|
Robotics:
Battlebot
"Bot-A-Bing"
Scorbot
Scorbot
Final Project
PLC (Telemechanique)
and Ladder Logic
During
my senior year of college I had the opportunity to take an
Industrial Technology class. Robotics 424 under the mentoring
of Dr. G.H. Massiha. The following are excerpts from class
reports of assingments with a robotic arm the Scorebot.
I
can see now, all of these programming assignments have been
administered in effort to give us examples of real world industrial
applications. I firmly believe with the knowledge we have
gained we could implement incredible large-scale industrial
applications.
These
types of experiments would be quite applicable in today's
industrial production. Imagine an assembly line where parts
have to be repetitiously put in a location again and again.
A robotic solution could be more feasible in cost, time, and
accuracy. After finishing this experiment, I know now that
we can handle complex motions hence completing complex tasks.
Scorbot:
The
robot is capable of moving into many positions. It has five
degrees of movement. Its internal motors are not strong enough
to handle heavy industrial scale applications. However, it
is quite capable for manipulating small light objects.
For
our applications we used a PC with software that handles the
actuation of the Robot. Since the processor and memory on
the PC is more than adequate, the computer in combination
with the robotic arm can produce many complex motions. These
robots can be programmed to perform a wide variety of light
application tasks.
The
objective of this experiment was to become comfortable working
with linear movement. When precision is needed, we look to
the programming of the scorebot. The software used can be
controlled numerically. This allows us for precise positioning
of the end effector.
In
this assingment, the primary skill learned was controlling
the robot numerically. Programming was another aspect that
was elaborated upon. XYZ coordinates were primarily used.
Using this type of commands allows much more flexibility in
precision.
In
this experiment we simulated input and output signals. Programming
was elaborated upon. It is clear now how the command structure
of the program works. Through programming, we turned off and
on different output signals. This could be very applicable
for controlling multiple equipment.
Our
latest endeavor with the Scorebot consisted of several programming
assignments involving output switches. We executed programs
that would turn on / off outputs at desired sequences in the
program. This type of program would be quite applicable if
you desired to run additional equipment.
In
this experiment we performed pick and place applications.
First we manually walked the robot through all the necessary
steps. Then we repeated the steps and saved each position.
Through programming, we ordered the positions into pick and
place.
A
pick and place application was simulated. We used an input
board that contained switches, which indicated where the item
to be moved was located. After programming the positions into
the computer. The program was run. Essentially when an item
was placed over a switch. The robotic arm would pick up the
object and place it in a specified location.
Recently
we have had the opportunity to further our knowledge of industrial
robotics. We have had the privilege to perform complex operations
with our robots. The most beneficial knowledge received was
in the area of programming the robots. We stored multiple
complex positions and executed them flawlessly.
We
also experimented with saving programs and manipulating them
with out the need to reprogram from scratch. The graphical
user interface was easy to navigate and control. It will be
no time before we can put our robotics force into action and
automate our factories.
The
primary skill learned was controlling multiple equipment.
Programming was another aspect that was elaborated upon. In
this experiment we performed pick and place applications.
First we manually walked the robot through all the necessary
steps. Then we repeated the steps and saved each position.
Through programming, we ordered the positions into pick and
place.
The
objective of this experiment was to pick up a block from the
table place it on the conveyor belt, allow the conveyor belt
to move and when it was in front of the sensor the arm would
pick up the piece and return it to its original location.
This process could be performed continuously.
The
objective of this experiment was to operate multiple equipment.
It included the scorbot, a conveyor belt, and a parts feeder.
The first experiment entailed pick and place using the parts
feeder. The second part of the experiment was to program steps
for use with the conveyor belt.
These
types of experiments would be quite applicable in today's
industrial production. Imagine an assembly line where parts
have to be repetitiously put in a location again and again.
A robotic solution could be more feasible in cost, time, and
accuracy. After finishing this experiment, I know now that
we can handle complex motions hence completing complex tasks.
Copyright
2001 Catalyst
|
