente Estructurado: Programación de Conductas con Algoritmo de Retropropagación

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alejandro Hossian

2015-02-01

Full Text Available El presente artículo busca comunicar los avances realizados en el análisis y desarrollo de experimentos realizados en computadora para robots navegadores mediante la aplicación de Tecnologías Inteligentes. Para su realización se dispone de software y hardware apropiados a partir de los cuales se diseña un ambiente de navegación con obstáculos definidos en el marco de un entorno industrial. En este contexto, se diseña un ambiente computarizado con el cual el robot interactúa, en el cual se desplaza hasta llegar a un objetivo predeterminado, tratando de no colisionar. Bajo estas premisas y requisitos de usuario, se analiza el desempeño del robot a los efectos de procurar optimizar su performance dentro de este escenario. Para evaluar las potencialidades y limitaciones que presentan las conductas del robot, y en función de la complejidad del ambiente de navegación y de las tareas que éste debe llevar a cabo, se hace uso de las tecnologías de las Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNA. A tal efecto, una arquitectura de RNA de tipo Backpropagation es la que se utiliza en el presente trabajo.

Extending Virtual Reality simulation of ITER maintenance operations with dynamic effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heemskerk, C.J.M.; Baar, M.R. de; Boessenkool, H.; Graafland, B.; Haye, M.J.; Koning, J.F.; Vahedi, M.; Visser, M.

2011-01-01

Virtual Reality (VR) simulation can be used to study, improve and verify ITER maintenance operations during preparation. VR can also improve the situational awareness of human operators during actual Remote Handling (RH) operations. Until now, VR systems use geometric models of the environment and the objects being handled and kinematic models of the manipulation systems. The addition of dynamic effects into the VR simulation was investigated. Important dynamic effects are forces due to contact transitions and the bending of beams under heavy loads. A novel dynamics simulation module was developed and introduced as an add-on to the VR4Robots VR software. Tests were performed under simplified test conditions and in the context of realistic ITER maintenance tasks on a benchmark product and on the ECRH Upper Port Launcher Plug (UPL). The introduction of dynamic effects into VR simulations was found to add realism and provide new insights in procedure development. The quality of the haptic feedback depends strongly on the haptic device used to 'display' haptic feedback to the operator. Dynamic effect simulation can also form the basis for real-time guidance support to operators during the execution of maintenance tasks (augmented reality).

Robot engineering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jung, Seul

2006-02-15

This book deals with robot engineering, giving descriptions of robot's history, current tendency of robot field, work and characteristic of industrial robot, essential merit and vector, application of matrix, analysis of basic vector, expression of Denavit-Hartenberg, robot kinematics such as forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, cases of MATLAB program, and motion kinematics, robot kinetics like moment of inertia, centrifugal force and coriolis power, and Euler-Lagrangian equation course plan, SIMULINK position control of robots.

Robot engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jung, Seul

2006-02-01

This book deals with robot engineering, giving descriptions of robot's history, current tendency of robot field, work and characteristic of industrial robot, essential merit and vector, application of matrix, analysis of basic vector, expression of Denavit-Hartenberg, robot kinematics such as forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, cases of MATLAB program, and motion kinematics, robot kinetics like moment of inertia, centrifugal force and coriolis power, and Euler-Lagrangian equation course plan, SIMULINK position control of robots.

ITER council proceedings: 1998

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

This volume contains documents of the 13th and the 14th ITER council meeting as well as of the 1st extraordinary ITER council meeting. Documents of the ITER meetings held in Vienna and Yokohama during 1998 are also included. The contents include an outline of the ITER objectives, the ITER parameters and design overview as well as operating scenarios and plasma performance. Furthermore, design features, safety and environmental characteristics are given

Calibration of Robot Reference Frames for Enhanced Robot Positioning Accuracy

OpenAIRE

Cheng, Frank Shaopeng

2008-01-01

This chapter discussed the importance and methods of conducting robot workcell calibration for enhancing the accuracy of the robot TCP positions in industrial robot applications. It shows that the robot frame transformations define the robot geometric parameters such as joint position variables, link dimensions, and joint offsets in an industrial robot system. The D-H representation allows the robot designer to model the robot motion geometry with the four standard D-H parameters. The robot k...

Iter

Science.gov (United States)

Iotti, Robert

2015-04-01

ITER is an international experimental facility being built by seven Parties to demonstrate the long term potential of fusion energy. The ITER Joint Implementation Agreement (JIA) defines the structure and governance model of such cooperation. There are a number of necessary conditions for such international projects to be successful: a complete design, strong systems engineering working with an agreed set of requirements, an experienced organization with systems and plans in place to manage the project, a cost estimate backed by industry, and someone in charge. Unfortunately for ITER many of these conditions were not present. The paper discusses the priorities in the JIA which led to setting up the project with a Central Integrating Organization (IO) in Cadarache, France as the ITER HQ, and seven Domestic Agencies (DAs) located in the countries of the Parties, responsible for delivering 90%+ of the project hardware as Contributions-in-Kind and also financial contributions to the IO, as ``Contributions-in-Cash.'' Theoretically the Director General (DG) is responsible for everything. In practice the DG does not have the power to control the work of the DAs, and there is not an effective management structure enabling the IO and the DAs to arbitrate disputes, so the project is not really managed, but is a loose collaboration of competing interests. Any DA can effectively block a decision reached by the DG. Inefficiencies in completing design while setting up a competent organization from scratch contributed to the delays and cost increases during the initial few years. So did the fact that the original estimate was not developed from industry input. Unforeseen inflation and market demand on certain commodities/materials further exacerbated the cost increases. Since then, improvements are debatable. Does this mean that the governance model of ITER is a wrong model for international scientific cooperation? I do not believe so. Had the necessary conditions for success

Simulation-based design process for the verification of ITER remote handling systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sibois, Romain; Määttä, Timo; Siuko, Mikko; Mattila, Jouni

2014-01-01

Highlights: •Verification and validation process for ITER remote handling system. •Simulation-based design process for early verification of ITER RH systems. •Design process centralized around simulation lifecycle management system. •Verification and validation roadmap for digital modelling phase. -- Abstract: The work behind this paper takes place in the EFDA's European Goal Oriented Training programme on Remote Handling (RH) “GOT-RH”. The programme aims to train engineers for activities supporting the ITER project and the long-term fusion programme. One of the projects of this programme focuses on the verification and validation (V and V) of ITER RH system requirements using digital mock-ups (DMU). The purpose of this project is to study and develop efficient approach of using DMUs in the V and V process of ITER RH system design utilizing a System Engineering (SE) framework. Complex engineering systems such as ITER facilities lead to substantial rise of cost while manufacturing the full-scale prototype. In the V and V process for ITER RH equipment, physical tests are a requirement to ensure the compliance of the system according to the required operation. Therefore it is essential to virtually verify the developed system before starting the prototype manufacturing phase. This paper gives an overview of the current trends in using digital mock-up within product design processes. It suggests a simulation-based process design centralized around a simulation lifecycle management system. The purpose of this paper is to describe possible improvements in the formalization of the ITER RH design process and V and V processes, in order to increase their cost efficiency and reliability

ITER Equatorial Port plug engineering: Design and remote handling activities supported by Virtual Reality tools

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keller, Delphine; Dechelle, Christian; Doceul, Louis; Madeleine, Sylvain; Martins, Jean Pierre; Measson, Yvan; Patterlini, Jean Claude; Wagrez, Julien

2011-01-01

In the context of ITER, CEA/IRFM has participated to the design and integration of several components in the Equatorial Port plug region. Particularly, in the framework of the grant F4E-2008-GRT-09-PNS-TBM, CEA/IRFM has contributed to the test blanket module system (TBS) design and robot access feasibility study in the Port Cell. Simulations of the maintenance procedure were studied and fully integrated to the design process, enabling to provide space reservation for human and robotic access. For this mean, CEA/IRFM has used a CEA LIST Virtual Reality simulation software directly integrated to the Solidworks CAD software. The feasibility to connect/dis-connect the pipes in front of the Bioshield by a set of potential standard industrial arms was demonstrated. Aiming to give more realism to maintenance scenario and CAD models, CEA IRFM has decided to build a Virtual Reality platform in the institute, integrated to the design office. With the expertise of CEA LIST, this platform aims to provide the nearest possible links between design and remote handling needs. This paper presents the outcome of the robot access study and discusses about the Virtual Reality tools that are being developed for these applications.

ITER Equatorial Port plug engineering: Design and remote handling activities supported by Virtual Reality tools

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keller, Delphine, E-mail: delphine.keller@cea.fr [CEA, IRFM, F-13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance (France); Dechelle, Christian; Doceul, Louis; Madeleine, Sylvain; Martins, Jean Pierre [CEA, IRFM, F-13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance (France); Measson, Yvan [CEA, LIST, Interactive Robotics Unit, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, F-92265 Fontenay Aux Roses (France); Patterlini, Jean Claude; Wagrez, Julien [CEA, IRFM, F-13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance (France)

2011-10-15

In the context of ITER, CEA/IRFM has participated to the design and integration of several components in the Equatorial Port plug region. Particularly, in the framework of the grant F4E-2008-GRT-09-PNS-TBM, CEA/IRFM has contributed to the test blanket module system (TBS) design and robot access feasibility study in the Port Cell. Simulations of the maintenance procedure were studied and fully integrated to the design process, enabling to provide space reservation for human and robotic access. For this mean, CEA/IRFM has used a CEA LIST Virtual Reality simulation software directly integrated to the Solidworks CAD software. The feasibility to connect/dis-connect the pipes in front of the Bioshield by a set of potential standard industrial arms was demonstrated. Aiming to give more realism to maintenance scenario and CAD models, CEA IRFM has decided to build a Virtual Reality platform in the institute, integrated to the design office. With the expertise of CEA LIST, this platform aims to provide the nearest possible links between design and remote handling needs. This paper presents the outcome of the robot access study and discusses about the Virtual Reality tools that are being developed for these applications.

Comparative study for chaotic behaviour in fire fighting robot

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Magda Judith Morales Tavera

2011-01-01

Full Text Available El trabajo de supervisión de incendios es un caso de estudio, donde el control caótico podría minimizar las lesiones en humanos, materiales y ambientales. En este artículo se propone un control caótico para un robot móvil, con el fin de hacer una nueva inspección en espacios regulares, desplazándolo a través de trayectorias no determinadas. Una naturaleza caótica en el robot, es adicionada, integrando la cinemática con las ecuaciones no lineales de Arnold y Lorenz, en el mismo sistema.

Development of a teaching tool for women with a gynecologic malignancy undergoing minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Castiglia, Luisa Luciani; Drummond, Nancy; Purden, Margaret A

2011-08-01

Women undergoing minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery for a gynecologic malignancy have many questions and concerns related to the cancer diagnosis and surgery. The provision of information enhances coping with such illness-related challenges. A lack of print materials for these patients prompted the creation of a written teaching tool to improve informational support. A booklet was developed using guidelines for the design of effective patient education materials, including an iterative process of collaboration with healthcare providers and women who had undergone robotic-assisted surgery, as well as attention to readability. The 52-page booklet covers the trajectory of the woman's experience and includes the physical, psychosocial, and sexual aspects of recovery.

Generic robot architecture

Science.gov (United States)

Bruemmer, David J [Idaho Falls, ID; Few, Douglas A [Idaho Falls, ID

2010-09-21

The present invention provides methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for a generic robot architecture providing a framework that is easily portable to a variety of robot platforms and is configured to provide hardware abstractions, abstractions for generic robot attributes, environment abstractions, and robot behaviors. The generic robot architecture includes a hardware abstraction level and a robot abstraction level. The hardware abstraction level is configured for developing hardware abstractions that define, monitor, and control hardware modules available on a robot platform. The robot abstraction level is configured for defining robot attributes and provides a software framework for building robot behaviors from the robot attributes. Each of the robot attributes includes hardware information from at least one hardware abstraction. In addition, each robot attribute is configured to substantially isolate the robot behaviors from the at least one hardware abstraction.

Molecular Robots Obeying Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaminka, Gal A; Spokoini-Stern, Rachel; Amir, Yaniv; Agmon, Noa; Bachelet, Ido

2017-01-01

Asimov's three laws of robotics, which were shaped in the literary work of Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) and others, define a crucial code of behavior that fictional autonomous robots must obey as a condition for their integration into human society. While, general implementation of these laws in robots is widely considered impractical, limited-scope versions have been demonstrated and have proven useful in spurring scientific debate on aspects of safety and autonomy in robots and intelligent systems. In this work, we use Asimov's laws to examine these notions in molecular robots fabricated from DNA origami. We successfully programmed these robots to obey, by means of interactions between individual robots in a large population, an appropriately scoped variant of Asimov's laws, and even emulate the key scenario from Asimov's story "Runaround," in which a fictional robot gets into trouble despite adhering to the laws. Our findings show that abstract, complex notions can be encoded and implemented at the molecular scale, when we understand robots on this scale on the basis of their interactions.

Structural analysis of the ITER Vacuum Vessel regarding 2012 ITER Project-Level Loads

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martinez, J.-M., E-mail: jean-marc.martinez@live.fr [ITER Organization, Route de Vinon sur Verdon, 13115 St Paul lez Durance (France); Jun, C.H.; Portafaix, C.; Choi, C.-H.; Ioki, K.; Sannazzaro, G.; Sborchia, C. [ITER Organization, Route de Vinon sur Verdon, 13115 St Paul lez Durance (France); Cambazar, M.; Corti, Ph.; Pinori, K.; Sfarni, S.; Tailhardat, O. [Assystem EOS, 117 rue Jacquard, L' Atrium, 84120 Pertuis (France); Borrelly, S. [Sogeti High Tech, RE2, 180 rue René Descartes, Le Millenium – Bat C, 13857 Aix en Provence (France); Albin, V.; Pelletier, N. [SOM Calcul – Groupe ORTEC, 121 ancien Chemin de Cassis – Immeuble Grand Pré, 13009 Marseille (France)

2014-10-15

Highlights: • ITER Vacuum Vessel is a part of the first barrier to confine the plasma. • ITER Vacuum Vessel as Nuclear Pressure Equipment (NPE) necessitates a third party organization authorized by the French nuclear regulator to assure design, fabrication, conformance testing and quality assurance, i.e. Agreed Notified Body (ANB). • A revision of the ITER Project-Level Load Specification was implemented in April 2012. • ITER Vacuum Vessel Loads (seismic, pressure, thermal and electromagnetic loads) were summarized. • ITER Vacuum Vessel Structural Margins with regards to RCC-MR code were summarized. - Abstract: A revision of the ITER Project-Level Load Specification (to be used for all systems of the ITER machine) was implemented in April 2012. This revision supports ITER's licensing by accommodating requests from the French regulator to maintain consistency with the plasma physics database and our present understanding of plasma transients and electro-magnetic (EM) loads, to investigate the possibility of removing unnecessary conservatism in the load requirements and to review the list and definition of incidental cases. The purpose of this paper is to present the impact of this 2012 revision of the ITER Project-Level Load Specification (LS) on the ITER Vacuum Vessel (VV) loads and the main structural margins required by the applicable French code, RCC-MR.

ITER test programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdou, M.; Baker, C.; Casini, G.

1991-01-01

ITER has been designed to operate in two phases. The first phase which lasts for 6 years, is devoted to machine checkout and physics testing. The second phase lasts for 8 years and is devoted primarily to technology testing. This report describes the technology test program development for ITER, the ancillary equipment outside the torus necessary to support the test modules, the international collaboration aspects of conducting the test program on ITER, the requirements on the machine major parameters and the R and D program required to develop the test modules for testing in ITER. 15 refs, figs and tabs

Colias: An Autonomous Micro Robot for Swarm Robotic Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Farshad Arvin

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Robotic swarms that take inspiration from nature are becoming a fascinating topic for multi-robot researchers. The aim is to control a large number of simple robots in order to solve common complex tasks. Due to the hardware complexities and cost of robot platforms, current research in swarm robotics is mostly performed by simulation software. The simulation of large numbers of these robots in robotic swarm applications is extremely complex and often inaccurate due to the poor modelling of external conditions. In this paper, we present the design of a low-cost, open-platform, autonomous micro-robot (Colias for robotic swarm applications. Colias employs a circular platform with a diameter of 4 cm. It has a maximum speed of 35 cm/s which enables it to be used in swarm scenarios very quickly over large arenas. Long-range infrared modules with an adjustable output power allow the robot to communicate with its direct neighbours at a range of 0.5 cm to 2 m. Colias has been designed as a complete platform with supporting software development tools for robotics education and research. It has been tested in both individual and swarm scenarios, and the observed results demonstrate its feasibility for use as a micro-sized mobile robot and as a low-cost platform for robot swarm applications.

Estabilidad para un control borroso en modo deslizante aplicado a un robot paralelo neumático

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pablo J. Prieto

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Se presenta un controlador borroso tipo Mamdani basado en técnicas en modo deslizante para el posicionamiento de un robot paralelo neumático de dos grados de libertad (2 GDL. Es probado que el sistema es asintóticamente estable en el sentido de Lyapunov y se presentan resultados numéricos y experimentales. Ma's aún, el controlador diseñado puede ser aplicado en control de trayectoria al ser retroalimentadas la velocidad y la aceleración del sistema. Se presentan adema's resultados satisfactorios obtenidos en forma experimental para el caso de seguimiento de trayectoria. Abstract: In this paper is reported a Mamdani type fuzzy controller based on sliding mode techniques applied to the regulation of a 2 DOF pneumatic parallel robot. Is is proved that the system is stable in Lyapunov sense, and numerical and experimental results are reported. Moreover, the designed controller can be applied to tracking control if speed and acceleration from the system are feedbacked. Also are reported satisfactory experimental results for the tracking case. Palabras clave: Control borroso, Control de robot, Estabilidad de Lyapunov, Modos deslizantes., Keywords: Fuzzy control, Robot control, Lyapunov stability, Sliding mode.

ITER-FEAT outline design report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

In July 1998 the ITER Parties were unable, for financial reasons, to proceed with construction of the ITER design proposed at that time, to meet the detailed technical objectives and target cost set in 1992. It was therefore decided to investigate options for the design of ITER with reduced technical objectives and with possibly decreased technical margins, whose target construction cost was one half that of the 1998 ITER design, while maintaining the overall programmatic objective. To identify designs that might meet the revised objectives, task forces involving the JCT and Home Teams met during 1998 and 1999 to analyse and compare a range of options for the design of such a device. This led at the end of 1999 to a single configuration for the ITER design with parameters considered to be the most credible consistent with technical limitations and the financial target, yet meeting fully the objectives with appropriate margins. This new design of ITER, called ''ITER-FEAT'', was submitted to the ITER Director to the ITER Parties as the ''ITER-FEAT Outline Design Report'' (ODR) in January 2000, at their meeting in Tokyo. The Parties subsequently conducted their domestic assessments of this report and fed the resulting comments back into the progressing design. The progress on the developing design was reported to the ITER Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in June 2000 in the report ''Progress in Resolving Open Design Issues from the ODR'' alongside a report on Progress in Technology R and D for ITER. In addition, the progress in the ITER-FEAT Design and Validating R and D was reported to the ITER Parties. The ITER-FEAT design was subsequently approved by the governing body of ITER in Moscow in June 2000 as the basis for the preparation of the Final Design Report, recognising it as a single mature design for ITER consistent with its revised objectives. This volume contains the documents pertinent to the process described above. More detailed technical information

ITER council proceedings: 1995

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1996-01-01

Records of the 8. ITER Council Meeting (IC-8), held on 26-27 July 1995, in San Diego, USA, and the 9. ITER Council Meeting (IC-9) held on 12-13 December 1995, in Garching, Germany, are presented, giving essential information on the evolution of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA) and the ITER Interim Design Report Package and Relevant Documents. Figs, tabs

Micro intelligence robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jeon, Yon Ho

1991-07-01

This book gives descriptions of micro robot about conception of robots and micro robot, match rules of conference of micro robots, search methods of mazes, and future and prospect of robots. It also explains making and design of 8 beat robot like making technique, software, sensor board circuit, and stepping motor catalog, speedy 3, Mr. Black and Mr. White, making and design of 16 beat robot, such as micro robot artist, Jerry 2 and magic art of shortening distances algorithm of robot simulation.

Ishikawa iteration process for nonlinear Lipschitz strongly accretive mappings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chidume, C.E.; Osilike, M.O.

1994-05-01

Let E=L p , p≥2 and let T:E→ E be a Lipschitzian and strongly accretive mapping. Let S:E → E be defined by Sx=f-Tx+x. It is proved that under suitable conditions on the real sequences {α n } ∞ n=0 and {β n } ∞ n=0 , the iteration process, x 0 is an element of E, x n+1 =(1-α n ) x n +α n S[(1-β n ) x n +β n Sx n ], n≥0, converges strongly to the unique solution of Tx=f. A related result deals with the iterative approximation of fixed points for Lipschitz strongly pseudocontractive mappings in E. A consequence of our results gives an affirmative answer to a problem posed by one of the authors in 1990. (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 151, 2 (1990) p. 460). (author). 36 refs

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-11-01

This ITER CTA newsletter comprises reports of Dr. P. Barnard, Iter Canada Chairman and CEO, about the progress of the first formal ITER negotiations and about the demonstration of details of Canada's bid on ITER workshops, and Dr. V. Vlasenkov, Project Board Secretary, about the meeting of the ITER CTA project board

Modelling of industrial robot in LabView Robotics

Science.gov (United States)

Banas, W.; Cwikła, G.; Foit, K.; Gwiazda, A.; Monica, Z.; Sekala, A.

2017-08-01

Currently can find many models of industrial systems including robots. These models differ from each other not only by the accuracy representation parameters, but the representation range. For example, CAD models describe the geometry of the robot and some even designate a mass parameters as mass, center of gravity, moment of inertia, etc. These models are used in the design of robotic lines and sockets. Also systems for off-line programming use these models and many of them can be exported to CAD. It is important to note that models for off-line programming describe not only the geometry but contain the information necessary to create a program for the robot. Exports from CAD to off-line programming system requires additional information. These models are used for static determination of reachability points, and testing collision. It’s enough to generate a program for the robot, and even check the interaction of elements of the production line, or robotic cell. Mathematical models allow robots to study the properties of kinematic and dynamic of robot movement. In these models the geometry is not so important, so are used only selected parameters such as the length of the robot arm, the center of gravity, moment of inertia. These parameters are introduced into the equations of motion of the robot and motion parameters are determined.

ITER council proceedings: 1997

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

This volume of the ITER EDA Documentation Series presents records of the 12th ITER Council Meeting, IC-12, which took place on 23-24 July, 1997 in Tampere, Finland. The Council received from the Parties (EU, Japan, Russia, US) positive responses on the Detailed Design Report. The Parties stated their willingness to contribute to fulfil their obligations in contributing to the ITER EDA. The summary discussions among the Parties led to the consensus that in July 1998 the ITER activities should proceed for additional three years with a general intent to enable an efficient start of possible, future ITER construction

Towards Sociable Robots

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ngo, Trung Dung

This thesis studies aspects of self-sufficient energy (energy autonomy) for truly autonomous robots and towards sociable robots. Over sixty years of history of robotics through three developmental ages containing single robot, multi-robot systems, and social (sociable) robots, the main objective...... of roboticists mostly focuses on how to make a robotic system function autonomously and further, socially. However, such approaches mostly emphasize behavioural autonomy, rather than energy autonomy which is the key factor for not only any living machine, but for life on the earth. Consequently, self......-sufficient energy is one of the challenges for not only single robot or multi-robot systems, but also social and sociable robots. This thesis is to deal with energy autonomy for multi-robot systems through energy sharing (trophallaxis) in which each robot is equipped with two capabilities: self-refueling energy...

