Journal Description
Robotics
Robotics
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on robotics published monthly online by MDPI. The IFToMM is affiliated with Robotics and its members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), dblp, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Control and Optimization)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022)
Latest Articles
Image-to-Image Translation-Based Deep Learning Application for Object Identification in Industrial Robot Systems
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060088 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Industry 4.0 has become one of the most dominant research areas in industrial science today. Many industrial machinery units do not have modern standards that allow for the use of image analysis techniques in their commissioning. Intelligent material handling, sorting, and object recognition
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Industry 4.0 has become one of the most dominant research areas in industrial science today. Many industrial machinery units do not have modern standards that allow for the use of image analysis techniques in their commissioning. Intelligent material handling, sorting, and object recognition are not possible with the machinery we have. We therefore propose a novel deep learning approach for existing robotic devices that can be applied to future robots without modification. In the implementation, 3D CAD models of the PCB relay modules to be recognized are also designed for the implantation machine. Alternatively, we developed and manufactured parts for the assembly of aluminum profiles using FDM 3D printing technology, specifically for sorting purposes. We also apply deep learning algorithms based on the 3D CAD models to generate a dataset of objects for categorization using CGI rendering. We generate two datasets and apply image-to-image translation techniques to train deep learning algorithms. The synthesis achieved sufficient information content and quality in the synthesized images to train deep learning algorithms efficiently with them. As a result, we propose a dataset translation method that is suitable for situations in which regenerating the original dataset can be challenging. The results obtained are analyzed and evaluated for the dataset.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Production in Terms of Industry 4.0 and 5.0)
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Design of a Spherical Rover Driven by Pendulum and Control Moment Gyroscope for Planetary Exploration
by
Matteo Melchiorre, Tommaso Colamartino, Martina Ferrauto, Mario Troise, Laura Salamina and Stefano Mauro
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060087 - 28 May 2024
Abstract
The spherical shape is an interesting approach to develop exploration robots, or rovers, thanks to its capability of ensuring omnidirectional motion and of being basically unsensitive to possible rollovers. This works intends to propose a novel detailed design for such a kind of
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The spherical shape is an interesting approach to develop exploration robots, or rovers, thanks to its capability of ensuring omnidirectional motion and of being basically unsensitive to possible rollovers. This works intends to propose a novel detailed design for such a kind of robot and to discuss the performance that can be reached by adopting this solution. The work hence introduces the requirements assumed for the design of the robot and discloses the general layout that was selected, which includes a pendulum for motion transmission and two coupled gyroscopes to overcome high, steep obstacles, such as steps. The paper then summarizes the functional design computation carried out to size and selects the components of the system. Eventually, a control algorithm is described and tested on a complete multibody model of the robot. The results in the execution of standard maneuvers such as motion on a horizontal plane, as well as in the overcome of a step, are shown. The energetic balance of the rover is described, and some preliminary consideration about mission planning are reported in the final discussion.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aerospace Robotics and Autonomous Systems)
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Learning Advanced Locomotion for Quadrupedal Robots: A Distributed Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Framework with Riemannian Motion Policies
by
Yuliu Wang, Ryusuke Sagawa and Yusuke Yoshiyasu
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060086 - 28 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advancements in quadrupedal robotics have explored the motor potential of these machines beyond simple walking, enabling highly dynamic skills such as jumping, backflips, and even bipedal locomotion. While reinforcement learning has demonstrated excellent performance in this domain, it often relies on complex
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Recent advancements in quadrupedal robotics have explored the motor potential of these machines beyond simple walking, enabling highly dynamic skills such as jumping, backflips, and even bipedal locomotion. While reinforcement learning has demonstrated excellent performance in this domain, it often relies on complex reward function tuning and prolonged training times, and the interpretability is not satisfactory. Riemannian motion policies, a reactive control method, excel in handling highly dynamic systems but are generally limited to fully actuated systems, making their application to underactuated quadrupedal robots challenging. To address these limitations, we propose a novel framework that treats each leg of a quadrupedal robot as an intelligent agent and employs multi-agent reinforcement learning to coordinate the motion of all four legs. This decomposition satisfies the conditions for utilizing Riemannian motion policies and eliminates the need for complex reward functions, simplifying the learning process for high-level motion modalities. Our simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed method enables quadrupedal robots to learn stable locomotion using three, two, or even a single leg, offering advantages in training speed, success rate, and stability compared to traditional approaches, and better interpretability. This research explores the possibility of developing more efficient and adaptable control policies for quadrupedal robots.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Neural Networks in Robot Control)
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Multiple-Object Grasping Using a Multiple-Suction-Cup Vacuum Gripper in Cluttered Scenes
by