Biomass feeds vegetarian robot; Biomassa voedt vegetarische robot

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van den Brandt, M. [Office for Science and Technology, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Washington (United States)

2009-09-15

This brief article addresses the EATR robot (Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot) that was developed by Cyclone Power and uses biomass as primary source of energy for propulsion. [Dutch] Een kort artikel over de door Cyclone Power ontwikkelde EATR-robot (Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot) die voor de voortdrijving biomassa gebruikt als primaire energiebron.

Robot Futures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Christoffersen, Anja; Grindsted Nielsen, Sally; Jochum, Elizabeth Ann

Robots are increasingly used in health care settings, e.g., as homecare assistants and personal companions. One challenge for personal robots in the home is acceptance. We describe an innovative approach to influencing the acceptance of care robots using theatrical performance. Live performance...... is a useful testbed for developing and evaluating what makes robots expressive; it is also a useful platform for designing robot behaviors and dialogue that result in believable characters. Therefore theatre is a valuable testbed for studying human-robot interaction (HRI). We investigate how audiences...... perceive social robots interacting with humans in a future care scenario through a scripted performance. We discuss our methods and initial findings, and outline future work....

Soft Robotics Week

CERN Document Server

Rossiter, Jonathan; Iida, Fumiya; Cianchetti, Matteo; Margheri, Laura

2017-01-01

This book offers a comprehensive, timely snapshot of current research, technologies and applications of soft robotics. The different chapters, written by international experts across multiple fields of soft robotics, cover innovative systems and technologies for soft robot legged locomotion, soft robot manipulation, underwater soft robotics, biomimetic soft robotic platforms, plant-inspired soft robots, flying soft robots, soft robotics in surgery, as well as methods for their modeling and control. Based on the results of the second edition of the Soft Robotics Week, held on April 25 – 30, 2016, in Livorno, Italy, the book reports on the major research lines and novel technologies presented and discussed during the event.

Towards Versatile Robots Through Open Heterogeneous Modular Robots

OpenAIRE

Lyder, Andreas

2010-01-01

Robots are important tools in our everyday life. Both in industry and at the consumer level they serve the purpose of increasing our scope and extending our capabilities. Modular robots take the next step, allowing us to easily create and build various robots from a set of modules. If a problem arises, a new robot can be assembled rapidly from the existing modules, in contrast to conventional robots, which require a time consuming and expensive development process. In this thesis we define a ...

Robotic architectures

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Mtshali, M

2010-01-01

Full Text Available In the development of mobile robotic systems, a robotic architecture plays a crucial role in interconnecting all the sub-systems and controlling the system. The design of robotic architectures for mobile autonomous robots is a challenging...

Iterative and iterative-noniterative integral solutions in 3-loop massive QCD calculations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ablinger, J.; Radu, C.S.; Schneider, C.; Behring, A.; Imamoglu, E.; Van Hoeij, M.; Von Manteuffel, A.; Raab, C.G.

2017-11-01

Various of the single scale quantities in massless and massive QCD up to 3-loop order can be expressed by iterative integrals over certain classes of alphabets, from the harmonic polylogarithms to root-valued alphabets. Examples are the anomalous dimensions to 3-loop order, the massless Wilson coefficients and also different massive operator matrix elements. Starting at 3-loop order, however, also other letters appear in the case of massive operator matrix elements, the so called iterative non-iterative integrals, which are related to solutions based on complete elliptic integrals or any other special function with an integral representation that is definite but not a Volterra-type integral. After outlining the formalism leading to iterative non-iterative integrals,we present examples for both of these cases with the 3-loop anomalous dimension γ (2) qg and the structure of the principle solution in the iterative non-interative case of the 3-loop QCD corrections to the ρ-parameter.

Iterative and iterative-noniterative integral solutions in 3-loop massive QCD calculations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ablinger, J.; Radu, C.S.; Schneider, C. [Johannes Kepler Univ., Linz (Austria). Research Inst. for Symbolic Computation (RISC); Behring, A. [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Theoretische Teilchenphysik und Kosmologie; Bluemlein, J.; Freitas, A. de [Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Zeuthen (Germany); Imamoglu, E.; Van Hoeij, M. [Florida State Univ., Tallahassee, FL (United States). Dept. of Mathematics; Von Manteuffel, A. [Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy; Raab, C.G. [Johannes Kepler Univ., Linz (Austria). Inst. for Algebra

2017-11-15

Various of the single scale quantities in massless and massive QCD up to 3-loop order can be expressed by iterative integrals over certain classes of alphabets, from the harmonic polylogarithms to root-valued alphabets. Examples are the anomalous dimensions to 3-loop order, the massless Wilson coefficients and also different massive operator matrix elements. Starting at 3-loop order, however, also other letters appear in the case of massive operator matrix elements, the so called iterative non-iterative integrals, which are related to solutions based on complete elliptic integrals or any other special function with an integral representation that is definite but not a Volterra-type integral. After outlining the formalism leading to iterative non-iterative integrals,we present examples for both of these cases with the 3-loop anomalous dimension γ{sup (2)}{sub qg} and the structure of the principle solution in the iterative non-interative case of the 3-loop QCD corrections to the ρ-parameter.

Towards frameless maskless SRS through real-time 6DoF robotic motion compensation

Science.gov (United States)

Belcher, Andrew H.; Liu, Xinmin; Chmura, Steven; Yenice, Kamil; Wiersma, Rodney D.

2017-12-01

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses precise dose placement to treat conditions of the CNS. Frame-based SRS uses a metal head ring fixed to the patient’s skull to provide high treatment accuracy, but patient comfort and clinical workflow may suffer. Frameless SRS, while potentially more convenient, may increase uncertainty of treatment accuracy and be physiologically confining to some patients. By incorporating highly precise robotics and advanced software algorithms into frameless treatments, we present a novel frameless and maskless SRS system where a robot provides real-time 6DoF head motion stabilization allowing positional accuracies to match or exceed those of traditional frame-based SRS. A 6DoF parallel kinematics robot was developed and integrated with a real-time infrared camera in a closed loop configuration. A novel compensation algorithm was developed based on an iterative closest-path correction approach. The robotic SRS system was tested on six volunteers, whose motion was monitored and compensated for in real-time over 15 min simulated treatments. The system’s effectiveness in maintaining the target’s 6DoF position within preset thresholds was determined by comparing volunteer head motion with and without compensation. Comparing corrected and uncorrected motion, the 6DoF robotic system showed an overall improvement factor of 21 in terms of maintaining target position within 0.5 mm and 0.5 degree thresholds. Although the system’s effectiveness varied among the volunteers examined, for all volunteers tested the target position remained within the preset tolerances 99.0% of the time when robotic stabilization was used, compared to 4.7% without robotic stabilization. The pre-clinical robotic SRS compensation system was found to be effective at responding to sub-millimeter and sub-degree cranial motions for all volunteers examined. The system’s success with volunteers has demonstrated its capability for implementation with frameless and

Towards frameless maskless SRS through real-time 6DoF robotic motion compensation.

Science.gov (United States)

Belcher, Andrew H; Liu, Xinmin; Chmura, Steven; Yenice, Kamil; Wiersma, Rodney D

2017-11-13

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses precise dose placement to treat conditions of the CNS. Frame-based SRS uses a metal head ring fixed to the patient's skull to provide high treatment accuracy, but patient comfort and clinical workflow may suffer. Frameless SRS, while potentially more convenient, may increase uncertainty of treatment accuracy and be physiologically confining to some patients. By incorporating highly precise robotics and advanced software algorithms into frameless treatments, we present a novel frameless and maskless SRS system where a robot provides real-time 6DoF head motion stabilization allowing positional accuracies to match or exceed those of traditional frame-based SRS. A 6DoF parallel kinematics robot was developed and integrated with a real-time infrared camera in a closed loop configuration. A novel compensation algorithm was developed based on an iterative closest-path correction approach. The robotic SRS system was tested on six volunteers, whose motion was monitored and compensated for in real-time over 15 min simulated treatments. The system's effectiveness in maintaining the target's 6DoF position within preset thresholds was determined by comparing volunteer head motion with and without compensation. Comparing corrected and uncorrected motion, the 6DoF robotic system showed an overall improvement factor of 21 in terms of maintaining target position within 0.5 mm and 0.5 degree thresholds. Although the system's effectiveness varied among the volunteers examined, for all volunteers tested the target position remained within the preset tolerances 99.0% of the time when robotic stabilization was used, compared to 4.7% without robotic stabilization. The pre-clinical robotic SRS compensation system was found to be effective at responding to sub-millimeter and sub-degree cranial motions for all volunteers examined. The system's success with volunteers has demonstrated its capability for implementation with frameless and maskless SRS

Physics research needs for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sauthoff, N.R.

1995-01-01

Design of ITER entails the application of physics design tools that have been validated against the world-wide data base of fusion research. In many cases, these tools do not yet exist and must be developed as part of the ITER physics program. ITER's considerable increases in power and size demand significant extrapolations from the current data base; in several cases, new physical effects are projected to dominate the behavior of the ITER plasma. This paper focuses on those design tools and data that have been identified by the ITER team and are not yet available; these needs serve as the basis for the ITER Physics Research Needs, which have been developed jointly by the ITER Physics Expert Groups and the ITER design team. Development of the tools and the supporting data base is an on-going activity that constitutes a significant opportunity for contributions to the ITER program by fusion research programs world-wide

Soft Robotics.

Science.gov (United States)

Whitesides, George M

2018-04-09

This description of "soft robotics" is not intended to be a conventional review, in the sense of a comprehensive technical summary of a developing field. Rather, its objective is to describe soft robotics as a new field-one that offers opportunities to chemists and materials scientists who like to make "things" and to work with macroscopic objects that move and exert force. It will give one (personal) view of what soft actuators and robots are, and how this class of soft devices fits into the more highly developed field of conventional "hard" robotics. It will also suggest how and why soft robotics is more than simply a minor technical "tweak" on hard robotics and propose a unique role for chemistry, and materials science, in this field. Soft robotics is, at its core, intellectually and technologically different from hard robotics, both because it has different objectives and uses and because it relies on the properties of materials to assume many of the roles played by sensors, actuators, and controllers in hard robotics. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Modelling and simulation of multi spindle drilling redundant SCARA robot using SolidWorks and MATLAB/SimMechanics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saravana Mohan Mariappan

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Los robots son sistemas electromecánicos que necesitan enfoque mecatrónico antes de fabricarlos, esto con el fin de reducir el costo de desarrollo. En este trabajo se presenta un nuevo intento de modelado PRRP (prismáticos-revoluto-revoluto-prismático, una configuración redundante SCARA (Brazo robótico articulado de respuesta selectiva, herramienta de perforación milti-eje (MSDT usando el software CAD de SolidWorks y el estudio dinámico con la ayuda de MATLAB/SimMechanics de perforación. Un SCARA con MSDT se utiliza para perforar varios agujeros en las placas de circuito impreso (PCB y la chapa metálica. En este trabajo, el modelo de CAD 3D del robot propuesto se convierte en un diagrama de bloque SimMechanics exportando a MATLAB/SimMechanics segunda generación de tecnología de modelado y simulación. Entonces se realiza una simulación SimMechanics y utilizando su capacidad de detección de movimiento la velocidad de parámetros dinámicos y la torsión del manipulador se observa la estructura del robot variable modificado. Los resultados de la simulación indican un cambio considerable en el rendimiento dinámico para diferentes parámetros de diseño.

Diseño e implementación de un prototipo de robot asistente para personas con discapacidad motriz y adultos mayores, basado en inteligencia artificial

OpenAIRE

Valencia Redrován, David Patricio; González Delgado, Luis Enrique

2014-01-01

El documento consiste en el diseño, construcción, ensamblaje y programación de un prototipo de robot asistente que sirve para el apoyo a apersonas adultas mayores y personas con discapacidad motriz. La construcción del robot se realizó 100% en el Ecuador y para su elaboración se usó una impresora 3D. El prototipo cuenta con algoritmos de inteligencia artificial. The document consist in the design, construction, assembly and programming of a prototype robot assistant that provides support t...

Control Óptimo para Trayectorias Circulares en un Robot Móvil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J.E. Moisés Gutierrez Arias

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: Se plantea el problema de encontrar un control óptimo lineal para la estabilizacíon de trayectorias circulares en un robot móvil tipo (2,0, utilizando la solución estándar al problema de control óptimo para un sistema lineal, la cual puede demostrarse mediante la técnica de programación dinámica aplicada a la ecuación de Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman. Se obtienen las ecuaciones dinámicas no lineales del robot móvil y posteriormente para una trayectoria deseada se obtiene las ecuaciones lineales. Se sintetiza el control óptimo a partir de éste sistema lineal, solucionando una ecuación diferencial matricial de Riccati para obtener la solución de estabilizaci ón; en la literatura se trata a ésta ecuación diferencial como una ecuación algebráica para un tiempo infinito y exclusivamente para sistemas lineales invariantes en el tiempo. El sistema lineal resultante para una trayectoria circular es un sistema lineal variante en el tiempo, ésto ocasiona inconvenientes para obtener la solucíon de estabilizacíon en términos constantes; la solucíon fue crear un sistema politópico convexo en base al sistema lineal variante en el tiempo y transformar la ecuación algebráica de Riccati en una LMI. Así se obtuvo una solucíon de estabilización que satisface a todos los sistemas lineales invariantes en el tiempo que conforman al sistema politópico. Además se presenta una modificacíon en la estructura del control óptimo que permite que la eleccíon a prueba y error de las matrices de peso sea innecesaria y hace que los valores característicos del sistema sean colocados en una zona específica en el semiplano izquierdo del plano complejo. Palabras clave: Robot móvil, linealización, métodos de estabilización, control óptimo lineal, ecuación matricial de Riccati, sistema variante en el tiempo

Inverse Kinematics of a Humanoid Robot with Non-Spherical Hip: A Hybrid Algorithm Approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafael Cisneros Limón

2013-04-01

Full Text Available This paper describes an approach to solve the inverse kinematics problem of humanoid robots whose construction shows a small but non negligible offset at the hip which prevents any purely analytical solution to be developed. Knowing that a purely numerical solution is not feasible due to variable efficiency problems, the proposed one first neglects the offset presence in order to obtain an approximate “solution” by means of an analytical algorithm based on screw theory, and then uses it as the initial condition of a numerical refining procedure based on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. In this way, few iterations are needed for any specified attitude, making it possible to implement the algorithm for real-time applications. As a way to show the algorithm's implementation, one case of study is considered throughout the paper, represented by the SILO2 humanoid robot.

Exploiting Child-Robot Aesthetic Interaction for a Social Robot

OpenAIRE

Lee, Jae-Joon; Kim, Dae-Won; Kang, Bo-Yeong

2012-01-01

A social robot interacts and communicates with humans by using the embodied knowledge gained from interactions with its social environment. In recent years, emotion has emerged as a popular concept for designing social robots. Several studies on social robots reported an increase in robot sociability through emotional imitative interactions between the robot and humans. In this paper conventional emotional interactions are extended by exploiting the aesthetic theories that the sociability of ...

Computational Analysis of Distance Operators for the Iterative Closest Point Algorithm.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Higinio Mora

Full Text Available The Iterative Closest Point (ICP algorithm is currently one of the most popular methods for rigid registration so that it has become the standard in the Robotics and Computer Vision communities. Many applications take advantage of it to align 2D/3D surfaces due to its popularity and simplicity. Nevertheless, some of its phases present a high computational cost thus rendering impossible some of its applications. In this work, it is proposed an efficient approach for the matching phase of the Iterative Closest Point algorithm. This stage is the main bottleneck of that method so that any efficiency improvement has a great positive impact on the performance of the algorithm. The proposal consists in using low computational cost point-to-point distance metrics instead of classic Euclidean one. The candidates analysed are the Chebyshev and Manhattan distance metrics due to their simpler formulation. The experiments carried out have validated the performance, robustness and quality of the proposal. Different experimental cases and configurations have been set up including a heterogeneous set of 3D figures, several scenarios with partial data and random noise. The results prove that an average speed up of 14% can be obtained while preserving the convergence properties of the algorithm and the quality of the final results.

ITER radio frequency systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bosia, G.

1998-01-01

Neutral Beam Injection and RF heating are two of the methods for heating and current drive in ITER. The three ITER RF systems, which have been developed during the EDA, offer several complementary services and are able to fulfil ITER operational requirements

Evolutionary robotics

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

In evolutionary robotics, a suitable robot control system is developed automatically through evolution due to the interactions between the robot and its environment. It is a complicated task, as the robot and the environment constitute a highly dynamical system. Several methods have been tried by various investigators to ...

Interactive Exploration Robots: Human-Robotic Collaboration and Interactions

Science.gov (United States)

Fong, Terry

2017-01-01

For decades, NASA has employed different operational approaches for human and robotic missions. Human spaceflight missions to the Moon and in low Earth orbit have relied upon near-continuous communication with minimal time delays. During these missions, astronauts and mission control communicate interactively to perform tasks and resolve problems in real-time. In contrast, deep-space robotic missions are designed for operations in the presence of significant communication delay - from tens of minutes to hours. Consequently, robotic missions typically employ meticulously scripted and validated command sequences that are intermittently uplinked to the robot for independent execution over long periods. Over the next few years, however, we will see increasing use of robots that blend these two operational approaches. These interactive exploration robots will be remotely operated by humans on Earth or from a spacecraft. These robots will be used to support astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), to conduct new missions to the Moon, and potentially to enable remote exploration of planetary surfaces in real-time. In this talk, I will discuss the technical challenges associated with building and operating robots in this manner, along with lessons learned from research conducted with the ISS and in the field.

Evaluación experimental del caminado en tiempo real de un robot bípedo de 5 g.d.l. con marcha basada en movimientos cicloidales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Víctor De-León-Gómez

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este artículo se presentan los resultados de las pruebas de caminado realizadas con el robot bípedo de 5 grados de libertad (g.d.l. desarrollado en el Instituto Tecnológico de la Laguna (ITLag. El patrón de marcha que se aplica en este robot se basa en leyes de movimiento de tipo cicloidal, las cuales le permiten avanzar mediante pasos sin impactos. Los experimentos realizados mostraron un adecuado comportamiento mecánico del robot y un desempeño eficaz de la ley de control aplicada para mantener el ZMP (acrónimo de Zero Moment Point dentro del polígono de soporte de los pies del robot durante la marcha. Los parámetros especificados para el patrón de marcha aseguraron un caminado estable del robot, sin saturar los pares demandados a los actuadores. Abstract: The results of experimental tests of walking of the 5 degrees of freedom (dof biped robot developed at the Instituto Tecnológico de la Laguna (ITLag are presented in this paper. The gait pattern that is applied in this robot is based on cycloidal motion-type laws, which allow to advance by steps without impacts. Experiments showed an adequate mechanical behavior of the robot and effective performance of the control law applied to keep the ZMP (Zero Moment Point inside of the support polygon of the robot's feet during walking. The specified parameters for gait pattern ensured a stable walking of the robot, without saturating the torque applied by the actuators. Palabras clave: Robots bípedos, patrones de marcha, ZMP, movimiento cicloidal, seguimiento de trayectorias., Keywords: Biped robots, gait patterns, ZMP, cycloidal motion, path tracking.

ITER Construction--Plant System Integration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tada, E.; Matsuda, S.

2009-01-01

This brief paper introduces how the ITER will be built in the international collaboration. The ITER Organization plays a central role in constructing ITER and leading it into operation. Since most of the ITER components are to be provided in-kind from the member countries, integral project management should be scoped in advance of real work. Those include design, procurement, system assembly, testing, licensing and commissioning of ITER.

ITER definition phase

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-01-01

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is envisioned as a fusion device which would demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power. As a first step towards achieving this goal, the European Community, Japan, the Soviet Union, and the United States of America have entered into joint conceptual design activities under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. A brief summary of the Definition Phase of ITER activities is contained in this report. Included in this report are the background, objectives, organization, definition phase activities, and research and development plan of this endeavor in international scientific collaboration. A more extended technical summary is contained in the two-volume report, ''ITER Concept Definition,'' IAEA/ITER/DS/3. 2 figs, 2 tabs

United States rejoin ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roberts, M.

2003-01-01

Upon pressure from the United States Congress, the US Department of Energy had to withdraw from further American participation in the ITER Engineering Design Activities after the end of its commitment to the EDA in July 1998. In the years since that time, changes have taken place in both the ITER activity and the US fusion community's position on burning plasma physics. Reflecting the interest in the United States in pursuing burning plasma physics, the DOE's Office of Science commissioned three studies as part of its examination of the option of entering the Negotiations on the Agreement on the Establishment of the International Fusion Energy Organization for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project. These were a National Academy Review Panel Report supporting the burning plasma mission; a Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) report confirming the role of ITER in achieving fusion power production, and The Lehman Review of the ITER project costing and project management processes (for the latter one, see ITER CTA Newsletter, no. 15, December 2002). All three studies have endorsed the US return to the ITER activities. This historical decision was announced by DOE Secretary Abraham during his remarks to employees of the Department's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The United States will be working with the other Participants in the ITER Negotiations on the Agreement and is preparing to participate in the ITA

ITER towards the construction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.

2005-01-01

The ITER Project has been significantly developed in the last few years in preparation for its construction. The ITER Participant's Negotiators have developed the Joint Implementation Agreement (JIA), ready for finalisation following selection of the construction site and nomination of the project's Director General. The ITER International Team and Participant Teams have continued technical and organisational preparations. Construction will be able to start immediately after the international ITER organisation is established, following signature of the JIA. The Project is strongly supported by the governments of the Participants as well as by the scientific community. The real negotiations, including siting and the final details of cost sharing, started in December 2003. The EU, with Cadarache, and Japan, with Rokkasho, have both promised large contributions to the project to strongly support their construction site proposals. Their wish to host ITER construction is too strong to allow convergence to a single site considering the ITER device in isolation. A broader collaboration among the Parties is therefore being contemplated, covering complementary activities to help accelerate fusion development towards a viable power source, and allow the Participants to reach a conclusion on ITER siting. This report reviews these preparations, and the status of negotiations

Arquitectura Basada en Roles Aplicada en Equipos de Fútbol de Robots con Control Centralizado

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José G. Guarnizo

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Resumen: El fútbol de robots ofrece un entorno adecuado para el diseño y la validación de arquitecturas de sistemas multi-robot. Al clasificar las ligas de fútbol de robots existentes se encuentran ligas con arquitecturas centralizadas que poseen percepción global del entorno y donde los robots son controlados desde un ordenador a través de un único sistema de toma de decisiones. En este artículo se presenta una arquitectura basada en roles para equipos de fútbol de robots con percepción global y control centralizado. En esta arquitectura un rol es seleccionado para cada jugador por medio de una función. A partir de este rol y de las condiciones de juego presentes se selecciona un comportamiento que el jugador deberá ejecutar. La función que es utilizada para la asignación de roles es activada cuando el balón cambia de cuadrante en el campo de juego. La estrategia presentada es comparada en simulación realizando partidos contra un equipo que posee una estrategia de roles constantes y un equipo con una estrategia jerárquica basada en selección de tácticas y posteriormente asignación de roles a partir de la táctica seleccionada. Los resultados mostraron no solo un mejor rendimiento del equipo con la estrategia basada en roles, sino también uniformidad en los comportamientos realizados por los jugadores del equipo durante las transiciones de roles y comportamientos. Abstract: Robot soccer offers an adequate domain in order to design and validate architectures for robot-coordination. One classification refers to centralized architectures, which correspond to robot soccer environments with global perception and centralized control of the robots, using only one decision-making system. In this paper it is presented a centralized robot soccer architecture based on roles, where one role is assigned to each player in order to select a specific behaviour depending on game conditions. Roles

ITER-FEAT operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.; Huguet, M.; Mizoguchi, T.; Murakami, Y.; Polevoi, A.R.; Shimada, M.; Aymar, R.; Chuyanov, V.A.; Matsumoto, H.

2001-01-01

ITER is planned to be the first fusion experimental reactor in the world operating for research in physics and engineering. The first ten years of operation will be devoted primarily to physics issues at low neutron fluence and the following ten years of operation to engineering testing at higher fluence. ITER can accommodate various plasma configurations and plasma operation modes, such as inductive high Q modes, long pulse hybrid modes and non-inductive steady state modes, with large ranges of plasma current, density, beta and fusion power, and with various heating and current drive methods. This flexibility will provide an advantage for coping with uncertainties in the physics database, in studying burning plasmas, in introducing advanced features and in optimizing the plasma performance for the different programme objectives. Remote sites will be able to participate in the ITER experiment. This concept will provide an advantage not only in operating ITER for 24 hours a day but also in involving the worldwide fusion community and in promoting scientific competition among the ITER Parties. (author)

Designing and implementing nervous system simulations on LEGO robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Blustein, Daniel; Rosenthal, Nikolai; Ayers, Joseph

2013-05-25

We present a method to use the commercially available LEGO Mindstorms NXT robotics platform to test systems level neuroscience hypotheses. The first step of the method is to develop a nervous system simulation of specific reflexive behaviors of an appropriate model organism; here we use the American Lobster. Exteroceptive reflexes mediated by decussating (crossing) neural connections can explain an animal's taxis towards or away from a stimulus as described by Braitenberg and are particularly well suited for investigation using the NXT platform.(1) The nervous system simulation is programmed using LabVIEW software on the LEGO Mindstorms platform. Once the nervous system is tuned properly, behavioral experiments are run on the robot and on the animal under identical environmental conditions. By controlling the sensory milieu experienced by the specimens, differences in behavioral outputs can be observed. These differences may point to specific deficiencies in the nervous system model and serve to inform the iteration of the model for the particular behavior under study. This method allows for the experimental manipulation of electronic nervous systems and serves as a way to explore neuroscience hypotheses specifically regarding the neurophysiological basis of simple innate reflexive behaviors. The LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit provides an affordable and efficient platform on which to test preliminary biomimetic robot control schemes. The approach is also well suited for the high school classroom to serve as the foundation for a hands-on inquiry-based biorobotics curriculum.

ROBOT LITERACY AN APPROACH FOR SHARING SOCIETY WITH INTELLIGENT ROBOTS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hidetsugu Suto

2013-12-01

Full Text Available A novel concept of media education called “robot literacy” is proposed. Here, robot literacy refers to the means of forming an appropriate relationship with intelligent robots. It can be considered a kind of media literacy. People who were born after the Internet age can be considered “digital natives” who have new morals and values and behave differently than previous generations in Internet societies. This can cause various problems among different generations. Thus, the necessity of media literacy education is increasing. Internet technologies, as well as robotics technologies are growing rapidly, and people who are born after the “home robot age,” whom the author calls “robot natives,” will be expected to have a certain degree of “robot literacy.” In this paper, the concept of robot literacy is defined and an approach to robot literacy education is discussed.

Robotic buildings(s)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bier, H.H.

2014-01-01

Technological and conceptual advances in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and material science have enabled robotic building to be in the last decade prototypically implemented. In this context, robotic building implies both physically built robotic environments and robotically

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-10-01

This ITER CTA newsletter contains results of the ITER toroidal field model coil project presented by ITER EU Home Team (Garching) and an article in commemoration of the late Dr. Charles Maisonnier, one of the former leaders of ITER who made significant contributions to its development

Control mediante modos deslizantes en tiempo discreto para el seguimiento de trayectorias de un robot móvil1

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P.A. Niño-Suárez

2007-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta una estrategia de control en tiempo discreto para el seguimiento de trayectorias de un robot móvil tipo (2,0 controlado remotamente. La estrategia de control se desarrolló mediante un enfoque de modos deslizantes, considerando el modelo discreto exacto del vehículo en el cual se incluyen los efectos del retardo de transporte causado por la propagación de las señales sobre una red de comunicación. El esquema de control garantiza el seguimiento de trayectorias predeterminadas obteniéndose convergencia asintótica de los errores de seguimiento. La estrategia propuesta es evaluada mediante una serie de resultados por simulación. Palabras clave: Robot móvil, retardos de transporte, control en tiempo discreto, modos deslizantes

Cloud Robotics Platforms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Busra Koken

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Cloud robotics is a rapidly evolving field that allows robots to offload computation-intensive and storage-intensive jobs into the cloud. Robots are limited in terms of computational capacity, memory and storage. Cloud provides unlimited computation power, memory, storage and especially collaboration opportunity. Cloud-enabled robots are divided into two categories as standalone and networked robots. This article surveys cloud robotic platforms, standalone and networked robotic works such as grasping, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM and monitoring.

Distributed Robotics Education

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lund, Henrik Hautop; Pagliarini, Luigi

2011-01-01

Distributed robotics takes many forms, for instance, multirobots, modular robots, and self-reconfigurable robots. The understanding and development of such advanced robotic systems demand extensive knowledge in engineering and computer science. In this paper, we describe the concept of a distribu......Distributed robotics takes many forms, for instance, multirobots, modular robots, and self-reconfigurable robots. The understanding and development of such advanced robotic systems demand extensive knowledge in engineering and computer science. In this paper, we describe the concept...... to be changed, related to multirobot control and human-robot interaction control from virtual to physical representation. The proposed system is valuable for bringing a vast number of issues into education – such as parallel programming, distribution, communication protocols, master dependency, connectivity...

Robot Mechanisms

CERN Document Server

Lenarcic, Jadran; Stanišić, Michael M

2013-01-01

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the area of robot mechanisms, primarily considering industrial manipulators and humanoid arms. The book is intended for both teaching and self-study. Emphasis is given to the fundamentals of kinematic analysis and the design of robot mechanisms. The coverage of topics is untypical. The focus is on robot kinematics. The book creates a balance between theoretical and practical aspects in the development and application of robot mechanisms, and includes the latest achievements and trends in robot science and technology.

Filigree Robotics

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tamke, Martin; Evers, Henrik Leander; Clausen Nørgaard, Esben

2016-01-01

Filigree Robotics experiments with the combination of traditional ceramic craft with robotic fabrication in order to generate a new narrative of fine three-dimensional ceramic ornament for architecture.......Filigree Robotics experiments with the combination of traditional ceramic craft with robotic fabrication in order to generate a new narrative of fine three-dimensional ceramic ornament for architecture....

Hydraulic bilateral construction robot; Yuatsushiki bilateral kensetsu robot

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maehata, K.; Mori, N. [Kayaba Industry Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

1999-05-15

Concerning a hydraulic bilateral construction robot, its system constitution, structures and functions of important components, and the results of some tests are explained, and the researches conducted at Gifu University are described. The construction robot in this report is a servo controlled system of a version developed from the mini-shovel now available in the market. It is equipped, in addition to an electrohydraulic servo control system, with various sensors for detecting the robot attitude, vibration, and load state, and with a camera for visualizing the surrounding landscape. It is also provided with a bilateral joy stick which is a remote control actuator capable of working sensation feedback and with a rocking unit that creates robot movements of rolling, pitching, and heaving. The construction robot discussed here, with output increased and response faster thanks to the employment of a hydraulic driving system for the aim of building a robot system superior in performance to the conventional model designed primarily for heavy duty, proves after tests to be a highly sophisticated remotely controlled robot control system. (NEDO)

Robotics education

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benton, O.

1984-01-01

Robotics education courses are rapidly spreading throughout the nation's colleges and universities. Engineering schools are offering robotics courses as part of their mechanical or manufacturing engineering degree program. Two year colleges are developing an Associate Degree in robotics. In addition to regular courses, colleges are offering seminars in robotics and related fields. These seminars draw excellent participation at costs running up to $200 per day for each participant. The last one drew 275 people from Texas to Virginia. Seminars are also offered by trade associations, private consulting firms, and robot vendors. IBM, for example, has the Robotic Assembly Institute in Boca Raton and charges about $1,000 per week for course. This is basically for owners of IBM robots. Education (and training) can be as short as one day or as long as two years. Here is the educational pattern that is developing now

Contribution of Iberdrola engineering and Construction in engineering projects for ITER; Contribucion de Iberdrola Ingenieria y Construccion en proyectos de ingenieria para el proyecto ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hermana, I.; Martinez de Miguel, G.; Polo, J.

2012-07-01

ITER (the way) is one of the main international collaboration projects. Its objectives is demonstrating the viability of the Magnetic Confinement Fusion as a source of energy with endless resources, secure and clean. the technological challenge is huge in several areas: materials, superconductivity, confinement, structural, manufacturing, robotics, cryogen. Iberdrola has contributed since more than five years with different engineering activities. the areas covered include electrical, control radiological protection, nuclear safety and mechanical engineering. the systems and components analyzed cover the electrical grid distribution, the control systems, the vacuum vessel, and the in vessel materials. This has allow Iberdrola to develop high tech capacities applicable to other projects, to gain the image of a technological company in Europe and places in first line for future fusion developments, with the objective of DEMO and following commercial reactors. (Author)

Research at ITER towards DEMO: Specific reactor diagnostic studies to be carried out on ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krasilnikov, A. V.; Kaschuck, Y. A.; Vershkov, V. A.; Petrov, A. A.; Petrov, V. G.; Tugarinov, S. N. [Institution Project center ITER, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2014-08-21

In ITER diagnostics will operate in the very hard radiation environment of fusion reactor. Extensive technology studies are carried out during development of the ITER diagnostics and procedures of their calibration and remote handling. Results of these studies and practical application of the developed diagnostics on ITER will provide the direct input to DEMO diagnostic development. The list of DEMO measurement requirements and diagnostics will be determined during ITER experiments on the bases of ITER plasma physics results and success of particular diagnostic application in reactor-like ITER plasma. Majority of ITER diagnostic already passed the conceptual design phase and represent the state of the art in fusion plasma diagnostic development. The number of related to DEMO results of ITER diagnostic studies such as design and prototype manufacture of: neutron and γ–ray diagnostics, neutral particle analyzers, optical spectroscopy including first mirror protection and cleaning technics, reflectometry, refractometry, tritium retention measurements etc. are discussed.

Research at ITER towards DEMO: Specific reactor diagnostic studies to be carried out on ITER

Science.gov (United States)

Krasilnikov, A. V.; Kaschuck, Y. A.; Vershkov, V. A.; Petrov, A. A.; Petrov, V. G.; Tugarinov, S. N.

2014-08-01

In ITER diagnostics will operate in the very hard radiation environment of fusion reactor. Extensive technology studies are carried out during development of the ITER diagnostics and procedures of their calibration and remote handling. Results of these studies and practical application of the developed diagnostics on ITER will provide the direct input to DEMO diagnostic development. The list of DEMO measurement requirements and diagnostics will be determined during ITER experiments on the bases of ITER plasma physics results and success of particular diagnostic application in reactor-like ITER plasma. Majority of ITER diagnostic already passed the conceptual design phase and represent the state of the art in fusion plasma diagnostic development. The number of related to DEMO results of ITER diagnostic studies such as design and prototype manufacture of: neutron and γ-ray diagnostics, neutral particle analyzers, optical spectroscopy including first mirror protection and cleaning technics, reflectometry, refractometry, tritium retention measurements etc. are discussed.

Research at ITER towards DEMO: Specific reactor diagnostic studies to be carried out on ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krasilnikov, A. V.; Kaschuck, Y. A.; Vershkov, V. A.; Petrov, A. A.; Petrov, V. G.; Tugarinov, S. N.

2014-01-01

In ITER diagnostics will operate in the very hard radiation environment of fusion reactor. Extensive technology studies are carried out during development of the ITER diagnostics and procedures of their calibration and remote handling. Results of these studies and practical application of the developed diagnostics on ITER will provide the direct input to DEMO diagnostic development. The list of DEMO measurement requirements and diagnostics will be determined during ITER experiments on the bases of ITER plasma physics results and success of particular diagnostic application in reactor-like ITER plasma. Majority of ITER diagnostic already passed the conceptual design phase and represent the state of the art in fusion plasma diagnostic development. The number of related to DEMO results of ITER diagnostic studies such as design and prototype manufacture of: neutron and γ–ray diagnostics, neutral particle analyzers, optical spectroscopy including first mirror protection and cleaning technics, reflectometry, refractometry, tritium retention measurements etc. are discussed

Spirit and prospects of ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Velikhov, E.P. [Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2002-10-01

ITER is the unique and the most straightforward way to study the burning plasma science in the nearest future. ITER has a firm physics ground based on the results from the world tokamaks in terms of confinement, stability, heating, current drive, divertor, energetic particle confinement to an extend required in ITER. The flexibility of ITER will allow the exploration of broad operation space of fusion power, beta, pulse length and Q values in various operational scenarios. Success of the engineering R and D programs has demonstrated that all party has an enough capability to produce all the necessary equipment in agreement with the specifications of ITER. The acquired knowledge and technologies in ITER project allow us to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of a fusion reactor. It can be concluded that ITER must be constructed in the nearest future. (author)

Spirit and prospects of ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Velikhov, E.P.

2002-01-01

ITER is the unique and the most straightforward way to study the burning plasma science in the nearest future. ITER has a firm physics ground based on the results from the world tokamaks in terms of confinement, stability, heating, current drive, divertor, energetic particle confinement to an extend required in ITER. The flexibility of ITER will allow the exploration of broad operation space of fusion power, beta, pulse length and Q values in various operational scenarios. Success of the engineering R and D programs has demonstrated that all party has an enough capability to produce all the necessary equipment in agreement with the specifications of ITER. The acquired knowledge and technologies in ITER project allow us to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of a fusion reactor. It can be concluded that ITER must be constructed in the nearest future. (author)

ITER interim design report package documents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1996-01-01

This publication contains the Excerpt from the ITER Council (IC-8), the ITER Interim Design Report, Cost Review and Safety Analysis, ITER Site Requirements and ITER Site Design Assumptions and the Excerpt from the ITER Council (IC-9). 8 figs, 2 tabs

Robot Aesthetics

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jochum, Elizabeth Ann; Putnam, Lance Jonathan

This paper considers art-based research practice in robotics through a discussion of our course and relevant research projects in autonomous art. The undergraduate course integrates basic concepts of computer science, robotic art, live performance and aesthetic theory. Through practice...... in robotics research (such as aesthetics, culture and perception), we believe robot aesthetics is an important area for research in contemporary aesthetics....

Robots: l'embarras de richesses [:survey of robots available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meieran, H.; Brittain, K.; Sturkey, R.

1989-01-01

A survey of robots available for use in the nuclear industry is presented. Two new categories of mobile robots have been introduced since the last survey (April 1987): pipe crawlers and underwater robots. The number of robots available has risen to double what it was two years ago and four times what it was in 1986. (U.K.)

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-01-01

This ITER CTA Newsletter issue comprises information about the following ITER Meetings: The second negotiation meeting on the joint implementation of ITER, held in Tokyo(Japan) on 22-23 January 2002, and an international ITER symposium on burning plasma science and technology, held the day later after the second negotiation meeting at the same place

Robots Social Embodiment in Autonomous Mobile Robotics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Brian Duffy

2008-11-01

Full Text Available This work aims at demonstrating the inherent advantages of embracing a strong notion of social embodiment in designing a real-world robot control architecture with explicit ?intelligent? social behaviour between a collective of robots. It develops the current thinking on embodiment beyond the physical by demonstrating the importance of social embodiment. A social framework develops the fundamental social attributes found when more than one robot co-inhabit a physical space. The social metaphors of identity, character, stereotypes and roles are presented and implemented within a real-world social robot paradigm in order to facilitate the realisation of explicit social goals.

Desarrollo de un entorno de programación para un robot simulado Turtlebot-2 con brazo manipulador WIDOWX mediante la conexión V-REP y MATLAB

OpenAIRE

Fernández-Vega, Iván

2016-01-01

El objetivo principal de este Trabajo de Fin de Grado ha sido el de implementar un entorno de programación para un robot móvil Turtlebot-2 dotado de un brazo articulado WidowX. Para ello, se ha modelado este conjunto robótico en el simulador V-REP a partir de las descripciones físicas de los mismos, y se han ajustado diversos parámetros para que el comportamiento del robot simulado sea lo más parecido al del robot real. Para implementar las aplicaciones que controlen nuestro co...

Robotic intelligence kernel

Science.gov (United States)

Bruemmer, David J [Idaho Falls, ID

2009-11-17

A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller. The system controller executes a robot intelligence kernel (RIK) that includes a multi-level architecture and a dynamic autonomy structure. The multi-level architecture includes a robot behavior level for defining robot behaviors, that incorporate robot attributes and a cognitive level for defining conduct modules that blend an adaptive interaction between predefined decision functions and the robot behaviors. The dynamic autonomy structure is configured for modifying a transaction capacity between an operator intervention and a robot initiative and may include multiple levels with at least a teleoperation mode configured to maximize the operator intervention and minimize the robot initiative and an autonomous mode configured to minimize the operator intervention and maximize the robot initiative. Within the RIK at least the cognitive level includes the dynamic autonomy structure.

ITER Status and Plans

Science.gov (United States)

Greenfield, Charles M.

2017-10-01

The US Burning Plasma Organization is pleased to welcome Dr. Bernard Bigot, who will give an update on progress in the ITER Project. Dr. Bigot took over as Director General of the ITER Organization in early 2015 following a distinguished career that included serving as Chairman and CEO of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and as High Commissioner for ITER in France. During his tenure at ITER the project has moved into high gear, with rapid progress evident on the construction site and preparation of a staged schedule and a research plan leading from where we are today through all the way to full DT operation. In an unprecedented international effort, seven partners ``China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States'' have pooled their financial and scientific resources to build the biggest fusion reactor in history. ITER will open the way to the next step: a demonstration fusion power plant. All DPP attendees are welcome to attend this ITER town meeting.

An Intelligent Robot Programing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hong, Seong Yong

2012-01-15

This book introduces an intelligent robot programing with background of the begging, introduction of VPL, and SPL, building of environment for robot platform, starting of robot programing, design of simulation environment, robot autonomy drive control programing, simulation graphic. Such as SPL graphic programing graphical image and graphical shapes, and graphical method application, application of procedure for robot control, robot multiprogramming, robot bumper sensor programing, robot LRF sencor programing and robot color sensor programing.

An Intelligent Robot Programing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hong, Seong Yong

2012-01-01

This book introduces an intelligent robot programing with background of the begging, introduction of VPL, and SPL, building of environment for robot platform, starting of robot programing, design of simulation environment, robot autonomy drive control programing, simulation graphic. Such as SPL graphic programing graphical image and graphical shapes, and graphical method application, application of procedure for robot control, robot multiprogramming, robot bumper sensor programing, robot LRF sencor programing and robot color sensor programing.

Neuro-robotics from brain machine interfaces to rehabilitation robotics

CERN Document Server

Artemiadis

2014-01-01

Neuro-robotics is one of the most multidisciplinary fields of the last decades, fusing information and knowledge from neuroscience, engineering and computer science. This book focuses on the results from the strategic alliance between Neuroscience and Robotics that help the scientific community to better understand the brain as well as design robotic devices and algorithms for interfacing humans and robots. The first part of the book introduces the idea of neuro-robotics, by presenting state-of-the-art bio-inspired devices. The second part of the book focuses on human-machine interfaces for pe

ITER council proceedings: 1999

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

In 1999 the ITER meeting in Cadarache (10-11 March 1999) and the Programme Directors Meeting in Grenoble (28-29 July 1999) took place. Both meetings were exclusively devoted to ITER engineering design activities and their agendas covered all issues important for the development of ITER. This volume presents the documents of these two important meetings

ITER EDA technical activities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aymar, R.

1998-01-01

Six years of technical work under the ITER EDA Agreement have resulted in a design which constitutes a complete description of the ITER device and of its auxiliary systems and facilities. The ITER Council commented that the Final Design Report provides the first comprehensive design of a fusion reactor based on well established physics and technology

Odométrie visuelle en milieu naturel pour les robots mobiles

OpenAIRE

Duperal, B.

2013-01-01

/ Dans le cadre de ce stage, l'objectif est d'étudier les performances de la vision artificielle, pour permettre à un robot mobile de se localiser, en utilisant soit une caméra, soit un système de stéréovision, dans un environnement naturel (arbres, cultures, champs agricoles, bâtiments,...), suite à des pertes de signal GPS. La localisation de robots par vision artificielle nécessite de réaliser des opérations d'appariement de points invariants (détection d'amers, zones particulières sur ...

Cloud Robotics Model

OpenAIRE

Mester, Gyula

2015-01-01

Cloud Robotics was born from the merger of service robotics and cloud technologies. It allows robots to benefit from the powerful computational, storage, and communications resources of modern data centres. Cloud robotics allows robots to take advantage of the rapid increase in data transfer rates to offload tasks without hard real time requirements. Cloud Robotics has rapidly gained momentum with initiatives by companies such as Google, Willow Garage and Gostai as well as more than a dozen a...

Space Robotics Challenge

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — The Space Robotics Challenge seeks to infuse robot autonomy from the best and brightest research groups in the robotics community into NASA robots for future...

Are Sex Robots as Bad as Killing Robots

OpenAIRE

Richardson, Kathleen

2016-01-01

In 2015 the Campaign Against Sex Robots was launched to draw attention to the technological production of new kinds of objects: sex robots of women and children. The campaign was launched shortly after the Future of Life Institute published an online petition: “Autonomous Weapons: An Open Letter From AI and Robotics Researchers” which was signed by leading luminaries in the field of AI and Robotics. In response to the Campaign, an academic at Oxford University opened an ethics thread “Are sex...

Future plan of ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kitsunezaki, Akio

1998-01-01

In cooperation of four countries, Japan, USA, EU and Russia, ITER plan has been proceeding as ''the conceptual design activities'' from 1988 to 1990 and ''the industrial design activities'' since 1992. To construct ITER, the legal and work side of ITER operation has been investigated by four countries. However, their economic conditions have been changed to be wrong. So that, construction of ITER can not begin after end of industrial design activities in 1998. Accordingly, they determined to continue the industrial design activities more three years in order to study low cost options and to test the superconductive model·coil. (S.Y.)

Control de la mano robot Inmoov-SR mediante casco NeuroSky Mindset

OpenAIRE

Hernández Martínez, Antonio

2017-01-01

En este trabajo el objetivo es conseguir controlar los movimientos de apertura y cierre de la mano robot InMoov-SR conectada al brazo IRB120 de ABB mediante señales EEG, recogidas por medio del casco NeuroSky Mindset. Las señales son recogidas cuando el sujeto está en estado basal y cuando realiza movimiento con su mano y son procesadas con la ayuda de Matlab para de esta manera conseguir establecer las señales de control necesarias para activar la apertura o el cierre de la mano. Final...

ITER council proceedings: 1992

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

At the signing of the ITER EDA Agreement on July, 1992, each of the Parties presented to the Director General the names of their designated members of the ITER Council. Upon receiving those names, the Director General stated that the ITER Engineering Design Activities were ''ready to begin''. The next step in this process was the convening of the first meeting of the ITER Council. The first meeting of the Council, held in Vienna, was opened by Director General Hans Blix. The second meeting was held in Moscow, the formal seat of the Council. This volume presents records of these first two Council meetings and, together with the previous volumes on the text of the Agreement and Protocol 1 and the preparations for their signing respectively, represents essential information on the evolution of the ITER EDA

Multi-robot control interface

Science.gov (United States)

Bruemmer, David J [Idaho Falls, ID; Walton, Miles C [Idaho Falls, ID

2011-12-06

Methods and systems for controlling a plurality of robots through a single user interface include at least one robot display window for each of the plurality of robots with the at least one robot display window illustrating one or more conditions of a respective one of the plurality of robots. The user interface further includes at least one robot control window for each of the plurality of robots with the at least one robot control window configured to receive one or more commands for sending to the respective one of the plurality of robots. The user interface further includes a multi-robot common window comprised of information received from each of the plurality of robots.

Robotics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lorino, P; Altwegg, J M

1985-05-01

This article, which is aimed at the general reader, examines latest developments in, and the role of, modern robotics. The 7 main sections are sub-divided into 27 papers presented by 30 authors. The sections are as follows: 1) The role of robotics, 2) Robotics in the business world and what it can offer, 3) Study and development, 4) Utilisation, 5) Wages, 6) Conditions for success, and 7) Technological dynamics.

ITER physics design guidelines: 1989

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uckan, N.A.

1990-01-01

The physics basis for ITER has been developed from an assessment of the results of the last twenty-five years of tokamak research and from detailed analysis of important physics issues specifically for the ITER design. This assessment has been carried out with direct participation of members of the experimental teams of each of the major tokamaks in the world fusion program through participation in ITER workshops, contributions to the ITER Physics R and D Program, and by direct contacts between the ITER team and the cognizant experimentalists. Extrapolations to the present data base, where needed, are made in the most cautious way consistent with engineering constraints and performance goals of the ITER. In cases where a working assumptions had to be introduced, which is insufficiently supported by the present data base, is explicitly stated. While a strong emphasis has been placed on the physics credibility of the design, the guidelines also take into account that ITER should be designed to be able to take advantage of potential improvements in tokamak physics that may occur before and during the operation of ITER. (author). 33 refs

Análisis del Comportamiento de Robots Móviles con RNA. Un Acercamiento desde el Paradigma Reactivo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alejandro Hossian

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Por medio de la navegación es posible guiar el curso de un robot móvil a través de un entorno con presencia de obstáculos. Se conocen diferentes esquemas para llevar a cabo esta tarea, pero todos ellos tienen el objetivo común de dirigir el vehículo hacia su destino de la manera más segura y eficiente posible. La capacidad de reacción que pueda poseer el robot cuando se encuentra ante situaciones inesperadas, debe constituir su cualidad más distintiva para desenvolverse eficazmente en el entorno donde este deba operar, lo cual indica el grado de autonomía que este posee. La navegación robótica es aplicable a múltiples disciplinas y entornos industriales; y en este sentido, la aplicación de la Inteligencia Artificial a través de las diferentes tecnologías inteligentes que la componen (redes neuronales, algoritmos genéticos y aprendizaje automático entre otras cobra un gran protagonismo dentro del campo de la Robótica Cognitiva para su desarrollo. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo se focaliza en el análisis y presentación de resultados de investigación en técnicas de navegación robótica, que se han obtenidos en base a experimentos llevados a cabo mediante la aplicación de la tecnología de las redes neuronales artificiales, las cuales concentran las mejores características del paradigma reactivo en lo que se refiere a la navegación autónoma de robots. En el presente artículo se evalúa la efectividad y el desempeño de este paradigma mediante la aplicación de una red neuronal de arquitectura sencilla, obteniendo conclusiones en lo que respecta a la conducta deseada del robot y comparándola con la que manifiesta en su desempeño. Los parámetros que se analizan para esta evaluación están relacionados con la evitación de obstáculos, velocidad de respuesta, optimización de las trayectorias que adopta y el logro de los objetivos.

ITER council proceedings: 1996

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

Records of the 10. ITER Council Meeting (IC-10), held on 26-27 July 1996, in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the 11. ITER Council Meeting (IC-11) held on 17-18 December 1996, in Tokyo, Japan, are presented, giving essential information on the evolution of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA) and the cost review and safety analysis. Figs, tabs

FPGA for Robotic Applications: from Android/Humanoid Robots to Artificial Men

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tole Sutikno

2011-12-01

Full Text Available Researches on home robots have been increasing enormously. There has always existed a continuous research effort on problems of anthropomorphic robots which is now called humanoid robots. Currently, robotics has evolved to the point that different branches have reached a remarkable level of maturity, that neural network and fuzzy logic are the main artificial intelligence as intelligent control on the robotics. Despite all this progress, while aiming at accomplishing work-tasks originally charged only to humans, robotic science has perhaps quite naturally turned into the attempt to create artificial men. It is true that artificial men or android humanoid robots open certainly very broad prospects. This “robot” may be viewed as a personal helper, and it will be called a home-robot, or personal robot. This is main reason why the two special sections are issued in the TELKOMNIKA sequentially.

Teaching Joint-Level Robot Programming with a New Robotics Software Tool

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fernando Gonzalez

2017-12-01

Full Text Available With the rising popularity of robotics in our modern world there is an increase in the number of engineering programs that offer the basic Introduction to Robotics course. This common introductory robotics course generally covers the fundamental theory of robotics including robot kinematics, dynamics, differential movements, trajectory planning and basic computer vision algorithms commonly used in the field of robotics. Joint programming, the task of writing a program that directly controls the robot’s joint motors, is an activity that involves robot kinematics, dynamics, and trajectory planning. In this paper, we introduce a new educational robotics tool developed for teaching joint programming. The tool allows the student to write a program in a modified C language that controls the movement of the arm by controlling the velocity of each joint motor. This is a very important activity in the robotics course and leads the student to gain knowledge of how to build a robotic arm controller. Sample assignments are presented for different levels of difficulty.

Automated Mounting of Pole-Shoe Wedges in Linear Wave Power Generators—Using Industrial Robotics and Proximity Sensors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tobias Kamf

2017-03-01

Full Text Available A system for automatic mounting of high tolerance wedges inside a wave power linear generator is proposed. As for any renewable energy concept utilising numerous smaller generation units, minimising the production cost per unit is vital for commercialization. The linear generator in question uses self-locking wedges, which are challenging to mount using industrial robots due to the high tolerances used, and because of the fact that any angular error remaining after calibration risks damaging the equipment. Using two types of probes, mechanical touch probes and inductive proximity sensors, combined with a flexible robot tool and iterative calibration routines, an automatic mounting system that overcomes the challenges of high tolerance wedge mounting is presented. The system is experimentally verified to work at mounting speeds of up to 50mm/s, and calibration accuracies of 0.25mmand 0.1 ∘ are achieved. The use of a flexible robot tool, able to move freely in one Cartesian plane, was found to be essential for making the system work.

Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot Powered by PAMs Cooperates with FES Arrays to Realize Reach-to-Grasp Trainings

Science.gov (United States)

Su, Chen; Jiang, Xiaobo

2017-01-01

The reach-to-grasp activities play an important role in our daily lives. The developed RUPERT for stroke patients with high stiffness in arm flexor muscles is a low-cost lightweight portable exoskeleton rehabilitation robot whose joints are unidirectionally actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). In order to expand the useful range of RUPERT especially for patients with flaccid paralysis, functional electrical stimulation (FES) is taken to activate paralyzed arm muscles. As both the exoskeleton robot driven by PAMs and the neuromuscular skeletal system under FES possess the highly nonlinear and time-varying characteristics, iterative learning control (ILC) is studied and is taken to control this newly designed hybrid rehabilitation system for reaching trainings. Hand function rehabilitation refers to grasping. Because of tiny finger muscles, grasping and releasing are realized by FES array electrodes and matrix scan method. By using the surface electromyography (EMG) technique, the subject's active intent is identified. The upper limb rehabilitation robot powered by PAMs cooperates with FES arrays to realize active reach-to-grasp trainings, which was verified through experiments. PMID:29065566

Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot Powered by PAMs Cooperates with FES Arrays to Realize Reach-to-Grasp Trainings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xikai Tu

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The reach-to-grasp activities play an important role in our daily lives. The developed RUPERT for stroke patients with high stiffness in arm flexor muscles is a low-cost lightweight portable exoskeleton rehabilitation robot whose joints are unidirectionally actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs. In order to expand the useful range of RUPERT especially for patients with flaccid paralysis, functional electrical stimulation (FES is taken to activate paralyzed arm muscles. As both the exoskeleton robot driven by PAMs and the neuromuscular skeletal system under FES possess the highly nonlinear and time-varying characteristics, iterative learning control (ILC is studied and is taken to control this newly designed hybrid rehabilitation system for reaching trainings. Hand function rehabilitation refers to grasping. Because of tiny finger muscles, grasping and releasing are realized by FES array electrodes and matrix scan method. By using the surface electromyography (EMG technique, the subject’s active intent is identified. The upper limb rehabilitation robot powered by PAMs cooperates with FES arrays to realize active reach-to-grasp trainings, which was verified through experiments.

ITER concept definition. V.2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-01-01

Volume II of the two volumes describing the concept definition of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor deals with the ITER concept in technical depth, and covers all areas of design of the ITER tokamak. Included are an assessment of the current database for design, scoping studies, rationale for concepts selection, performance flexibility, the ITER concept, the operations and experimental/testing program, ITER parameters and design phase schedule, and research and development specific to ITER. This latter includes a definition of specific research and development tasks, a division of tasks among members, specific milestones, required results, and schedules. Figs and tabs

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 10

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-07-01

This ITER CTA newsletter issue comprises the ITER backgrounder, which was approved as an official document by the participants in the Negotiations on the ITER Implementation agreement at their fourth meeting, held in Cadarache from 4-6 June 2002, and information about two ITER meetings: one is the third meeting of the ITER parties' designated Safety Representatives, which took place in Cadarache, France from 6-7 June 2002, and the other is the second meeting of the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA) topical group on diagnostics, which was held at General Atomics, San Diego, USA, from 4-8 March 2002

Toward construction of ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Yasuo

2005-01-01

The ITER Project has been significantly developed in the past years in preparation for its construction. The ITER Negotiators have developed a draft Joint Implementation Agreement (JIA), ready for completion following the nomination of the Project's Director General (DG). The ITER International Team and Participant Teams have continued technical and organizational preparations. The actual construction will be able to start immediately after the international ITER organization will be established, following signature of the JIA. The Project is now strongly supported by all the participants as well as by the scientific community with the final high-level negotiations, focused on siting and the concluding details of cost sharing, started in December 2003. The EU, with Cadarache, and Japan, with Rokkasho, have both promised large contributions to the project to strongly support their construction site proposals. The extent to which they both wish to host the ITER facility is such that large contributions to a broader collaboration among the Parties are also proposed by them. This covers complementary activities to help accelerate fusion development towards a viable power source, as well as may allow the Participants to reach a conclusion on ITER siting. (author)

Timing of Multimodal Robot Behaviors during Human-Robot Collaboration

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Lars Christian; Fischer, Kerstin; Suvei, Stefan-Daniel

2017-01-01

In this paper, we address issues of timing between robot behaviors in multimodal human-robot interaction. In particular, we study what effects sequential order and simultaneity of robot arm and body movement and verbal behavior have on the fluency of interactions. In a study with the Care-O-bot, ...... output plays a special role because participants carry their expectations from human verbal interaction into the interactions with robots....

On a Hopping-Points SVD and Hough Transform-Based Line Detection Algorithm for Robot Localization and Mapping

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abhijeet Ravankar

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Line detection is an important problem in computer vision, graphics and autonomous robot navigation. Lines detected using a laser range sensor (LRS mounted on a robot can be used as features to build a map of the environment, and later to localize the robot in the map, in a process known as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM. We propose an efficient algorithm for line detection from LRS data using a novel hopping-points Singular Value Decomposition (SVD and Hough transform-based algorithm, in which SVD is applied to intermittent LRS points to accelerate the algorithm. A reverse-hop mechanism ensures that the end points of the line segments are accurately extracted. Line segments extracted from the proposed algorithm are used to form a map and, subsequently, LRS data points are matched with the line segments to localize the robot. The proposed algorithm eliminates the drawbacks of point-based matching algorithms like the Iterative Closest Points (ICP algorithm, the performance of which degrades with an increasing number of points. We tested the proposed algorithm for mapping and localization in both simulated and real environments, and found it to detect lines accurately and build maps with good self-localization.

ITER tokamak device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doggett, J.; Salpietro, E.; Shatalov, G.

1991-01-01

The results of the Conceptual Design Activities for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are summarized. These activities, carried out between April 1988 and December 1990, produced a consistent set of technical characteristics and preliminary plans for co-ordinated research and development support of ITER; and a conceptual design, a description of design requirements and a preliminary construction schedule and cost estimate. After a description of the design basis, an overview is given of the tokamak device, its auxiliary systems, facility and maintenance. The interrelation and integration of the various subsystems that form the ITER tokamak concept are discussed. The 16 ITER equatorial port allocations, used for nuclear testing, diagnostics, fuelling, maintenance, and heating and current drive, are given, as well as a layout of the reactor building. Finally, brief descriptions are given of the major ITER sub-systems, i.e., (i) magnet systems (toroidal and poloidal field coils and cryogenic systems), (ii) containment structures (vacuum and cryostat vessels, machine gravity supports, attaching locks, passive loops and active coils), (iii) first wall, (iv) divertor plate (design and materials, performance and lifetime, a.o.), (v) blanket/shield system, (vi) maintenance equipment, (vii) current drive and heating, (viii) fuel cycle system, and (ix) diagnostics. 11 refs, figs and tabs

Robotics Potential Fields

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jordi Lucero

2009-01-01

Full Text Available This problem was to calculate the path a robot would take to navigate an obstacle field and get to its goal. Three obstacles were given as negative potential fields which the robot avoided, and a goal was given a positive potential field that attracted the robot. The robot decided each step based on its distance, angle, and influence from every object. After each step, the robot recalculated and determined its next step until it reached its goal. The robot's calculations and steps were simulated with Microsoft Excel.

Shortening treatment time in robotic radiosurgery using a novel node reduction technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Water, Steven van de; Hoogeman, Mischa S.; Breedveld, Sebastiaan; Heijmen, Ben J. M. [Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Groene Hilledijk 301, 3075 EA Rotterdam (Netherlands)

2011-03-15

Purpose: The fraction duration of robotic radiosurgery treatments can be reduced by generating more time-efficient treatment plans with a reduced number of node positions, beams, and monitor units (MUs). Node positions are preprogramed locations where the robot can position the focal spot of the x-ray beam. As the time needed for the robot to travel between node positions takes up a large part of the treatment time, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a node reduction technique in order to reduce the treatment time per fraction for robotic radiosurgery. Methods: Node reduction was integrated into the inverse planning algorithm, developed in-house for the robotic radiosurgery modality. It involved repeated inverse optimization, each iteration excluding low-contribution node positions from the planning and resampling new candidate beams from the remaining node positions. Node reduction was performed until the exclusion of a single node position caused a constraint violation, after which the shortest treatment plan was selected retrospectively. Treatment plans were generated with and without node reduction for two lung cases of different complexity, one oropharyngeal case and one prostate case. Plan quality was assessed using the number of node positions, beams and MUs, and the estimated treatment time per fraction. All treatment plans had to fulfill all clinical dose constraints. Extra constraints were added to maintain the low-dose conformality and restrict skin doses during node reduction. Results: Node reduction resulted in 12 residual node positions, on average (reduction by 77%), at the cost of an increase in the number of beams and total MUs of 28% and 9%, respectively. Overall fraction durations (excluding patient setup) were shortened by 25% (range of 18%-40%), on average. Dose distributions changed only little and dose in low-dose regions was effectively restricted by the additional constraints. Conclusions: The fraction duration of robotic

Shortening treatment time in robotic radiosurgery using a novel node reduction technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Water, Steven van de; Hoogeman, Mischa S.; Breedveld, Sebastiaan; Heijmen, Ben J. M.

2011-01-01

Purpose: The fraction duration of robotic radiosurgery treatments can be reduced by generating more time-efficient treatment plans with a reduced number of node positions, beams, and monitor units (MUs). Node positions are preprogramed locations where the robot can position the focal spot of the x-ray beam. As the time needed for the robot to travel between node positions takes up a large part of the treatment time, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a node reduction technique in order to reduce the treatment time per fraction for robotic radiosurgery. Methods: Node reduction was integrated into the inverse planning algorithm, developed in-house for the robotic radiosurgery modality. It involved repeated inverse optimization, each iteration excluding low-contribution node positions from the planning and resampling new candidate beams from the remaining node positions. Node reduction was performed until the exclusion of a single node position caused a constraint violation, after which the shortest treatment plan was selected retrospectively. Treatment plans were generated with and without node reduction for two lung cases of different complexity, one oropharyngeal case and one prostate case. Plan quality was assessed using the number of node positions, beams and MUs, and the estimated treatment time per fraction. All treatment plans had to fulfill all clinical dose constraints. Extra constraints were added to maintain the low-dose conformality and restrict skin doses during node reduction. Results: Node reduction resulted in 12 residual node positions, on average (reduction by 77%), at the cost of an increase in the number of beams and total MUs of 28% and 9%, respectively. Overall fraction durations (excluding patient setup) were shortened by 25% (range of 18%-40%), on average. Dose distributions changed only little and dose in low-dose regions was effectively restricted by the additional constraints. Conclusions: The fraction duration of robotic

Healthcare Robotics

OpenAIRE

Riek, Laurel D.

2017-01-01

Robots have the potential to be a game changer in healthcare: improving health and well-being, filling care gaps, supporting care givers, and aiding health care workers. However, before robots are able to be widely deployed, it is crucial that both the research and industrial communities work together to establish a strong evidence-base for healthcare robotics, and surmount likely adoption barriers. This article presents a broad contextualization of robots in healthcare by identifying key sta...

RIPE [robot independent programming environment]: A robot independent programming environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miller, D.J.; Lennox, R.C.

1990-01-01

Remote manual operations in radiation environments are typically performed very slowly. Sensor-based computer-controlled robots hold great promise for increasing the speed and safety of remote operations; however, the programming of robotic systems has proven to be expensive and difficult. Generalized approaches to robot programming that reuse available software modules and employ programming languages which are independent of the specific robotic and sensory devices being used are needed to speed software development and increase overall system reliability. This paper discusses the robot independent programming environment (RIPE) developed at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The RIPE is an object-oriented approach to robot system architectures; it is a software environment that facilitates rapid design and implementation of complex robot systems for diverse applications. An architecture based on hierarchies of distributed multiprocessors provides the computing platform for a layered programming structure that models applications using software objects. These objects are designed to support model-based automated programming of robotic and machining devices, real-time sensor-based control, error handling, and robust communication

Evolutionary Developmental Robotics: Improving Morphology and Control of Physical Robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Vujovic, Vuk; Rosendo, Andre; Brodbeck, Luzius; Iida, Fumiya

2017-01-01

Evolutionary algorithms have previously been applied to the design of morphology and control of robots. The design space for such tasks can be very complex, which can prevent evolution from efficiently discovering fit solutions. In this article we introduce an evolutionary-developmental (evo-devo) experiment with real-world robots. It allows robots to grow their leg size to simulate ontogenetic morphological changes, and this is the first time that such an experiment has been performed in the physical world. To test diverse robot morphologies, robot legs of variable shapes were generated during the evolutionary process and autonomously built using additive fabrication. We present two cases with evo-devo experiments and one with evolution, and we hypothesize that the addition of a developmental stage can be used within robotics to improve performance. Moreover, our results show that a nonlinear system-environment interaction exists, which explains the nontrivial locomotion patterns observed. In the future, robots will be present in our daily lives, and this work introduces for the first time physical robots that evolve and grow while interacting with the environment.

A Fast Robot Identification and Mapping Algorithm Based on Kinect Sensor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Liang Zhang

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Internet of Things (IoT is driving innovation in an ever-growing set of application domains such as intelligent processing for autonomous robots. For an autonomous robot, one grand challenge is how to sense its surrounding environment effectively. The Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with RGB-D Kinect camera sensor on robot, called RGB-D SLAM, has been developed for this purpose but some technical challenges must be addressed. Firstly, the efficiency of the algorithm cannot satisfy real-time requirements; secondly, the accuracy of the algorithm is unacceptable. In order to address these challenges, this paper proposes a set of novel improvement methods as follows. Firstly, the ORiented Brief (ORB method is used in feature detection and descriptor extraction. Secondly, a bidirectional Fast Library for Approximate Nearest Neighbors (FLANN k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN algorithm is applied to feature match. Then, the improved RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC estimation method is adopted in the motion transformation. In the meantime, high precision General Iterative Closest Points (GICP is utilized to register a point cloud in the motion transformation optimization. To improve the accuracy of SLAM, the reduced dynamic covariance scaling (DCS algorithm is formulated as a global optimization problem under the G2O framework. The effectiveness of the improved algorithm has been verified by testing on standard data and comparing with the ground truth obtained on Freiburg University’s datasets. The Dr Robot X80 equipped with a Kinect camera is also applied in a building corridor to verify the correctness of the improved RGB-D SLAM algorithm. With the above experiments, it can be seen that the proposed algorithm achieves higher processing speed and better accuracy.

A Fast Robot Identification and Mapping Algorithm Based on Kinect Sensor.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Liang; Shen, Peiyi; Zhu, Guangming; Wei, Wei; Song, Houbing

2015-08-14

Internet of Things (IoT) is driving innovation in an ever-growing set of application domains such as intelligent processing for autonomous robots. For an autonomous robot, one grand challenge is how to sense its surrounding environment effectively. The Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with RGB-D Kinect camera sensor on robot, called RGB-D SLAM, has been developed for this purpose but some technical challenges must be addressed. Firstly, the efficiency of the algorithm cannot satisfy real-time requirements; secondly, the accuracy of the algorithm is unacceptable. In order to address these challenges, this paper proposes a set of novel improvement methods as follows. Firstly, the ORiented Brief (ORB) method is used in feature detection and descriptor extraction. Secondly, a bidirectional Fast Library for Approximate Nearest Neighbors (FLANN) k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm is applied to feature match. Then, the improved RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) estimation method is adopted in the motion transformation. In the meantime, high precision General Iterative Closest Points (GICP) is utilized to register a point cloud in the motion transformation optimization. To improve the accuracy of SLAM, the reduced dynamic covariance scaling (DCS) algorithm is formulated as a global optimization problem under the G2O framework. The effectiveness of the improved algorithm has been verified by testing on standard data and comparing with the ground truth obtained on Freiburg University's datasets. The Dr Robot X80 equipped with a Kinect camera is also applied in a building corridor to verify the correctness of the improved RGB-D SLAM algorithm. With the above experiments, it can be seen that the proposed algorithm achieves higher processing speed and better accuracy.

Posicionamiento de robots basado en visión

OpenAIRE

Marcano Gamero, Cosme Rafael

2007-01-01

Se ha hecho una revisión somera de algunos métodos de localización de robots basados en la visión computarizada. Estos métodos incluyen: a. uso de marcas de referencias fijadas a tierra b. modelos de objetos c. mapas d. construcción de mapas basado en las características observadas. Todos estos métodos están en experimentación. Se han hecho significativos avances en la fusión de varias de estas técnicas como aquellos basados en la odometría, en conjunto con técnicas de construcción de mapas b...

Recent advances in robotics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beni, G.; Hackwood, S.

1984-01-01

Featuring 10 contributions, this volume offers a state-of-the-art report on robotic science and technology. It covers robots in modern industry, robotic control to help the disabled, kinematics and dynamics, six-legged walking robots, a vector analysis of robot manipulators, tactile sensing in robots, and more

ITER lip seal welding and cutting developments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Levesy, B.; Cordier, J.J.; Jokinen, T. [ITER Organization, Route de Vinon sur Verdon, 13115 Saint Paul Lez Durance (France); Kujanpää, V.; Karhu, M. [VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (Finland); Le Barbier, R. [ITER Organization, Route de Vinon sur Verdon, 13115 Saint Paul Lez Durance (France); Määttä, T. [VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (Finland); Martins, J.P.; Utin, Y. [ITER Organization, Route de Vinon sur Verdon, 13115 Saint Paul Lez Durance (France)

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Different TIG and Laser welding techniques are tested. • Twin spot laser welding techniques is the best. • Limited heat input gives a stable weld pool in all positions. • Penetrations is achieved. • Lip seal welding and cutting with a robotic arm is successfully performed on a representative mock-up. - Abstract: The welded lip seals form part of the torus primary vacuum boundary in between the port plugs and the vacuum vessel, and are classified as Protection Important Component. In order to refurbish the port plugs or the in-vessel components, port plugs have to be removed from the machine. The lip seal design must enable up to ten opening of the vacuum vessel during the life time operation of the ITER machine. Therefore proven, remote reliable cutting and re-welding are essential, as these operations need to be performed in the port cells in a nuclear environment, where human presence will be restricted. Moreover, the combination of size of the components to be welded (∼10 m long vacuum compatible thin welds) and the congested environment close to the core of the machine constraint the type and size of tools to be used. This paper describes the lip seal cutting and welding development programme performed at the VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland. Potential cutting and welding techniques are analyzed and compared. The development of the cutting, TIG and laser welding techniques on samples are presented. Effects of lip seal misalignments and optimization of the 2 welding processes are discussed. Finally, the manufacturing and test of the two 1.2 m × 1 m representative mock-ups are presented. The set-up and use of a robotic arm for the mock-up cutting and welding operations are also described.

ITER lip seal welding and cutting developments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levesy, B.; Cordier, J.J.; Jokinen, T.; Kujanpää, V.; Karhu, M.; Le Barbier, R.; Määttä, T.; Martins, J.P.; Utin, Y.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Different TIG and Laser welding techniques are tested. • Twin spot laser welding techniques is the best. • Limited heat input gives a stable weld pool in all positions. • Penetrations is achieved. • Lip seal welding and cutting with a robotic arm is successfully performed on a representative mock-up. - Abstract: The welded lip seals form part of the torus primary vacuum boundary in between the port plugs and the vacuum vessel, and are classified as Protection Important Component. In order to refurbish the port plugs or the in-vessel components, port plugs have to be removed from the machine. The lip seal design must enable up to ten opening of the vacuum vessel during the life time operation of the ITER machine. Therefore proven, remote reliable cutting and re-welding are essential, as these operations need to be performed in the port cells in a nuclear environment, where human presence will be restricted. Moreover, the combination of size of the components to be welded (∼10 m long vacuum compatible thin welds) and the congested environment close to the core of the machine constraint the type and size of tools to be used. This paper describes the lip seal cutting and welding development programme performed at the VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland. Potential cutting and welding techniques are analyzed and compared. The development of the cutting, TIG and laser welding techniques on samples are presented. Effects of lip seal misalignments and optimization of the 2 welding processes are discussed. Finally, the manufacturing and test of the two 1.2 m × 1 m representative mock-ups are presented. The set-up and use of a robotic arm for the mock-up cutting and welding operations are also described.

Put Your Robot In, Put Your Robot Out: Sequencing through Programming Robots in Early Childhood

Science.gov (United States)

Kazakoff, Elizabeth R.; Bers, Marina Umaschi

2014-01-01

This article examines the impact of programming robots on sequencing ability in early childhood. Thirty-four children (ages 4.5-6.5 years) participated in computer programming activities with a developmentally appropriate tool, CHERP, specifically designed to program a robot's behaviors. The children learned to build and program robots over three…

Power converters for ITER

CERN Document Server

Benfatto, I

2006-01-01

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a thermonuclear fusion experiment designed to provide long deuterium– tritium burning plasma operation. After a short description of ITER objectives, the main design parameters and the construction schedule, the paper describes the electrical characteristics of the French 400 kV grid at Cadarache: the European site proposed for ITER. Moreover, the paper describes the main requirements and features of the power converters designed for the ITER coil and additional heating power supplies, characterized by a total installed power of about 1.8 GVA, modular design with basic units up to 90 MVA continuous duty, dc currents up to 68 kA, and voltages from 1 kV to 1 MV dc.

Towards the Emergence of Procedural Memories from Lifelong Multi-Modal Streaming Memories for Cognitive Robots

OpenAIRE

Petit, M; Fischer, T; Demiris, Y

2016-01-01

Various research topics are emerging as the demand for intelligent lifelong interactions between robot and humans increases. Among them, we can find the examination of persistent storage, the continuous unsupervised annotation of memories and the usage of data at high-frequency over long periods of time. We recently proposed a lifelong autobiographical memory architecture tackling some of these challenges, allowing the iCub humanoid robot to 1) create new memories for both actions that are se...

Human Robot Interaction for Hybrid Collision Avoidance System for Indoor Mobile Robots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mazen Ghandour

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In this paper, a novel approach for collision avoidance for indoor mobile robots based on human-robot interaction is realized. The main contribution of this work is a new technique for collision avoidance by engaging the human and the robot in generating new collision-free paths. In mobile robotics, collision avoidance is critical for the success of the robots in implementing their tasks, especially when the robots navigate in crowded and dynamic environments, which include humans. Traditional collision avoidance methods deal with the human as a dynamic obstacle, without taking into consideration that the human will also try to avoid the robot, and this causes the people and the robot to get confused, especially in crowded social places such as restaurants, hospitals, and laboratories. To avoid such scenarios, a reactive-supervised collision avoidance system for mobile robots based on human-robot interaction is implemented. In this method, both the robot and the human will collaborate in generating the collision avoidance via interaction. The person will notify the robot about the avoidance direction via interaction, and the robot will search for the optimal collision-free path on the selected direction. In case that no people interacted with the robot, it will select the navigation path autonomously and select the path that is closest to the goal location. The humans will interact with the robot using gesture recognition and Kinect sensor. To build the gesture recognition system, two models were used to classify these gestures, the first model is Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN, and the second model is Support Vector Machine (SVM. Furthermore, a novel collision avoidance system for avoiding the obstacles is implemented and integrated with the HRI system. The system is tested on H20 robot from DrRobot Company (Canada and a set of experiments were implemented to report the performance of the system in interacting with the human and avoiding

Robots and lattice automata

CERN Document Server

Adamatzky, Andrew

2015-01-01

The book gives a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research and engineering in theory and application of Lattice Automata in design and control of autonomous Robots. Automata and robots share the same notional meaning. Automata (originated from the latinization of the Greek word “αυτόματον”) as self-operating autonomous machines invented from ancient years can be easily considered the first steps of robotic-like efforts. Automata are mathematical models of Robots and also they are integral parts of robotic control systems. A Lattice Automaton is a regular array or a collective of finite state machines, or automata. The Automata update their states by the same rules depending on states of their immediate neighbours. In the context of this book, Lattice Automata are used in developing modular reconfigurable robotic systems, path planning and map exploration for robots, as robot controllers, synchronisation of robot collectives, robot vision, parallel robotic actuators. All chapters are...

Robot vision

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hall, E.L.

1984-01-01

Almost all industrial robots use internal sensors such as shaft encoders which measure rotary position, or tachometers which measure velocity, to control their motions. Most controllers also provide interface capabilities so that signals from conveyors, machine tools, and the robot itself may be used to accomplish a task. However, advanced external sensors, such as visual sensors, can provide a much greater degree of adaptability for robot control as well as add automatic inspection capabilities to the industrial robot. Visual and other sensors are now being used in fundamental operations such as material processing with immediate inspection, material handling with adaption, arc welding, and complex assembly tasks. A new industry of robot vision has emerged. The application of these systems is an area of great potential

Iteration and accelerator dynamics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peggs, S.

1987-10-01

Four examples of iteration in accelerator dynamics are studied in this paper. The first three show how iterations of the simplest maps reproduce most of the significant nonlinear behavior in real accelerators. Each of these examples can be easily reproduced by the reader, at the minimal cost of writing only 20 or 40 lines of code. The fourth example outlines a general way to iteratively solve nonlinear difference equations, analytically or numerically

Benchmark of 6D SLAM (6D Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping Algorithms with Robotic Mobile Mapping Systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bedkowski Janusz

2017-09-01

Full Text Available This work concerns the study of 6DSLAM algorithms with an application of robotic mobile mapping systems. The architecture of the 6DSLAM algorithm is designed for evaluation of different data registration strategies. The algorithm is composed of the iterative registration component, thus ICP (Iterative Closest Point, ICP (point to projection, ICP with semantic discrimination of points, LS3D (Least Square Surface Matching, NDT (Normal Distribution Transform can be chosen. Loop closing is based on LUM and LS3D. The main research goal was to investigate the semantic discrimination of measured points that improve the accuracy of final map especially in demanding scenarios such as multi-level maps (e.g., climbing stairs. The parallel programming based nearest neighborhood search implementation such as point to point, point to projection, semantic discrimination of points is used. The 6DSLAM framework is based on modified 3DTK and PCL open source libraries and parallel programming techniques using NVIDIA CUDA. The paper shows experiments that are demonstrating advantages of proposed approach in relation to practical applications. The major added value of presented research is the qualitative and quantitative evaluation based on realistic scenarios including ground truth data obtained by geodetic survey. The research novelty looking from mobile robotics is the evaluation of LS3D algorithm well known in geodesy.

IHadoop: Asynchronous iterations for MapReduce

KAUST Repository

Elnikety, Eslam Mohamed Ibrahim

2011-11-01

MapReduce is a distributed programming frame-work designed to ease the development of scalable data-intensive applications for large clusters of commodity machines. Most machine learning and data mining applications involve iterative computations over large datasets, such as the Web hyperlink structures and social network graphs. Yet, the MapReduce model does not efficiently support this important class of applications. The architecture of MapReduce, most critically its dataflow techniques and task scheduling, is completely unaware of the nature of iterative applications; tasks are scheduled according to a policy that optimizes the execution for a single iteration which wastes bandwidth, I/O, and CPU cycles when compared with an optimal execution for a consecutive set of iterations. This work presents iHadoop, a modified MapReduce model, and an associated implementation, optimized for iterative computations. The iHadoop model schedules iterations asynchronously. It connects the output of one iteration to the next, allowing both to process their data concurrently. iHadoop\\'s task scheduler exploits inter-iteration data locality by scheduling tasks that exhibit a producer/consumer relation on the same physical machine allowing a fast local data transfer. For those iterative applications that require satisfying certain criteria before termination, iHadoop runs the check concurrently during the execution of the subsequent iteration to further reduce the application\\'s latency. This paper also describes our implementation of the iHadoop model, and evaluates its performance against Hadoop, the widely used open source implementation of MapReduce. Experiments using different data analysis applications over real-world and synthetic datasets show that iHadoop performs better than Hadoop for iterative algorithms, reducing execution time of iterative applications by 25% on average. Furthermore, integrating iHadoop with HaLoop, a variant Hadoop implementation that caches

IHadoop: Asynchronous iterations for MapReduce

KAUST Repository

Elnikety, Eslam Mohamed Ibrahim; El Sayed, Tamer S.; Ramadan, Hany E.

2011-01-01

MapReduce is a distributed programming frame-work designed to ease the development of scalable data-intensive applications for large clusters of commodity machines. Most machine learning and data mining applications involve iterative computations over large datasets, such as the Web hyperlink structures and social network graphs. Yet, the MapReduce model does not efficiently support this important class of applications. The architecture of MapReduce, most critically its dataflow techniques and task scheduling, is completely unaware of the nature of iterative applications; tasks are scheduled according to a policy that optimizes the execution for a single iteration which wastes bandwidth, I/O, and CPU cycles when compared with an optimal execution for a consecutive set of iterations. This work presents iHadoop, a modified MapReduce model, and an associated implementation, optimized for iterative computations. The iHadoop model schedules iterations asynchronously. It connects the output of one iteration to the next, allowing both to process their data concurrently. iHadoop's task scheduler exploits inter-iteration data locality by scheduling tasks that exhibit a producer/consumer relation on the same physical machine allowing a fast local data transfer. For those iterative applications that require satisfying certain criteria before termination, iHadoop runs the check concurrently during the execution of the subsequent iteration to further reduce the application's latency. This paper also describes our implementation of the iHadoop model, and evaluates its performance against Hadoop, the widely used open source implementation of MapReduce. Experiments using different data analysis applications over real-world and synthetic datasets show that iHadoop performs better than Hadoop for iterative algorithms, reducing execution time of iterative applications by 25% on average. Furthermore, integrating iHadoop with HaLoop, a variant Hadoop implementation that caches

Multi-Locomotion Robotic Systems New Concepts of Bio-inspired Robotics

CERN Document Server

Fukuda, Toshio; Sekiyama, Kosuke; Aoyama, Tadayoshi

2012-01-01

Nowadays, multiple attention have been paid on a robot working in the human living environment, such as in the field of medical, welfare, entertainment and so on. Various types of researches are being conducted actively in a variety of fields such as artificial intelligence, cognitive engineering, sensor- technology, interfaces and motion control. In the future, it is expected to realize super high functional human-like robot by integrating technologies in various fields including these types of researches. The book represents new developments and advances in the field of bio-inspired robotics research introducing the state of the art, the idea of multi-locomotion robotic system to implement the diversity of animal motion. It covers theoretical and computational aspects of Passive Dynamic Autonomous Control (PDAC), robot motion control, multi legged walking and climbing as well as brachiation focusing concrete robot systems, components and applications. In addition, gorilla type robot systems are described as...

ITER ITA newsletter No. 31, June 2006

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-07-01

This issue of ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about initialling the ITER Agreement and its related instruments by seven ITER parties, which too place in Brussels on 24 May 2006. The initialling constituted the final act of the ITER negotiations. It confirmed the Parties' common acceptance of the negotiated texts, ad referendum, and signalled their intentions to move forward towards the entry into force of the ITER Agreement as soon as possible. 'ITER - Uniting science today, global energy tomorrow' was the theme of a number of media events timed to accompany a remarkable day in the history of the ITER international venture, May 24th 2006, initialling of the ITER international agreement

Status of the ITER EDA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aymar, R.

2000-01-01

This article summarizes progress made in the ITER Engineering Design Activities in the period between the ITER Meeting in Tokyo (January 2000) and June 2000. Topics: Termination of EDA, Joint Central Team and Support, Task Assignments, ITER Physics, Urgent and High Priority Physics Research Areas

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 10, special issue

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-07-01

This ITER EDA Newsletter includes summaries of the reports of ITER EDA JCT Physics unit about ITER physics R and D during the Engineering Design Activities (EDA), ITER EDA JCT Naka JWC ITER technology R and D during the EDA, and Safety, Environment and Health group of ITER EDA JCT, Garching JWS on EDA activities related to safety

Robot Wars: US Empire and geopolitics in the robotic age

Science.gov (United States)

Shaw, Ian GR

2017-01-01

How will the robot age transform warfare? What geopolitical futures are being imagined by the US military? This article constructs a robotic futurology to examine these crucial questions. Its central concern is how robots – driven by leaps in artificial intelligence and swarming – are rewiring the spaces and logics of US empire, warfare, and geopolitics. The article begins by building a more-than-human geopolitics to de-center the role of humans in conflict and foreground a worldly understanding of robots. The article then analyzes the idea of US empire, before speculating upon how and why robots are materializing new forms of proxy war. A three-part examination of the shifting spaces of US empire then follows: (1) Swarm Wars explores the implications of miniaturized drone swarming; (2) Roboworld investigates how robots are changing US military basing strategy and producing new topological spaces of violence; and (3) The Autogenic Battle-Site reveals how autonomous robots will produce emergent, technologically event-ful sites of security and violence – revolutionizing the battlespace. The conclusion reflects on the rise of a robotic US empire and its consequences for democracy. PMID:29081605

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 13, October 2002

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-11-01

This ITER CTA newsletter issue comprises concise information about an ITER related meeting concerning the joint implementation of ITER - the fifth ITER Negotiations Meeting - which was held in Toronto, Canada, 19-20 September, 2002, and information about assessment of the possible ITER site in Clarington, Ontario, Canada, which was the subject of the first official stage of the Joint Assessment of Specific Sites (JASS) for the ITER Project. This assessment was completed just before the Fifth ITER Negotiations Meeting

The ITER remote maintenance system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tesini, A.; Palmer, J.

2008-01-01

The aim of this paper is to summarize the ITER approach to machine components maintenance. A major objective of the ITER project is to demonstrate that a future power producing fusion device can be maintained effectively and offer practical levels of plant availability. During its operational lifetime, many systems of the ITER machine will require maintenance and modification; this can be achieved using remote handling methods. The need for timely, safe and effective remote operations on a machine as complex as ITER and within one of the world's most hostile remote handling environments represents a major challenge at every level of the ITER Project organization, engineering and technology. The basic principles of fusion reactor maintenance are presented. An updated description of the ITER remote maintenance system is provided. This includes the maintenance equipment used inside the vacuum vessel, inside the hot cell and the hot cell itself. The correlation between the functions of the remote handling equipment, of the hot cell and of the radwaste processing system is also described. The paper concludes that ITER has equipped itself with a good platform to tackle the challenges presented by its own maintenance and upgrade needs

Inclusion of service robots in the daily lives of frail older users: A step-by-step definition procedure on users' requirements.

Science.gov (United States)

García-Soler, Álvaro; Facal, David; Díaz-Orueta, Unai; Pigini, Lucia; Blasi, Lorenzo; Qiu, Renxi

2018-01-01

The implications for the inclusion of robots in the daily lives of frail older adults, especially in relation to these population needs, have not been extensively studied. The "Multi-Role Shadow Robotic System for Independent Living" (SRS) project has developed a remotely-controlled, semi-autonomous robotic system to be used in domestic environments. The objective of this paper is to document the iterative procedure used to identify, select and prioritize user requirements. Seventy-four requirements were identified by means of focus groups, individual interviews and scenario-based interviews. The list of user requirements, ordered according to impact, number and transnational criteria, revealed a high number of requirements related to basic and instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive and social support and monitorization, and also involving privacy, safety and adaptation issues. Analysing and understanding older users' perceptions and needs when interacting with technological devices adds value to assistive technology and ensures that the systems address currently unmet needs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Robotic vision system for random bin picking with dual-arm robots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kang Sangseung

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Random bin picking is one of the most challenging industrial robotics applications available. It constitutes a complicated interaction between the vision system, robot, and control system. For a packaging operation requiring a pick-and-place task, the robot system utilized should be able to perform certain functions for recognizing the applicable target object from randomized objects in a bin. In this paper, we introduce a robotic vision system for bin picking using industrial dual-arm robots. The proposed system recognizes the best object from randomized target candidates based on stereo vision, and estimates the position and orientation of the object. It then sends the result to the robot control system. The system was developed for use in the packaging process of cell phone accessories using dual-arm robots.

Modular Robotic Wearable

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lund, Henrik Hautop; Pagliarini, Luigi

2009-01-01

In this concept paper we trace the contours and define a new approach to robotic systems, composed of interactive robotic modules which are somehow worn on the body. We label such a field as Modular Robotic Wearable (MRW). We describe how, by using modular robotics for creating wearable....... Finally, by focusing on the intersection of the combination modular robotic systems, wearability, and bodymind we attempt to explore the theoretical characteristics of such approach and exploit the possible playware application fields....

Marine Robot Autonomy

CERN Document Server

2013-01-01

Autonomy for Marine Robots provides a timely and insightful overview of intelligent autonomy in marine robots. A brief history of this emerging field is provided, along with a discussion of the challenges unique to the underwater environment and their impact on the level of intelligent autonomy required.  Topics covered at length examine advanced frameworks, path-planning, fault tolerance, machine learning, and cooperation as relevant to marine robots that need intelligent autonomy.  This book also: Discusses and offers solutions for the unique challenges presented by more complex missions and the dynamic underwater environment when operating autonomous marine robots Includes case studies that demonstrate intelligent autonomy in marine robots to perform underwater simultaneous localization and mapping  Autonomy for Marine Robots is an ideal book for researchers and engineers interested in the field of marine robots.      

ITER EDA Newsletter. Vol. 1, No. 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-11-01

After the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA) Agreement and Protocol 1 had been signed by the four ITER parties on July 21, 1992 and had entered into force, the ITER Council suggested at its first meeting (Vienna, September 10-11, 1992) that the publication of the ITER Newsletter be continued during the EDA with assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This suggestion was supported by the Agency and subsequently the ITER office in Vienna assumed its responsibilities for planning and executing activities related to the publication of the Newsletter. The ITER EDA Newsletter is planned to be a monthly publication aimed at disseminating broad information and understanding, including the description of the personal and institutional involvements in the ITER project in addition to technical facts about it. The responsibility for the Newsletter rests with the ITER council. In this first issue the signing of the ITER EDA Activities and Protocol 1 is reported. The EDA organizational structure is described. This issue also reports on the first ITER EDA council meeting, the opening of the ITER EDA NAKA Co-Centre, the first meeting of the ITER Technical Advisory Committee, activities of special working groups, an ITER Technical Meeting, as well as ''News in Brief'' and ''Coming Events''

Industrial Robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Reed, Dean; Harden, Thomas K.

Robots are mechanical devices that can be programmed to perform some task of manipulation or locomotion under automatic control. This paper discusses: (1) early developments of the robotics industry in the United States; (2) the present structure of the industry; (3) noneconomic factors related to the use of robots; (4) labor considerations…

Report of the international symposium for ITER. 'Burning plasma science and technology on ITER'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-10-01

This report contains the presentations on the International Symposium for ITER, held on Jan. 24, 2002 on the occasion of the ITER Governmental Negotiations in Tokyo. This symposium is organized by Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The meaningful results were obtained through this symposium especially on new frontiers of science and technology brought by ITER, accelerated road maps towards realizing fusion energy, and portfolio of other fusion configurations from ITER. The 5 of the presented papers are indexed individually (J.P.N.)

ITER Council tour of Clarington site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dautovich, D.

2001-01-01

The ITER Council meeting was recently held in Toronto on 27 and 28 February. ITER Canada provided local arrangements for the Council meeting on behalf of Europe as the Official host. Following the meeting, on 1 March, ITER Canada conducted a tour of the proposed ITER construction site at Charington, and the ITER Council members attended a luncheon followed by a speech by Dr. Peter Barnard, Chairman and CEO of ITER Canada, at the Empire Club of Canada. The official invitation to participate in these events came from Dr. Peter Harrison, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada. This report provides a brief summary of the events on 1 March

ITER licensing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gordon, C.W.

2005-01-01

ITER was fortunate to have four countries interested in ITER siting to the point where licensing discussions were initiated. This experience uncovered the challenges of licensing a first of a kind, fusion machine under different licensing regimes and helped prepare the way for the site specific licensing process. These initial steps in licensing ITER have allowed for refining the safety case and provide confidence that the design and safety approach will be licensable. With site-specific licensing underway, the necessary regulatory submissions have been defined and are well on the way to being completed. Of course, there is still work to be done and details to be sorted out. However, the informal international discussions to bring both the proponent and regulatory authority up to a common level of understanding have laid the foundation for a licensing process that should proceed smoothly. This paper provides observations from the perspective of the International Team. (author)

High gamma-rays irradiation tests of critical components for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in-vessel remote handling system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obara, Kenjiro; Kakudate, Satoshi; Oka, Kiyoshi

1999-02-01

In ITER, the in-vessel remote handling is inevitably required to assemble and maintain the activated in-vessel components due to deuterium and tritium operation. Since the in-vessel remote handling system has to be operated under the intense of gamma ray irradiation, the components of the remote handling system are required to have radiation hardness so as to allow maintenance operation for a sufficient length of time under the ITER in-vessel environments. For this, the Japan, European and Russian Home Teams have extensively conducted gamma ray irradiation tests and quality improvements including optimization of material composition through ITER R and D program in order to develop radiation hard components which satisfy the doses from 10 MGy to 100 MGy at a dose rate of 1 x 10 6 R/h (ITER R and D Task: T252). This report describes the latest status of radiation hard component development which has been conducted by the Japan Home Team in the ITER R and D program. The number of remote handling components tested is about seventy and these are categorized into robotics (Subtask 1), viewing system (Subtask 2) and common components (Subtask 3). The irradiation tests, including commercial base products for screening, modified products and newly developed products to improve the radiation hardness, were carried out using the gamma ray irradiation cells in Takasaki Establishment, JAERI. As a result, the development of the radiation hard components which can be tolerable for high temperature and gamma radiation has been well progressed, and many components, such as AC servo motor with ceramics insulated wire, optical periscope and CCD camera, have been newly developed. (author)

High gamma-rays irradiation tests of critical components for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in-vessel remote handling system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Obara, Kenjiro; Kakudate, Satoshi; Oka, Kiyoshi [Department of Fusion Engineering Research, Naka Fusion Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Naka, Ibaraki (Japan)] [and others

1999-02-01

In ITER, the in-vessel remote handling is inevitably required to assemble and maintain the activated in-vessel components due to deuterium and tritium operation. Since the in-vessel remote handling system has to be operated under the intense of gamma ray irradiation, the components of the remote handling system are required to have radiation hardness so as to allow maintenance operation for a sufficient length of time under the ITER in-vessel environments. For this, the Japan, European and Russian Home Teams have extensively conducted gamma ray irradiation tests and quality improvements including optimization of material composition through ITER R and D program in order to develop radiation hard components which satisfy the doses from 10 MGy to 100 MGy at a dose rate of 1 x 10{sup 6} R/h (ITER R and D Task: T252). This report describes the latest status of radiation hard component development which has been conducted by the Japan Home Team in the ITER R and D program. The number of remote handling components tested is about seventy and these are categorized into robotics (Subtask 1), viewing system (Subtask 2) and common components (Subtask 3). The irradiation tests, including commercial base products for screening, modified products and newly developed products to improve the radiation hardness, were carried out using the gamma ray irradiation cells in Takasaki Establishment, JAERI. As a result, the development of the radiation hard components which can be tolerable for high temperature and gamma radiation has been well progressed, and many components, such as AC servo motor with ceramics insulated wire, optical periscope and CCD camera, have been newly developed. (author)

ITER-FEAT operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.; Huget, M.; Mizoguchi, T.; Murakami, Y.; Polevoi, A.; Shimada, M.; Aymar, R.; Chuyanov, V.; Matsumoto, H.

2001-01-01

ITER is planned to be the first fusion experimental reactor in the world operating for research in physics and engineering. The first 10 years' operation will be devoted primarily to physics issues at low neutron fluence and the following 10 years' operation to engineering testing at higher fluence. ITER can accommodate various plasma configurations and plasma operation modes such as inductive high Q modes, long pulse hybrid modes, non-inductive steady-state modes, with large ranges of plasma current, density, beta and fusion power, and with various heating and current drive methods. This flexibility will provide an advantage for coping with uncertainties in the physics database, in studying burning plasmas, in introducing advanced features and in optimizing the plasma performance for the different programme objectives. Remote sites will be able to participate in the ITER experiment. This concept will provide an advantage not only in operating ITER for 24 hours per day but also in involving the world-wide fusion communities and in promoting scientific competition among the Parties. (author)

Social Robots

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Social robotics is a cutting edge research area gathering researchers and stakeholders from various disciplines and organizations. The transformational potential that these machines, in the form of, for example, caregiving, entertainment or partner robots, pose to our societies and to us as indiv......Social robotics is a cutting edge research area gathering researchers and stakeholders from various disciplines and organizations. The transformational potential that these machines, in the form of, for example, caregiving, entertainment or partner robots, pose to our societies and to us...... as individuals seems to be limited by our technical limitations and phantasy alone. This collection contributes to the field of social robotics by exploring its boundaries from a philosophically informed standpoint. It constructively outlines central potentials and challenges and thereby also provides a stable...

Non-manufacturing applications of robotics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dauchez, P.

2000-12-01

This book presents the different non-manufacturing sectors of activity where robotics can have useful or necessary applications: underwater robotics, agriculture robotics, road work robotics, nuclear robotics, medical-surgery robotics, aids to disabled people, entertainment robotics. Service robotics has been voluntarily excluded because this developing sector is not mature yet. (J.S.)

Advanced robot locomotion.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neely, Jason C.; Sturgis, Beverly Rainwater; Byrne, Raymond Harry; Feddema, John Todd; Spletzer, Barry Louis; Rose, Scott E.; Novick, David Keith; Wilson, David Gerald; Buerger, Stephen P.

2007-01-01

This report contains the results of a research effort on advanced robot locomotion. The majority of this work focuses on walking robots. Walking robot applications include delivery of special payloads to unique locations that require human locomotion to exo-skeleton human assistance applications. A walking robot could step over obstacles and move through narrow openings that a wheeled or tracked vehicle could not overcome. It could pick up and manipulate objects in ways that a standard robot gripper could not. Most importantly, a walking robot would be able to rapidly perform these tasks through an intuitive user interface that mimics natural human motion. The largest obstacle arises in emulating stability and balance control naturally present in humans but needed for bipedal locomotion in a robot. A tracked robot is bulky and limited, but a wide wheel base assures passive stability. Human bipedal motion is so common that it is taken for granted, but bipedal motion requires active balance and stability control for which the analysis is non-trivial. This report contains an extensive literature study on the state-of-the-art of legged robotics, and it additionally provides the analysis, simulation, and hardware verification of two variants of a proto-type leg design.

Scaling Robotic Displays: Displays and Techniques for Dismounted Movement with Robots

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

you are performing the low crawl 4.25 5.00 Drive the robot while you are negotiating the hill 6.00 5.00 Drive the robot while you are climbing the... stairs 4.67 5.00 Drive the robot while you are walking 5.70 5.27 HMD It was fairly doable. 1 When you’re looking through the lens, it’s not...Scaling Robotic Displays: Displays and Techniques for Dismounted Movement with Robots by Elizabeth S. Redden, Rodger A. Pettitt

Human-Robot Interaction

Science.gov (United States)

Sandor, Aniko; Cross, E. Vincent, II; Chang, Mai Lee

2015-01-01

Human-robot interaction (HRI) is a discipline investigating the factors affecting the interactions between humans and robots. It is important to evaluate how the design of interfaces affect the human's ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently when working with a robot. By understanding the effects of interface design on human performance, workload, and situation awareness, interfaces can be developed to appropriately support the human in performing tasks with minimal errors and with appropriate interaction time and effort. Thus, the results of research on human-robot interfaces have direct implications for the design of robotic systems. For efficient and effective remote navigation of a rover, a human operator needs to be aware of the robot's environment. However, during teleoperation, operators may get information about the environment only through a robot's front-mounted camera causing a keyhole effect. The keyhole effect reduces situation awareness which may manifest in navigation issues such as higher number of collisions, missing critical aspects of the environment, or reduced speed. One way to compensate for the keyhole effect and the ambiguities operators experience when they teleoperate a robot is adding multiple cameras and including the robot chassis in the camera view. Augmented reality, such as overlays, can also enhance the way a person sees objects in the environment or in camera views by making them more visible. Scenes can be augmented with integrated telemetry, procedures, or map information. Furthermore, the addition of an exocentric (i.e., third-person) field of view from a camera placed in the robot's environment may provide operators with the additional information needed to gain spatial awareness of the robot. Two research studies investigated possible mitigation approaches to address the keyhole effect: 1) combining the inclusion of the robot chassis in the camera view with augmented reality overlays, and 2) modifying the camera

Next generation light robotic

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Villangca, Mark Jayson; Palima, Darwin; Banas, Andrew Rafael

2017-01-01

-assisted surgery imbibes surgeons with superhuman abilities and gives the expression “surgical precision” a whole new meaning. Still in its infancy, much remains to be done to improve human-robot collaboration both in realizing robots that can operate safely with humans and in training personnel that can work......Conventional robotics provides machines and robots that can replace and surpass human performance in repetitive, difficult, and even dangerous tasks at industrial assembly lines, hazardous environments, or even at remote planets. A new class of robotic systems no longer aims to replace humans...... with so-called automatons but, rather, to create robots that can work alongside human operators. These new robots are intended to collaborate with humans—extending their abilities—from assisting workers on the factory floor to rehabilitating patients in their homes. In medical robotics, robot...

Human-Robot Interaction: Does Robotic Guidance Force Affect Gait-Related Brain Dynamics during Robot-Assisted Treadmill Walking?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kristel Knaepen

Full Text Available In order to determine optimal training parameters for robot-assisted treadmill walking, it is essential to understand how a robotic device interacts with its wearer, and thus, how parameter settings of the device affect locomotor control. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of guidance force during robot-assisted treadmill walking on cortical activity. Eighteen healthy subjects walked at 2 km.h-1 on a treadmill with and without assistance of the Lokomat robotic gait orthosis. Event-related spectral perturbations and changes in power spectral density were investigated during unassisted treadmill walking as well as during robot-assisted treadmill walking at 30%, 60% and 100% guidance force (with 0% body weight support. Clustering of independent components revealed three clusters of activity in the sensorimotor cortex during treadmill walking and robot-assisted treadmill walking in healthy subjects. These clusters demonstrated gait-related spectral modulations in the mu, beta and low gamma bands over the sensorimotor cortex related to specific phases of the gait cycle. Moreover, mu and beta rhythms were suppressed in the right primary sensory cortex during treadmill walking compared to robot-assisted treadmill walking with 100% guidance force, indicating significantly larger involvement of the sensorimotor area during treadmill walking compared to robot-assisted treadmill walking. Only marginal differences in the spectral power of the mu, beta and low gamma bands could be identified between robot-assisted treadmill walking with different levels of guidance force. From these results it can be concluded that a high level of guidance force (i.e., 100% guidance force and thus a less active participation during locomotion should be avoided during robot-assisted treadmill walking. This will optimize the involvement of the sensorimotor cortex which is known to be crucial for motor learning.

Human-Robot Interaction: Does Robotic Guidance Force Affect Gait-Related Brain Dynamics during Robot-Assisted Treadmill Walking?

Science.gov (United States)

Knaepen, Kristel; Mierau, Andreas; Swinnen, Eva; Fernandez Tellez, Helio; Michielsen, Marc; Kerckhofs, Eric; Lefeber, Dirk; Meeusen, Romain

2015-01-01

In order to determine optimal training parameters for robot-assisted treadmill walking, it is essential to understand how a robotic device interacts with its wearer, and thus, how parameter settings of the device affect locomotor control. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of guidance force during robot-assisted treadmill walking on cortical activity. Eighteen healthy subjects walked at 2 km.h-1 on a treadmill with and without assistance of the Lokomat robotic gait orthosis. Event-related spectral perturbations and changes in power spectral density were investigated during unassisted treadmill walking as well as during robot-assisted treadmill walking at 30%, 60% and 100% guidance force (with 0% body weight support). Clustering of independent components revealed three clusters of activity in the sensorimotor cortex during treadmill walking and robot-assisted treadmill walking in healthy subjects. These clusters demonstrated gait-related spectral modulations in the mu, beta and low gamma bands over the sensorimotor cortex related to specific phases of the gait cycle. Moreover, mu and beta rhythms were suppressed in the right primary sensory cortex during treadmill walking compared to robot-assisted treadmill walking with 100% guidance force, indicating significantly larger involvement of the sensorimotor area during treadmill walking compared to robot-assisted treadmill walking. Only marginal differences in the spectral power of the mu, beta and low gamma bands could be identified between robot-assisted treadmill walking with different levels of guidance force. From these results it can be concluded that a high level of guidance force (i.e., 100% guidance force) and thus a less active participation during locomotion should be avoided during robot-assisted treadmill walking. This will optimize the involvement of the sensorimotor cortex which is known to be crucial for motor learning.

ITER EDA Newsletter. V. 3, no. 8

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-08-01

This ITER EDA (Engineering Design Activities) Newsletter issue reports on the sixth ITER council meeting; introduces the newly appointed ITER director and reports on his address to the ITER council. The vacuum tank for the ITER model coil testing, installed at JAERI, Naka, Japan is also briefly described

Roles and Self-Reconfigurable Robots

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dvinge, Nicolai; Schultz, Ulrik Pagh; Christensen, David Johan

2007-01-01

A self-reconfigurable robot is a robotic device that can change its own shape. Self-reconfigurable robots are commonly built from multiple identical modules that can manipulate each other to change the shape of the robot. The robot can also perform tasks such as locomotion without changing shape......., significantly simplifying the task of programming self-reconfigurable robots. Our language fully supports programming the ATRON self-reconfigurable robot, and has been used to implement several controllers running both on the physical modules and in simulation.......A self-reconfigurable robot is a robotic device that can change its own shape. Self-reconfigurable robots are commonly built from multiple identical modules that can manipulate each other to change the shape of the robot. The robot can also perform tasks such as locomotion without changing shape....... Programming a modular, self-reconfigurable robot is however a complicated task: the robot is essentially a real-time, distributed embedded system, where control and communication paths often are tightly coupled to the current physical configuration of the robot. To facilitate the task of programming modular...

Robot Teachers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nørgård, Rikke Toft; Ess, Charles Melvin; Bhroin, Niamh Ni

The world's first robot teacher, Saya, was introduced to a classroom in Japan in 2009. Saya, had the appearance of a young female teacher. She could express six basic emotions, take the register and shout orders like 'be quiet' (The Guardian, 2009). Since 2009, humanoid robot technologies have...... developed. It is now suggested that robot teachers may become regular features in educational settings, and may even 'take over' from human teachers in ten to fifteen years (cf. Amundsen, 2017 online; Gohd, 2017 online). Designed to look and act like a particular kind of human; robot teachers mediate human...... existence and roles, while also aiming to support education through sophisticated, automated, human-like interaction. Our paper explores the design and existential implications of ARTIE, a robot teacher at Oxford Brookes University (2017, online). Drawing on an initial empirical exploration we propose...

Accelerating Robot Development through Integral Analysis of Human-Robot Interaction

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kooijmans, T.; Kanda, T.; Bartneck, C.; Ishiguro, H.; Hagita, N.

2007-01-01

The development of interactive robots is a complicated process, involving a plethora of psychological, technical, and contextual influences. To design a robot capable of operating "intelligently" in everyday situations, one needs a profound understanding of human-robot interaction (HRI). We propose

ITER technical advisory committee meeting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fujiwara, M.

2001-01-01

The 17th Meeting of the ITER Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-17) was held on February 19-22, the ITER Garching Work Site in Germany. The objective of the meeting was to review the Draft Final Design Report of ITER-FEAT and assess the ability of the self-consistent overall design both to satisfy the technical objectives previously defined and to meet the cost limitations. TAC-17 was also organized to confirm that the design and critical elements, with emphasis on the key recommendations made at previous TAC meetings, are such as to extend the confidence in starting ITER construction. It was also intended to provide the ITER Council, scheduled to meet on 27 and 28 February in Toronto, with a technical assessment and key recommendations of the above mentioned report

ITER EDA status

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aymar, R.

2001-01-01

The Project has focused on drafting the Plant Description Document (PDD), which will be published as the Technical Basis for the ITER Final Design Report (FDR), and its related documentation in time for the ITER review process. The preparations have involved continued intensive detailed design work, analyses and assessments by the Home Teams and the Joint Central Team, who have co-operated closely and efficiently. The main technical document has been completed in time for circulation, as planned, to TAC members for their review at TAC-17 (19-22 February 2001). Some of the supporting documents, such as the Plant Design Specification (PDS), Design Requirements and Guidelines (DRG1 and DRG2), and the Plant Safety Requirement (PSR) are also available for reference in draft form. A summary paper of the PDD for the Council's information is available as a separate document. A new documentation structure for the Project has been established. This hierarchical structure for documentation facilitates the entire organization in a way that allows better change control and avoids duplications. The initiative was intended to make this documentation system valid for the construction and operation phases of ITER. As requested, the Director and the JCT have been assisting the Explorations to plan for future joint technical activities during the Negotiations, and to consider technical issues important for ITER construction and operation for their introduction in the draft of a future joint implementation agreement. As charged by the Explorers, the Director has held discussions with the Home Team Leaders in order to prepare for the staffing of the International Team and Participants Teams during the Negotiations (Co-ordinated Technical Activities, CTA) and also in view of informing all ITER staff about their future directions in a timely fashion. One important element of the work was the completion by the Parties' industries of costing studies of about 83 ''procurement packages

ITER ITA newsletter. No. 8, September 2003

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-10-01

This issue of ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about ITER related activities including Robert Aymar's leaving ITER for CERN, ITER related issues at the IAEA General Conference and status and prospects of thermonuclear power and activity during the ITA on materials foe vessel and in-vessel components

Micro Robotics Lab

Data.gov (United States)

Federal Laboratory Consortium — Our research is focused on the challenges of engineering robotic systems down to sub-millimeter size scales. We work both on small mobile robots (robotic insects for...

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 9

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-06-01

This ITER CTA newsletter contains information about the Fourth Negotiations Meeting on the Joint Implementation of ITER held in Cadarache, France on 4-6 June 2002 and about the meeting of the ITER CTA Project Board which took place on the occasion of the N4 Meeting at Cadarache on 3-4 June 2002

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

This ITER CTA newsletter comprises reports on ITER co-ordinated technical activities, information about the Meeting of the ITER CTA project board which took place in Vienna on 16 July 2001, and the Meeting of the expert group on MHD, disruptions and plasma control which was held on 25-26 June 2001 in Funchal, Madeira

The JET ITER-like wall experiment: First results and lessons for ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Horton, Lorne, E-mail: Lorne.Horton@jet.efda.org [EFDA-CSU Culham, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3DB (United Kingdom); European Commission, B-1049 Brussels (Belgium)

2013-10-15

Highlights: ► JET has recently completed the installation of an ITER-like wall. ► Important operational aspects have changed with the new wall. ► Initial experiments have confirmed the expected low fuel retention. ► Disruption dynamics have change dramatically. ► Development of wall-compatible, ITER-relevant regimes of operation has begun. -- Abstract: The JET programme is strongly focused on preparations for ITER construction and exploitation. To this end, a major programme of machine enhancements has recently been completed, including a new ITER-like wall, in which the plasma-facing armour in the main vacuum chamber is beryllium while that in the divertor is tungsten—the same combination of plasma-facing materials foreseen for ITER. The goal of the initial experimental campaigns is to fully characterise operation with the new wall, concentrating in particular on plasma-material interactions, and to make direct comparisons of plasma performance with the previous, carbon wall. This is being done in a progressive manner, with the input power and plasma performance being increased in combination with the commissioning of a comprehensive new real-time protection system. Progress achieved during the first set of experimental campaigns with the new wall, which took place from September 2011 to July 2012, is reported.

ITER concept definition. V.1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-01-01

Under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an agreement among the four parties representing the world's major fusion programs resulted in a program for conceptual design of the next logical step in the fusion program, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The definition phase, which ended in November, 1989, is summarized in two reports: a brief summary is contained in the ITER Definition Phase Report (IAEA/ITER/DS/2); the extended technical summary and technical details of ITER are contained in this two-volume report. The first volume of this report contains the Introduction and Summary, and the remainder will appear in Volume II. In the Conceptual Design Activities phase, ITER has been defined as being a tokamak device. The basic performance parameters of ITER are given in Volume I of this report. In addition, the rationale for selection of this concept, the performance flexibility, technical issues, operations, safety, reliability, cost, and research and development needed to proceed with the design are discussed. Figs and tabs

ITER primary cryopump test facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Petersohn, N.; Mack, A.; Boissin, J.C.; Murdoc, D.

1998-01-01

A cryopump as ITER primary vacuum pump is being developed at FZK under the European fusion technology programme. The ITER vacuum system comprises of 16 cryopumps operating in a cyclic mode which fulfills the vacuum requirements in all ITER operation modes. Prior to the construction of a prototype cryopump, the concept is tested on a reduced scale model pump. To test the model pump, the TIMO facility is being built at FZK in which the model pump operation under ITER environmental conditions, except for tritium exposure, neutron irradiation and magnetic fields, can be simulated. The TIMO facility mainly consists of a test vessel for ITER divertor duct simulation, a 600 W refrigerator system supplying helium in the 5 K stage and a 30 kW helium supply system for the 80 K stage. The model pump test programme will be performed with regard to the pumping performance and cryogenic operation of the pump. The results of the model pump testing will lead to the design of the full scale ITER cryopump. (orig.)

ITER ITA newsletter No. 32, July 2006

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-07-01

This issue of ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about ITER related activities. The ITER Parties, at their Ministerial Meeting in May 2006 in Brussels, initialled the draft text of the prospective Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project as well as the draft text of the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project. The Parties have requested that the IAEA Director General serve as Depositary of the two aforementioned Agreements and that the IAEA establish a Trust Fund to Support Common Expenditures under the ITER Transitional Arrangements, pending entry into force of the prospective Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project. At its June Meeting in Vienna, the IAEA Board of Governors approved these requests. There is also information about the Tenth Meeting of the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA) Topical Group (TG) on Diagnostics was held at the Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, from 10-14 April 2006

Robot fish bio-inspired fishlike underwater robots

CERN Document Server

Li, Zheng; Youcef-Toumi, Kamal; Alvarado, Pablo

2015-01-01

This book provides a comprehensive coverage on robot fish including design, modeling and optimization, control, autonomous control and applications. It gathers contributions by the leading researchers in the area. Readers will find the book very useful for designing and building robot fish, not only in theory but also in practice. Moreover, the book discusses various important issues for future research and development, including design methodology, control methodology, and autonomous control strategy. This book is intended for researchers and graduate students in the fields of robotics, ocean engineering and related areas.

Robotics in endoscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Klibansky, David; Rothstein, Richard I

2012-09-01

The increasing complexity of intralumenal and emerging translumenal endoscopic procedures has created an opportunity to apply robotics in endoscopy. Computer-assisted or direct-drive robotic technology allows the triangulation of flexible tools through telemanipulation. The creation of new flexible operative platforms, along with other emerging technology such as nanobots and steerable capsules, can be transformational for endoscopic procedures. In this review, we cover some background information on the use of robotics in surgery and endoscopy, and review the emerging literature on platforms, capsules, and mini-robotic units. The development of techniques in advanced intralumenal endoscopy (endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection) and translumenal endoscopic procedures (NOTES) has generated a number of novel platforms, flexible tools, and devices that can apply robotic principles to endoscopy. The development of a fully flexible endoscopic surgical toolkit will enable increasingly advanced procedures to be performed through natural orifices. The application of platforms and new flexible tools to the areas of advanced endoscopy and NOTES heralds the opportunity to employ useful robotic technology. Following the examples of the utility of robotics from the field of laparoscopic surgery, we can anticipate the emerging role of robotic technology in endoscopy.

Implementation and Reconfiguration of Robot Operating System on Human Follower Transporter Robot

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Addythia Saphala

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Robotic Operation System (ROS is an im- portant platform to develop robot applications. One area of applications is for development of a Human Follower Transporter Robot (HFTR, which  can  be  considered  as a custom mobile robot utilizing differential driver steering method and equipped with Kinect sensor. This study discusses the development of the robot navigation system by implementing Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM.

ITER EDA Newsletter. V. 10, no. 7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-07-01

This ITER EDA Newsletter presents an overview of meetings held at IAEA Headquarters in Vienna during the week 16-20 July 2001 related to the successful completion of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA). Among them were the final meeting of the ITER Council, the closing ceremony to commemorate the EDA completion, the final meeting of the ITER Management Advisory Committee, a briefing of issues related to ITER developments, and discussions on the possible joint implementation of ITER

Presentation robot Advee

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Krejsa, Jiří; Věchet, Stanislav; Hrbáček, J.; Ripel, T.; Ondroušek, V.; Hrbáček, R.; Schreiber, P.

2012-01-01

Roč. 18, 5/6 (2012), s. 307-322 ISSN 1802-1484 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20760514 Keywords : mobile robot * human - robot interface * localization Subject RIV: JD - Computer Applications, Robot ics

IAEA activities related to ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dolan, T.J.; Schneider, U.

2001-01-01

As agreed between the IAEA and the ITER Parties, special sessions are dedicated to ITER at the IAEA Fusion Energy Conferences. At the 18th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, held on 4-10 October 2000 in Sorrento, Italy, in the Artsimovich-Kadomtsev Memorial opening session there were special lectures by Carlo Rubbia (President, ENEA, Italy), A. Arima (Japan), and E.P. Velikhov (Russia); an overview talk on ITER by R. Aymar (ITER Director); and a talk on the FTU experiment by F. Romanelli. In total, 573 participants from 34 countries presented 389 papers (including 11 post-deadline papers and the 4 summaries)

Control del brazo robot IRB120 mediante el dispositivo háptico PHANTOM

OpenAIRE

Pardo Alía, Samuel

2016-01-01

El proyecto expuesto en el presente libro consiste en el control del brazo robot IRB120 a través de diferentes aplicaciones por medio de una interfaz gráfica creada con el software matemático MATLAB. Todo ello se llevará a cabo gracias a un socket de comunicación desarrollado en lenguaje RAPID que permite el envío simultáneo de varias posiciones al robot. Entre esas aplicaciones destaca el empleo del dispositivo háptico Phantom Omni para la creación de dibujos o textos a man...

Robotic surgery update.

Science.gov (United States)

Jacobsen, G; Elli, F; Horgan, S

2004-08-01

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized the field of surgery. Telesurgical manipulators (robots) and new information technologies strive to improve upon currently available minimally invasive techniques and create new possibilities. A retrospective review of all robotic cases at a single academic medical center from August 2000 until November 2002 was conducted. A comprehensive literature evaluation on robotic surgical technology was also performed. Robotic technology is safely and effectively being applied at our institution. Robotic and information technologies have improved upon minimally invasive surgical techniques and created new opportunities not attainable in open surgery. Robotic technology offers many benefits over traditional minimal access techniques and has been proven safe and effective. Further research is needed to better define the optimal application of this technology. Credentialing and educational requirements also need to be delineated.

Robot-laser system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akeel, H.A.

1987-01-01

A robot-laser system is described for providing a laser beam at a desired location, the system comprising: a laser beam source; a robot including a plurality of movable parts including a hollow robot arm having a central axis along which the laser source directs the laser beam; at least one mirror for reflecting the laser beam from the source to the desired location, the mirror being mounted within the robot arm to move therewith and relative thereto to about a transverse axis that extends angularly to the central axis of the robot arm; and an automatic programmable control system for automatically moving the mirror about the transverse axis relative to and in synchronization with movement of the robot arm to thereby direct the laser beam to the desired location as the arm is moved

Effects of Robot Facial Characteristics and Gender in Persuasive Human-Robot Interaction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aimi S. Ghazali

2018-06-01

Full Text Available The growing interest in social robotics makes it relevant to examine the potential of robots as persuasive agents and, more specifically, to examine how robot characteristics influence the way people experience such interactions and comply with the persuasive attempts by robots. The purpose of this research is to identify how the (ostensible gender and the facial characteristics of a robot influence the extent to which people trust it and the psychological reactance they experience from its persuasive attempts. This paper reports a laboratory study where SociBot™, a robot capable of displaying different faces and dynamic social cues, delivered persuasive messages to participants while playing a game. In-game choice behavior was logged, and trust and reactance toward the advisor were measured using questionnaires. Results show that a robotic advisor with upturned eyebrows and lips (features that people tend to trust more in humans is more persuasive, evokes more trust, and less psychological reactance compared to one displaying eyebrows pointing down and lips curled downwards at the edges (facial characteristics typically not trusted in humans. Gender of the robot did not affect trust, but participants experienced higher psychological reactance when interacting with a robot of the opposite gender. Remarkably, mediation analysis showed that liking of the robot fully mediates the influence of facial characteristics on trusting beliefs and psychological reactance. Also, psychological reactance was a strong and reliable predictor of trusting beliefs but not of trusting behavior. These results suggest robots that are intended to influence human behavior should be designed to have facial characteristics we trust in humans and could be personalized to have the same gender as the user. Furthermore, personalization and adaptation techniques designed to make people like the robot more may help ensure they will also trust the robot.

ITER blanket designs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gohar, Y.; Parker, R.; Rebut, P.H.

1995-01-01

The ITER first wall, blanket, and shield system is being designed to handle 1.5±0.3 GW of fusion power and 3 MWa m -2 average neutron fluence. In the basic performance phase of ITER operation, the shielding blanket uses austenitic steel structural material and water coolant. The first wall is made of bimetallic structure, austenitic steel and copper alloy, coated with beryllium and it is protected by beryllium bumper limiters. The choice of copper first wall is dictated by the surface heat flux values anticipated during ITER operation. The water coolant is used at low pressure and low temperature. A breeding blanket has been designed to satisfy the technical objectives of the Enhanced Performance Phase of ITER operation for the Test Program. The breeding blanket design is geometrically similar to the shielding blanket design except it is a self-cooled liquid lithium system with vanadium structural material. Self-healing electrical insulator (aluminum nitride) is used to reduce the MHD pressure drop in the system. Reactor relevancy, low tritium inventory, low activation material, low decay heat, and a tritium self-sufficiency goal are the main features of the breeding blanket design. (orig.)

Robotic seeding

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pedersen, Søren Marcus; Fountas, Spyros; Sørensen, Claus Aage Grøn

2017-01-01

Agricultural robotics has received attention for approximately 20 years, but today there are only a few examples of the application of robots in agricultural practice. The lack of uptake may be (at least partly) because in many cases there is either no compelling economic benefit......, or there is a benefit but it is not recognized. The aim of this chapter is to quantify the economic benefits from the application of agricultural robots under a specific condition where such a benefit is assumed to exist, namely the case of early seeding and re-seeding in sugar beet. With some predefined assumptions...... with regard to speed, capacity and seed mapping, we found that among these two technical systems both early seeding with a small robot and re-seeding using a robot for a smaller part of the field appear to be financially viable solutions in sugar beet production....

Arquitectura software para robots móviles aplicando la metodología mdasr

OpenAIRE

Londoño Ospina, Nelson de J.

2011-01-01

Se aplica la Metodología de Desarrollo de Arquitecturas Software para Robots –MDASR, como herramienta de especificación, análisis y diseño de una Arquitectura de Control Reactiva. La metodología se apoya en métodos y lenguajes ampliamente adoptados como el P U (Proceso Unificado de Desarrollo de Software) y UML (Lenguaje Unificado de Modelado), apropiando conceptos y métodos empleados en Ingeniería Software

ITER ITA Newsletter. No. 29, March 2006

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-05-01

This issue of ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about ITER related activities and meetings, namely, the ITER Director-General Nominee, Dr. Kaname Ikeda, took up his position as ITER Project Leader in Cadarache on 13 March, the consolidation of information technology infrastructure for ITER and about he Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee (FPCC), which was held on 28 February-1 March 2006 at the headquarters of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris

An Adaptive Robot Game

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Søren Tranberg; Svenstrup, Mikael; Dalgaard, Lars

2010-01-01

The goal of this paper is to describe an adaptive robot game, which motivates elderly people to do a regular amount of physical exercise while playing. One of the advantages of robot based games is that the initiative to play can be taken autonomously by the robot. In this case, the goal is to im......The goal of this paper is to describe an adaptive robot game, which motivates elderly people to do a regular amount of physical exercise while playing. One of the advantages of robot based games is that the initiative to play can be taken autonomously by the robot. In this case, the goal...... is to improve the mental and physical state of the user by playing a physical game with the robot. Ideally, a robot game should be simple to learn but difficult to master, providing an appropriate degree of challenge for players with different skills. In order to achieve that, the robot should be able to adapt...

Facilitating Programming of Vision-Equipped Robots through Robotic Skills and Projection Mapping

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Rasmus Skovgaard

The field of collaborative industrial robots is currently developing fast both in the industry and in the scientific community. Companies such as Rethink Robotics and Universal Robots are redefining the concept of an industrial robot and entire new markets and use cases are becoming relevant for ...

ITER safety challenges and opportunities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Piet, S.J.

1992-01-01

This paper reports on results of the Conceptual Design Activity (CDA) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) suggest challenges and opportunities. ITER is capable of meeting anticipated regulatory dose limits, but proof is difficult because of large radioactive inventories needing stringent radioactivity confinement. Much research and development (R ampersand D) and design analysis is needed to establish that ITER meets regulatory requirements. There is a further oportunity to do more to prove more of fusion's potential safety and environmental advantages and maximize the amount of ITER technology on the path toward fusion power plants. To fulfill these tasks, three programmatic challenges and three technical challenges must be overcome. The first step is to fund a comprehensive safety and environmental ITER R ampersand D plan. Second is to strengthen safety and environment work and personnel in the international team. Third is to establish an external consultant group to advise the ITER Joint Team on designing ITER to meet safety requirements for siting by any of the Parties. The first of three key technical challenges is plasma engineering - burn control, plasma shutdown, disruptions, tritium burn fraction, and steady state operation. The second is the divertor, including tritium inventory, activation hazards, chemical reactions, and coolant disturbances. The third technical challenge is optimization of design requirements considering safety risk, technical risk, and cost

Evolution of robotic arms.

Science.gov (United States)

Moran, Michael E

2007-01-01

The foundation of surgical robotics is in the development of the robotic arm. This is a thorough review of the literature on the nature and development of this device with emphasis on surgical applications. We have reviewed the published literature and classified robotic arms by their application: show, industrial application, medical application, etc. There is a definite trend in the manufacture of robotic arms toward more dextrous devices, more degrees-of-freedom, and capabilities beyond the human arm. da Vinci designed the first sophisticated robotic arm in 1495 with four degrees-of-freedom and an analog on-board controller supplying power and programmability. von Kemplen's chess-playing automaton left arm was quite sophisticated. Unimate introduced the first industrial robotic arm in 1961, it has subsequently evolved into the PUMA arm. In 1963 the Rancho arm was designed; Minsky's Tentacle arm appeared in 1968, Scheinman's Stanford arm in 1969, and MIT's Silver arm in 1974. Aird became the first cyborg human with a robotic arm in 1993. In 2000 Miguel Nicolalis redefined possible man-machine capacity in his work on cerebral implantation in owl-monkeys directly interfacing with robotic arms both locally and at a distance. The robotic arm is the end-effector of robotic systems and currently is the hallmark feature of the da Vinci Surgical System making its entrance into surgical application. But, despite the potential advantages of this computer-controlled master-slave system, robotic arms have definite limitations. Ongoing work in robotics has many potential solutions to the drawbacks of current robotic surgical systems.

Advanced mechanics in robotic systems

CERN Document Server

Nava Rodríguez, Nestor Eduardo

2011-01-01

Illustrates original and ambitious mechanical designs and techniques for the development of new robot prototypes Includes numerous figures, tables and flow charts Discusses relevant applications in robotics fields such as humanoid robots, robotic hands, mobile robots, parallel manipulators and human-centred robots

Status of ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aymar, R.

2002-01-01

At the end of engineering design activities (EDA) in July 2001, all the essential elements became available to make a decision on construction of ITER. A sufficiently detailed and integrated engineering design now exists for a generic site, has been assessed for feasibility, and costed, and essential physics and technology R and D has been carried out to underpin the design choices. Formal negotiations have now begun between the current participants--Canada, Euratom, Japan, and the Russian Federation--on a Joint Implementation Agreement for ITER which also establishes the legal entity to run ITER. These negotiations are supported on technical aspects by Coordinated Technical Activities (CTA), which maintain the integrity of the project, for the good of all participants, and concentrate on preparing for procurement by industry of the longest lead items, and for formal application for a construction license with the host country. This paper highlights the main features of the ITER design. With cryogenically-cooled magnets close to neutron-generating plasma, the design of shielding with adequate access via port plugs for auxiliaries such as heating and diagnostics, and of remote replacement and refurbishing systems for in-vessel components, are particularly interesting nuclear technology challenges. Making a safety case for ITER to satisfy potential regulators and to demonstrate, as far as possible at this stage, the environmental attractiveness of fusion as an energy source, is also important. The paper gives illustrative details on this work, and an update on the progress of technical preparations for construction, as well as the status of the above negotiations

Thermoelectric response of bulk and monolayer MoSe2 and WSe2

KAUST Repository

Sarath Kumar, S. R.

2015-02-24

We study the thermoelectric properties of bulk and monolayer MoSe2 and WSe2 by first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. The lattice thermal conductivity is calculated using the self-consistent iterative approach as well as the single-mode relaxation time approximation. The acoustical and optical contributions to the lattice thermal conductivity are evaluated along with the influence of the phonon mean free path. The employed methodology enables a quantitative comparison of the thermoelectric properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides. In particular, WSe2 is found to be superior to MoSe2 for thermoelectric applications.

Thermoelectric response of bulk and monolayer MoSe2 and WSe2

KAUST Repository

Sarath Kumar, S. R.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

2015-01-01

We study the thermoelectric properties of bulk and monolayer MoSe2 and WSe2 by first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. The lattice thermal conductivity is calculated using the self-consistent iterative approach as well as the single-mode relaxation time approximation. The acoustical and optical contributions to the lattice thermal conductivity are evaluated along with the influence of the phonon mean free path. The employed methodology enables a quantitative comparison of the thermoelectric properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides. In particular, WSe2 is found to be superior to MoSe2 for thermoelectric applications.

Estructura Robótica Pre-Tensada para Robot en Tuberías Petroleras

OpenAIRE

Urdaneta, María Alejandra; García, Cecilia; Saltaren, Roque; Contreras, Gustavo; Ugarte, Rubén

2012-01-01

Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta el desarrollo de un robot basado en la estructura Pre-Tensada con el fin de realizar tareas de inspección y mantenimiento en tuberías petroleras. Este tipo de estructura mecánica se caracteriza por su bajo peso y su alta capacidad de adaptación a los diferentes diámetros.La aplicación requiere que el dispositivo desarrollado se desplace verticalmente y a alta velocidad por las tuberías utilizadas en la extracción del petróleo. Cabe destacar que en dichas i...

Design and Implementation of Fire Extinguisher Robot with Robotic Arm

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Memon Abdul Waris

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Robot is a device, which performs human task or behave like a human-being. It needs expertise skills and complex programming to design. For designing a fire fighter robot, many sensors and motors were used. User firstly send robot to an affected area, to get live image of the field with the help of mobile camera via Wi-Fi using IP camera application to laptop. If any signs of fire shown in image, user direct robot in that particular direction for confirmation. Fire sensor and temperature sensor detects and measures the reading, after confirmation robot sprinkle water on affected field. During extinguish process if any obstacle comes in between the prototype and the affected area the ultrasonic sensor detects the obstacle, in response the robotic arm moves to pick and place that obstacle to another location for clearing the path. Meanwhile if any poisonous gas is present, the gas sensor detects and indicates by making alarm.

The Tactile Ethics of Soft Robotics: Designing Wisely for Human-Robot Interaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Arnold, Thomas; Scheutz, Matthias

2017-06-01

Soft robots promise an exciting design trajectory in the field of robotics and human-robot interaction (HRI), promising more adaptive, resilient movement within environments as well as a safer, more sensitive interface for the objects or agents the robot encounters. In particular, tactile HRI is a critical dimension for designers to consider, especially given the onrush of assistive and companion robots into our society. In this article, we propose to surface an important set of ethical challenges for the field of soft robotics to meet. Tactile HRI strongly suggests that soft-bodied robots balance tactile engagement against emotional manipulation, model intimacy on the bonding with a tool not with a person, and deflect users from personally and socially destructive behavior the soft bodies and surfaces could normally entice.

ITER CTA newsletter. No. 4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-12-01

This ITER CTA Newsletter contains information about the organization of the ITER Co-ordinated Technical Activities (CTA) International Team as the follow-up of the ITER CTA project board meeting in Toronto on 7 November 2001. It also includes a summary on the start of the international tokamak physics activity by Dr. D. Campbell, Chair of the ITPA Co-ordinating Committee

ITER management advisory committee meeting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoshikawa, M.

2001-01-01

The ITER Management Advisory Committee (MAC) Meeting was held on 23 February in Garching, Germany. The main topics were: the consideration of the report by the Director on the ITER EDA Status, the review of the Work Programme, the review of the Joint Fund, the review of a schedule of ITER meetings, and the arrangements for termination and wind-up of the EDA

ITER ITA newsletter. No. 6, July 2003

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-09-01

This issue of ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about ITER related activities. One of them was the farewell party for for Annick Lyraud and Robert Aymar, who will take up his position as Director-General of CERN in January 2004, another is information about Dr. Yasuo Shimomura, ITER interim project leader, and ITER technical work during the transitional arrangements

Combined application of Product Lifecycle and Software Configuration Management systems for ITER remote handling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muhammad, Ali; Esque, Salvador; Aha, Liisa; Mattila, Jouni; Siuko, Mikko; Vilenius, Matti; Jaervenpaeae, Jorma; Irving, Mike; Damiani, Carlo; Semeraro, Luigi

2009-01-01

The advantages of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are widely understood among the industry and hence a PLM system is already in use by International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Organization (IO). However, with the increasing involvement of software in the development, the role of Software Configuration Management (SCM) systems have become equally important. The SCM systems can be useful to meet the higher demands on Safety Engineering (SE), Quality Assurance (QA), Validation and Verification (V and V) and Requirements Management (RM) of the developed software tools. In an experimental environment, such as ITER, the new remote handling requirements emerge frequently. This means the development of new tools or the modification of existing tools and the development of new remote handling procedures or the modification of existing remote handling procedures. PLM and SCM systems together can be of great advantage in the development and maintenance of such remote handling system. In this paper, we discuss how PLM and SCM systems can be integrated together and play their role during the development and maintenance of ITER remote handling system. We discuss the possibility to investigate such setup at DTP2 (Divertor Test Platform 2), which is the full scale mock-up facility to verify the ITER divertor remote handling and maintenance concepts.

Desarrollo de una interfaz para el control del robot IRB desde Matlab

OpenAIRE

Gutiérrez Corbacho, Azahara

2014-01-01

El objetivo de este proyecto es realizar la comunicación con el brazo robótico, IRB120 de ABB, a través de la herramienta de software matemático Matlab. Para ello desarrollaremos un socket de comunicación, que se encargará enviar y procesar los datos. Para comprobar que la comunicación funciona y que el envío de datos se realiza correctamente, se implementarán en Matlab, una serie de interfaces de comunicación con el robot y una aplicación final. La primera, será una interfaz gráfica r...

Robot-assisted general surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Hazey, Jeffrey W; Melvin, W Scott

2004-06-01

With the initiation of laparoscopic techniques in general surgery, we have seen a significant expansion of minimally invasive techniques in the last 16 years. More recently, robotic-assisted laparoscopy has moved into the general surgeon's armamentarium to address some of the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery. AESOP (Computer Motion, Goleta, CA) addressed the issue of visualization as a robotic camera holder. With the introduction of the ZEUS robotic surgical system (Computer Motion), the ability to remotely operate laparoscopic instruments became a reality. US Food and Drug Administration approval in July 2000 of the da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) further defined the ability of a robotic-assist device to address limitations in laparoscopy. This includes a significant improvement in instrument dexterity, dampening of natural hand tremors, three-dimensional visualization, ergonomics, and camera stability. As experience with robotic technology increased and its applications to advanced laparoscopic procedures have become more understood, more procedures have been performed with robotic assistance. Numerous studies have shown equivalent or improved patient outcomes when robotic-assist devices are used. Initially, robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy was deemed safe, and now robotics has been shown to be safe in foregut procedures, including Nissen fundoplication, Heller myotomy, gastric banding procedures, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These techniques have been extrapolated to solid-organ procedures (splenectomy, adrenalectomy, and pancreatic surgery) as well as robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy. In this chapter, we review the evolution of robotic technology and its applications in general surgical procedures.

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 7, no. 7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1998-07-01

This newsletter contains the articles: 'Extraordinary ITER council meeting', 'ITER EDA final safety meeting' and 'Summary report of the 3rd combined workshop of the ITER confinement and transport and ITER confinement database and modeling expert groups'

ITER Central Solenoid Module Fabrication

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, John [General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)

2016-09-23

The fabrication of the modules for the ITER Central Solenoid (CS) has started in a dedicated production facility located in Poway, California, USA. The necessary tools have been designed, built, installed, and tested in the facility to enable the start of production. The current schedule has first module fabrication completed in 2017, followed by testing and subsequent shipment to ITER. The Central Solenoid is a key component of the ITER tokamak providing the inductive voltage to initiate and sustain the plasma current and to position and shape the plasma. The design of the CS has been a collaborative effort between the US ITER Project Office (US ITER), the international ITER Organization (IO) and General Atomics (GA). GA’s responsibility includes: completing the fabrication design, developing and qualifying the fabrication processes and tools, and then completing the fabrication of the seven 110 tonne CS modules. The modules will be shipped separately to the ITER site, and then stacked and aligned in the Assembly Hall prior to insertion in the core of the ITER tokamak. A dedicated facility in Poway, California, USA has been established by GA to complete the fabrication of the seven modules. Infrastructure improvements included thick reinforced concrete floors, a diesel generator for backup power, along with, cranes for moving the tooling within the facility. The fabrication process for a single module requires approximately 22 months followed by five months of testing, which includes preliminary electrical testing followed by high current (48.5 kA) tests at 4.7K. The production of the seven modules is completed in a parallel fashion through ten process stations. The process stations have been designed and built with most stations having completed testing and qualification for carrying out the required fabrication processes. The final qualification step for each process station is achieved by the successful production of a prototype coil. Fabrication of the first

Grasping in Robotics

CERN Document Server

2013-01-01

Grasping in Robotics contains original contributions in the field of grasping in robotics with a broad multidisciplinary approach. This gives the possibility of addressing all the major issues related to robotized grasping, including milestones in grasping through the centuries, mechanical design issues, control issues, modelling achievements and issues, formulations and software for simulation purposes, sensors and vision integration, applications in industrial field and non-conventional applications (including service robotics and agriculture).   The contributors to this book are experts in their own diverse and wide ranging fields. This multidisciplinary approach can help make Grasping in Robotics of interest to a very wide audience. In particular, it can be a useful reference book for researchers, students and users in the wide field of grasping in robotics from many different disciplines including mechanical design, hardware design, control design, user interfaces, modelling, simulation, sensors and hum...

Designing Emotionally Expressive Robots

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tsiourti, Christiana; Weiss, Astrid; Wac, Katarzyna

2017-01-01

Socially assistive agents, be it virtual avatars or robots, need to engage in social interactions with humans and express their internal emotional states, goals, and desires. In this work, we conducted a comparative study to investigate how humans perceive emotional cues expressed by humanoid...... robots through five communication modalities (face, head, body, voice, locomotion) and examined whether the degree of a robot's human-like embodiment affects this perception. In an online survey, we asked people to identify emotions communicated by Pepper -a highly human-like robot and Hobbit – a robot...... for robots....

ITER safety and operational scenario

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimomura, Y.; Saji, G.

1998-01-01

The safety and environmental characteristics of ITER and its operational scenario are described. Fusion has built-in safety characteristics without depending on layers of safety protection systems. Safety considerations are integrated in the design by making use of the intrinsic safety characteristics of fusion adequate to the moderate hazard inventories. In addition to this, a systematic nuclear safety approach has been applied to the design of ITER. The safety assessment of the design shows how ITER will safely accommodate uncertainties, flexibility of plasma operations, and experimental components, which is fundamental in ITER, the first experimental fusion reactor. The operation of ITER will progress step by step from hydrogen plasma operation with low plasma current, low magnetic field, short pulse and low duty factor without fusion power to deuterium-tritium plasma operation with full plasma current, full magnetic field, long pulse and high duty factor with full fusion power. In each step, characteristics of plasma and optimization of plasma operation will be studied which will significantly reduce uncertainties and frequency/severity of plasma transient events in the next step. This approach enhances reliability of ITER operation. (orig.)

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 1, no. 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-12-01

This second issue of the ITER Newsletter during the EDA (Engineering Design Activities) reports on (i) the second ITER Council Meeting held in the Russian Research Centre (RRC) ''Kurchatov Institute'', Moscow, Russia, December 15-16, 1992, (ii) the opening ceremony of the ITER Council Office at the RRC, (iii) the first meeting of the ITER Management Advisory Committee (MAC), (iv) the start-up of the ITER EDA at Garching, Germany, (v) descriptions of the ITER Co-Centres at Naka, Japan, and (vi) San Diego, USA, (vii) contact persons activities, (viii) the adoption by the ITER Council of the recommendations by the Special Working Group 1 (SWG-1), (ix) news in brief, and (x) coming events

ITER ITA newsletter. No. 11, December 2003

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-12-01

This issue of the ITER ITA (ITER transitional Arrangements) newsletter contains concise information about ITER including information from the editor about ITER update, about progress in ITER magnet design and preparation of procurement packages and about 25th anniversary of the First Steering Committee Meeting of the International Tokamak Reactor (INTOR) Workshop, organized under the auspices of the IAEA, took place at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna

Rokkasho: Japanese site for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtake, S.; Yamaguchi, V.; Matsuda, S.; Kishimoto, H.

2003-01-01

The Atomic Energy Commission of Japan authorized ITER as the core machine of the Third Phase Basic Program of Fusion Energy Development. After a series of discussions in the Atomic Energy Commission and the Council of Science and Technology Policy, Japanese Government concluded formally with the Cabinet Agreement on 31 May 2002 that Japan should participate in the ITER Project and offer the Rokkasho-Mura site for construction of ITER to the Negotiations among Canada (CA), the European Union (EU), Japan (JA), and the Russian Federation (RF). The JA site proposal is now under the international assessment in the framework of the ITER Negotiations. (author)

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 8, no. 12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-12-01

This ITER EDA Newsletter reports about the ITER Management Advisory Committee Meeting in Naka, the ITER Technical Advisory Committee Meeting in Naka and the meeting of the ITER SWG-P2 in Vienna. A separate abstract is prepared for each meeting

Fundamentals of soft robot locomotion.

Science.gov (United States)

Calisti, M; Picardi, G; Laschi, C

2017-05-01

Soft robotics and its related technologies enable robot abilities in several robotics domains including, but not exclusively related to, manipulation, manufacturing, human-robot interaction and locomotion. Although field applications have emerged for soft manipulation and human-robot interaction, mobile soft robots appear to remain in the research stage, involving the somehow conflictual goals of having a deformable body and exerting forces on the environment to achieve locomotion. This paper aims to provide a reference guide for researchers approaching mobile soft robotics, to describe the underlying principles of soft robot locomotion with its pros and cons, and to envisage applications and further developments for mobile soft robotics. © 2017 The Author(s).

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 10, no. 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

This article provides a summary of results of the ITER Physics Committee Meeting, which was held on 14 October 2000 at the ITER Garching Joint Work Site, Germany. The ITER Physics Committee is the body responsible for overseeing, through the seven specialized Expert Groups, the R and D activities contributed voluntarily by the ITER Parties. The Parties' Physics Designated Persons, the Chairs and Co-Chairs of ITER Physics Expert Groups and the JCT members involved attended the Meeting. As usual, the meeting was chaired by the ITER Director, Dr. R. Aymar, who reported on the status of the ITER EDA. Dr. Aymar described the steps being taken in preparing the ITER-FEAT Final Design Report (FDR), and further stated that the Report would be available in time to be of benefit to the Negotiations on the ITER Joint Implementation, expected to start around May 2001. All Parties recognize that the ITER Physics Expert Group structure has been useful in focusing the tokamak physics activity on the ITER-relevant issues and provides an efficient worldwide collaboration on confirming innovative solutions. The concept of an international workshop to be organized as a pre-meeting of each Expert Group meeting, in order to involve U.S. scientists in the discussion of generic tokamak physics issues, was introduced in 2000, with some success, and its goal should be pursued

Existence test for asynchronous interval iterations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Madsen, Kaj; Caprani, O.; Stauning, Ole

1997-01-01

In the search for regions that contain fixed points ofa real function of several variables, tests based on interval calculationscan be used to establish existence ornon-existence of fixed points in regions that are examined in the course ofthe search. The search can e.g. be performed...... as a synchronous (sequential) interval iteration:In each iteration step all components of the iterate are calculatedbased on the previous iterate. In this case it is straight forward to base simple interval existence and non-existencetests on the calculations done in each step of the iteration. The search can also...... on thecomponentwise calculations done in the course of the iteration. These componentwisetests are useful for parallel implementation of the search, sincethe tests can then be performed local to each processor and only when a test issuccessful do a processor communicate this result to other processors....

Advancing the Strategic Messages Affecting Robot Trust Effect: The Dynamic of User- and Robot-Generated Content on Human-Robot Trust and Interaction Outcomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Yuhua Jake; Lee, Seungcheol Austin

2016-09-01

Human-robot interaction (HRI) will soon transform and shift the communication landscape such that people exchange messages with robots. However, successful HRI requires people to trust robots, and, in turn, the trust affects the interaction. Although prior research has examined the determinants of human-robot trust (HRT) during HRI, no research has examined the messages that people received before interacting with robots and their effect on HRT. We conceptualize these messages as SMART (Strategic Messages Affecting Robot Trust). Moreover, we posit that SMART can ultimately affect actual HRI outcomes (i.e., robot evaluations, robot credibility, participant mood) by affording the persuasive influences from user-generated content (UGC) on participatory Web sites. In Study 1, participants were assigned to one of two conditions (UGC/control) in an original experiment of HRT. Compared with the control (descriptive information only), results showed that UGC moderated the correlation between HRT and interaction outcomes in a positive direction (average Δr = +0.39) for robots as media and robots as tools. In Study 2, we explored the effect of robot-generated content but did not find similar moderation effects. These findings point to an important empirical potential to employ SMART in future robot deployment.

Next-generation robotic surgery--from the aspect of surgical robots developed by industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Nakadate, Ryu; Arata, Jumpei; Hashizume, Makoto

2015-02-01

At present, much of the research conducted worldwide focuses on extending the ability of surgical robots. One approach is to extend robotic dexterity. For instance, accessibility and dexterity of the surgical instruments remains the largest issue for reduced port surgery such as single port surgery or natural orifice surgery. To solve this problem, a great deal of research is currently conducted in the field of robotics. Enhancing the surgeon's perception is an approach that uses advanced sensor technology. The real-time data acquired through the robotic system combined with the data stored in the robot (such as the robot's location) provide a major advantage. This paper aims at introducing state-of-the-art products and pre-market products in this technological advancement, namely the robotic challenge in extending dexterity and hopefully providing the path to robotic surgery in the near future.

Humanlike Robots - The Upcoming Revolution in Robotics

Science.gov (United States)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

2009-01-01

Humans have always sought to imitate the human appearance, functions and intelligence. Human-like robots, which for many years have been a science fiction, are increasingly becoming an engineering reality resulting from the many advances in biologically inspired technologies. These biomimetic technologies include artificial intelligence, artificial vision and hearing as well as artificial muscles, also known as electroactive polymers (EAP). Robots, such as the vacuum cleaner Rumba and the robotic lawnmower, that don't have human shape, are already finding growing use in homes worldwide. As opposed to other human-made machines and devices, this technology raises also various questions and concerns and they need to be addressed as the technology advances. These include the need to prevent accidents, deliberate harm, or their use in crime. In this paper the state-of-the-art of the ultimate goal of biomimetics, the development of humanlike robots, the potentials and the challenges are reviewed.

Humanlike robots: the upcoming revolution in robotics

Science.gov (United States)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

2009-08-01

Humans have always sought to imitate the human appearance, functions and intelligence. Human-like robots, which for many years have been a science fiction, are increasingly becoming an engineering reality resulting from the many advances in biologically inspired technologies. These biomimetic technologies include artificial intelligence, artificial vision and hearing as well as artificial muscles, also known as electroactive polymers (EAP). Robots, such as the vacuum cleaner Rumba and the robotic lawnmower, that don't have human shape, are already finding growing use in homes worldwide. As opposed to other human-made machines and devices, this technology raises also various questions and concerns and they need to be addressed as the technology advances. These include the need to prevent accidents, deliberate harm, or their use in crime. In this paper the state-of-the-art of the ultimate goal of biomimetics, the development of humanlike robots, the potentials and the challenges are reviewed.

Inverse kinematic solution for near-simple robots and its application to robot calibration

Science.gov (United States)

Hayati, Samad A.; Roston, Gerald P.

1986-01-01

This paper provides an inverse kinematic solution for a class of robot manipulators called near-simple manipulators. The kinematics of these manipulators differ from those of simple-robots by small parameter variations. Although most robots are by design simple, in practice, due to manufacturing tolerances, every robot is near-simple. The method in this paper gives an approximate inverse kinematics solution for real time applications based on the nominal solution for these robots. The validity of the results are tested both by a simulation study and by applying the algorithm to a PUMA robot.

ITER EDA Newsletter. V.3, no.3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-03-01

This ITER EDA Newsletter issue contains reports on (i) the completion of the ITER EDA Protocol 1, (ii) the signing of ITER EDA Protocol 2, (iii) a technical meeting on pumping and fuelling and (iv) a technical meeting on the ITER Tritium Plant

Fish and robots swimming together: attraction towards the robot demands biomimetic locomotion.

Science.gov (United States)

Marras, Stefano; Porfiri, Maurizio

2012-08-07

The integration of biomimetic robots in a fish school may enable a better understanding of collective behaviour, offering a new experimental method to test group feedback in response to behavioural modulations of its 'engineered' member. Here, we analyse a robotic fish and individual golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) swimming together in a water tunnel at different flow velocities. We determine the positional preference of fish with respect to the robot, and we study the flow structure using a digital particle image velocimetry system. We find that biomimetic locomotion is a determinant of fish preference as fish are more attracted towards the robot when its tail is beating rather than when it is statically immersed in the water as a 'dummy'. At specific conditions, the fish hold station behind the robot, which may be due to the hydrodynamic advantage obtained by swimming in the robot's wake. This work makes a compelling case for the need of biomimetic locomotion in promoting robot-animal interactions and it strengthens the hypothesis that biomimetic robots can be used to study and modulate collective animal behaviour.

Micro robot bible

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoon, Jin Yeong

2000-08-01

This book deals with micro robot, which tells of summary of robots like entertainment robots and definition of robots, introduction of micro mouse about history, composition and rules, summary of micro controller with its history, appearance and composition, introduction of stepping motor about types, structure, basic characteristics, and driving ways, summary of sensor section, power, understanding of 80C196KC micro controller, basic driving program searching a maze algorithm, smooth turn and making of tracer line.

Micro robot bible

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoon, Jin Yeong

2000-08-15

This book deals with micro robot, which tells of summary of robots like entertainment robots and definition of robots, introduction of micro mouse about history, composition and rules, summary of micro controller with its history, appearance and composition, introduction of stepping motor about types, structure, basic characteristics, and driving ways, summary of sensor section, power, understanding of 80C196KC micro controller, basic driving program searching a maze algorithm, smooth turn and making of tracer line.

Robots at Work

OpenAIRE

Graetz, Georg; Michaels, Guy

2015-01-01

Despite ubiquitous discussions of robots' potential impact, there is almost no systematic empirical evidence on their economic effects. In this paper we analyze for the first time the economic impact of industrial robots, using new data on a panel of industries in 17 countries from 1993-2007. We find that industrial robots increased both labor productivity and value added. Our panel identification is robust to numerous controls, and we find similar results instrumenting increased robot use wi...

To Err Is Robot: How Humans Assess and Act toward an Erroneous Social Robot

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nicole Mirnig

2017-05-01

Full Text Available We conducted a user study for which we purposefully programmed faulty behavior into a robot’s routine. It was our aim to explore if participants rate the faulty robot different from an error-free robot and which reactions people show in interaction with a faulty robot. The study was based on our previous research on robot errors where we detected typical error situations and the resulting social signals of our participants during social human–robot interaction. In contrast to our previous work, where we studied video material in which robot errors occurred unintentionally, in the herein reported user study, we purposefully elicited robot errors to further explore the human interaction partners’ social signals following a robot error. Our participants interacted with a human-like NAO, and the robot either performed faulty or free from error. First, the robot asked the participants a set of predefined questions and then it asked them to complete a couple of LEGO building tasks. After the interaction, we asked the participants to rate the robot’s anthropomorphism, likability, and perceived intelligence. We also interviewed the participants on their opinion about the interaction. Additionally, we video-coded the social signals the participants showed during their interaction with the robot as well as the answers they provided the robot with. Our results show that participants liked the faulty robot significantly better than the robot that interacted flawlessly. We did not find significant differences in people’s ratings of the robot’s anthropomorphism and perceived intelligence. The qualitative data confirmed the questionnaire results in showing that although the participants recognized the robot’s mistakes, they did not necessarily reject the erroneous robot. The annotations of the video data further showed that gaze shifts (e.g., from an object to the robot or vice versa and laughter are typical reactions to unexpected robot behavior

ROILA : RObot Interaction LAnguage

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mubin, O.

2011-01-01

The number of robots in our society is increasing rapidly. The number of service robots that interact with everyday people already outnumbers industrial robots. The easiest way to communicate with these service robots, such as Roomba or Nao, would be natural speech. However, the limitations

ITER EDA newsletter. V. 7, no. 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1998-01-01

This issue of the ITER Newsletter contains a summary report on the Thirteenth meeting of the ITER Management Advisory Committee (MAC), a report on ITER at the International Conference on Fusion Reactor Materials and a report of a Russian scientist working at ITER Garching JWS

A MODULAR DESIGN OF A WALL-CLIMBING ROBOT AND ITS MECHATRONICS CONTROLLER

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N.S. Tlale

2012-01-01

Full Text Available

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The modular design of a wall-climbing robot, implementing two articulated legs per module (biped robotic modules, is presented in this paper. Modular design improves a wall-climbing robot’s manoeuvrability and flexibility during surface changes or while walking on uneven surfaces. The design of the articulated legs uses four motors to control the posture of the vacuum cups, achieving the best possible contact with the surface. Each leg can contain more than five sensors for effective feedback control, and additional sensors such as gyros, CCD sensors, etc, can be fitted on a module, depending on the robot’s application. As the number of modules used in the design of the robot is increased, the number of actuators and sensors increases exponentially. A distributed mechatronics controller of such systems is presented.

AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Modulêre ontwerp van 'n muurklim-robot met twee geskarnierde bene per module (twee-benige robotmodules word in hierdie artikel weergegee. Modulêre ontwerp verbeter die muurklim-robot se beweeglikheid en aanpasbaarheid tydens veranderings in die loopvlak of terwyl dit loop op ongelyke oppervlaktes. Ontwerp van geskarnierde bene implementeer vier motors wat die oriëntasie van vakuumsuigdoppe beheer om die bes moontlike kontak met die loopvlak te handhaaf. Elke been kan meer as vyf sensors hê vir doeltreffende terugvoerbeheer, en bykomende sensors soos giroskope, CCD sensors, ens. kan by 'n module gevoeg word soos die toepassing van die robot dit mag vereis. Soos die aantal modules wat in die ontwerp van die robot gebruik word, toeneem, neem die aantal aktiveerders en sensors eksponensiëel toe. 'n Verdeelde megatroniese beheerder van sulke stelsels word aangebied.

Evidence for robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Shenoy, Ravikiran; Nathwani, Dinesh

2017-01-01

Robots have been successfully used in commercial industry and have enabled humans to perform tasks which are repetitive, dangerous and requiring extreme force. Their role has evolved and now includes many aspects of surgery to improve safety and precision. Orthopaedic surgery is largely performed on bones which are rigid immobile structures which can easily be performed by robots with great precision. Robots have been designed for use in orthopaedic surgery including joint arthroplasty and spine surgery. Experimental studies have been published evaluating the role of robots in arthroscopy and trauma surgery. In this article, we will review the incorporation of robots in orthopaedic surgery looking into the evidence in their use. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2017.

Plasma control concepts for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lister, J.B.; Nieswand, C.

1997-01-01

This overview paper skims over a wide range of issues related to the control of ITER plasmas. Although operation of the ITER project will require extensive developmental work to achieve the degree of control required, there is no indication that any of the identified problems will present overwhelming difficulties compared with the operation of present tokamaks. However, the precision of control required and the degree of automation of the final ITER plasma control system will present a challenge which is somewhat greater than for present tokamaks. In order to operate ITER optimally, integrated use of a large amount of diagnostic information will be necessary, evaluated and interpreted automatically. This will challenge both the diagnostics themselves and their supporting interpretation codes. The intervening years will provide us with the opportunity to implement and evaluate most of the new features required for ITER on existing tokamaks, with the exception of the control of an ignited plasma. (author) 7 figs., 7 refs

ITER project and fusion technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takatsu, H.

2011-01-01

In the sessions of ITR, FTP and SEE of the 23rd IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, 159 papers were presented in total, highlighted by the remarkable progress of the ITER project: ITER baseline has been established and procurement activities have been started as planned with a target of realizing the first plasma in 2019; ITER physics basis is sound and operation scenarios and operational issues have been extensively studied in close collaboration with the worldwide physics community; the test blanket module programme has been incorporated into the ITER programme and extensive R and D works are ongoing in the member countries with a view to delivering their own modules in a timely manner according to the ITER master schedule. Good progress was also reported in the areas of a variety of complementary activities to DEMO, including Broader Approach activities and long-term technology. This paper summarizes the highlights of the papers presented in the ITR, FTP and SEE sessions with a minimum set of background information.

ITER fuel cycle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leger, D.; Dinner, P.; Yoshida, H.

1991-01-01

Resulting from the Conceptual Design Activities (1988-1990) by the parties involved in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, this document summarizes the design requirements and the Conceptual Design Descriptions for each of the principal subsystems and design options of the ITER Fuel Cycle conceptual design. The ITER Fuel Cycle system provides for the handling of all tritiated water and gas mixtures on ITER. The system is subdivided into subsystems for fuelling, primary (torus) vacuum pumping, fuel processing, blanket tritium recovery, and common processes (including isotopic separation, fuel management and storage, and processes for detritiation of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes). After an introduction describing system function and conceptual design procedure, a summary of the design is presented including a discussion of scope and main parameters, and the fuel design options for fuelling, plasma chamber vacuum pumping, fuel cleanup, blanket tritium recovery, and auxiliary and common processes. Design requirements are defined and design descriptions are given for the various subsystems (fuelling, plasma vacuum pumping, fuel cleanup, blanket tritium recovery, and auxiliary/common processes). The document ends with sections on fuel cycle design integration, fuel cycle building layout, safety considerations, a summary of the research and development programme, costing, and conclusions. Refs, figs and tabs

The ITER reduced cost design

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aymar, R.

2000-01-01

Six years of joint work under the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) EDA agreement yielded a mature design for ITER which met the objectives set for it (ITER final design report (FDR)), together with a corpus of scientific and technological data, large/full scale models or prototypes of key components/systems and progress in understanding which both validated the specific design and are generally applicable to a next step, reactor-oriented tokamak on the road to the development of fusion as an energy source. In response to requests from the parties to explore the scope for addressing ITER's programmatic objective at reduced cost, the study of options for cost reduction has been the main feature of ITER work since summer 1998, using the advances in physics and technology databases, understandings, and tools arising out of the ITER collaboration to date. A joint concept improvement task force drawn from the joint central team and home teams has overseen and co-ordinated studies of the key issues in physics and technology which control the possibility of reducing the overall investment and simultaneously achieving the required objectives. The aim of this task force is to achieve common understandings of these issues and their consequences so as to inform and to influence the best cost-benefit choice, which will attract consensus between the ITER partners. A report to be submitted to the parties by the end of 1999 will present key elements of a specific design of minimum capital investment, with a target cost saving of about 50% the cost of the ITER FDR design, and a restricted number of design variants. Outline conclusions from the work of the task force are presented in terms of physics, operations, and design of the main tokamak systems. Possible implications for the way forward are discussed

Message Encryption in Robot Operating System: Collateral Effects of Hardening Mobile Robots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisco J. Rodríguez-Lera

2018-03-01

Full Text Available In human–robot interaction situations, robot sensors collect huge amounts of data from the environment in order to characterize the situation. Some of the gathered data ought to be treated as private, such as medical data (i.e., medication guidelines, personal, and safety information (i.e., images of children, home habits, alarm codes, etc.. However, most robotic software development frameworks are not designed for securely managing this information. This paper analyzes the scenario of hardening one of the most widely used robotic middlewares, Robot Operating System (ROS. The study investigates a robot’s performance when ciphering the messages interchanged between ROS nodes under the publish/subscribe paradigm. In particular, this research focuses on the nodes that manage cameras and LIDAR sensors, which are two of the most extended sensing solutions in mobile robotics, and analyzes the collateral effects on the robot’s achievement under different computing capabilities and encryption algorithms (3DES, AES, and Blowfish to robot performance. The findings present empirical evidence that simple encryption algorithms are lightweight enough to provide cyber-security even in low-powered robots when carefully designed and implemented. Nevertheless, these techniques come with a number of serious drawbacks regarding robot autonomy and performance if they are applied randomly. To avoid these issues, we define a taxonomy that links the type of ROS message, computational units, and the encryption methods. As a result, we present a model to select the optimal options for hardening a mobile robot using ROS.

1st Iberian Robotics Conference

CERN Document Server

Sanfeliu, Alberto; Ferre, Manuel; ROBOT2013; Advances in robotics

2014-01-01

This book contains the proceedings of the ROBOT 2013: FIRST IBERIAN ROBOTICS CONFERENCE and it can be said that included both state of the art and more practical presentations dealing with implementation problems, support technologies and future applications. A growing interest in Assistive Robotics, Agricultural Robotics, Field Robotics, Grasping and Dexterous Manipulation, Humanoid Robots, Intelligent Systems and Robotics, Marine Robotics, has been demonstrated by the very relevant number of contributions. Moreover, ROBOT2013 incorporates a special session on Legal and Ethical Aspects in Robotics that is becoming a topic of key relevance. This Conference was held in Madrid (28-29 November 2013), organised by the Sociedad Española para la Investigación y Desarrollo en Robótica (SEIDROB) and by the Centre for Automation and Robotics - CAR (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)), along with the co-operation of Grupo Temático de Robótica CEA-GT...

On One-Point Iterations and DIIS

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Østerby, Ole; Sørensen, Hans Henrik Brandenborg

2009-01-01

We analyze various iteration procedures in many dimensions inspired by the SCF iteration used in first principles electronic structure calculations. We show that the simple mixing of densities can turn a divergent (or slowly convergent) iteration into a (faster) convergent process provided all...

The ITER activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Glass, A.J.

1991-01-01

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is a collaboration among four parties, the United States, the Soviet Union, Japan, and the European Communities, to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power for peaceful purposes. ITER will demonstrate this through the construction of a tokamak fusion reactor capable of generating 1000 megawatts of fusion power. The ITER project has three missions, as follows: (1) Physics mission -- to demonstrate ignition and controlled burn, with pulse durations from 200 to 1000 S; (2) Technology mission -- to demonstrate the technologies essential to a reactor in an integrated system, operating with high reliability and availability in pulsed operation, with steady-state operation as the ultimate goal; and (3) Testing mission -- to test nuclear and high-heat-flux components at flux levels for 1 mw/m 2 , and fluences of order 1 mw-yr/m 2

Springer handbook of robotics

CERN Document Server

Khatib, Oussama

2016-01-01

The second edition of this handbook provides a state-of-the-art cover view on the various aspects in the rapidly developing field of robotics. Reaching for the human frontier, robotics is vigorously engaged in the growing challenges of new emerging domains. Interacting, exploring, and working with humans, the new generation of robots will increasingly touch people and their lives. The credible prospect of practical robots among humans is the result of the scientific endeavour of a half a century of robotic developments that established robotics as a modern scientific discipline. The ongoing vibrant expansion and strong growth of the field during the last decade has fueled this second edition of the Springer Handbook of Robotics. The first edition of the handbook soon became a landmark in robotics publishing and won the American Association of Publishers PROSE Award for Excellence in Physical Sciences & Mathematics as well as the organization’s Award for Engineering & Technology. The second edition o...

Innovations in robotic surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Gettman, Matthew; Rivera, Marcelino

2016-05-01