Ping Jiang, Junji Oaki, Yoshiyuki Ishihara and Junichiro Ooga
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060085 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Multiple-suction-cup grasping can improve the efficiency of bin picking in cluttered scenes. In this paper, we propose a grasp planner for a vacuum gripper to use multiple suction cups to simultaneously grasp multiple objects or an object with a large surface. To take
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Multiple-suction-cup grasping can improve the efficiency of bin picking in cluttered scenes. In this paper, we propose a grasp planner for a vacuum gripper to use multiple suction cups to simultaneously grasp multiple objects or an object with a large surface. To take on the challenge of determining where to grasp and which cups to activate when grasping, we used 3D convolution to convolve the affordable areas inferred by a neural network with the gripper kernel in order to find graspable positions of sampled gripper orientations. The kernel used for 3D convolution in this work was encoded, including cup ID information, which helps to directly determine which cups to activate by decoding the convolution results. Furthermore, a sorting algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal grasp among the candidates. Our planner exhibited good generality and successfully found multiple-cup grasps in previous affordance map datasets. Our planner also exhibited improved picking efficiency using multiple suction cups in physical robot-picking experiments. Compared with single-object (single-cup) grasping, multiple-cup grasping contributed to , , and increases in efficiency for picking boxes, fruits, and daily necessities, respectively.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Grasping and Motion Control Solutions, Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Optimization of Q and R Matrices with Genetic Algorithms to Reduce Oscillations in a Rotary Flexible Link System
by
Carlos Alberto Saldaña Enderica, José Ramon Llata and Carlos Torre-Ferrero
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060084 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Automatic control of robots with flexible links has been a pivotal subject in control engineering and robotics due to the challenges posed by vibrations during repetitive movements. These vibrations affect the system’s performance and accuracy, potentially causing errors, wear, and failures. LQR control
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Automatic control of robots with flexible links has been a pivotal subject in control engineering and robotics due to the challenges posed by vibrations during repetitive movements. These vibrations affect the system’s performance and accuracy, potentially causing errors, wear, and failures. LQR control is a common technique for vibration control, but determining the optimal weight matrices [Q] and [R] is a complex and crucial task. This paper proposes a methodology based on genetic algorithms to define the [Q] and [R] matrices according to design requirements. MATLAB and Simulink, along with data provided by Quanser, will be used to model and evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The process will include testing and iterative adjustments to optimize performance. The work aims to improve the control of robots with flexible links, offering a methodology that allows for the design of LQR control under the design requirements of controllers used in classical control through the use of genetic algorithms.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Robots and Automation)
Open AccessArticle
Autonomous Full 3D Coverage Using an Aerial Vehicle, Performing Localization, Path Planning, and Navigation Towards Indoors Inventorying for the Logistics Domain
by
Kosmas Tsiakas, Emmanouil Tsardoulias and Andreas L. Symeonidis
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060083 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
Over the last years, a rapid evolution of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) usage in various applications has been observed. Their use in indoor environments requires a precise perception of the surrounding area, immediate response to its changes, and, consequently, a robust position estimation.
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Over the last years, a rapid evolution of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) usage in various applications has been observed. Their use in indoor environments requires a precise perception of the surrounding area, immediate response to its changes, and, consequently, a robust position estimation. This paper provides an implementation of navigation algorithms for solving the problem of fast, reliable, and low-cost inventorying in the logistics industry. The drone localization is achieved with a particle filter algorithm that uses an array of distance sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. Navigation is based on a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) position controller that ensures an obstacle-free path within the known 3D map. As for the full 3D coverage, an extraction of the targets and then their final succession towards optimal coverage is performed. Finally, a series of experiments are carried out to examine the robustness of the positioning system using different motion patterns and velocities. At the same time, various ways of traversing the environment are examined by using different configurations of the sensor that is used to perform the area coverage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous Navigation of Mobile Robots in Unstructured Environments)
Open AccessArticle
Reducing Hand Kinematics by Introducing Grasp-Oriented Intra-Finger Dependencies
by
Tomislav Bazina, Goran Mauša, Saša Zelenika and Ervin Kamenar
Robotics 2024, 13(6), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13060082 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Loss of hand functions, often manifesting in the form of weakness or spasticity from conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis, poses challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). The broad area of rehabilitation robotics provides the tools and knowledge necessary for implementing
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Loss of hand functions, often manifesting in the form of weakness or spasticity from conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis, poses challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). The broad area of rehabilitation robotics provides the tools and knowledge necessary for implementing efficient restorative therapies. These therapies aim to improve hand functionality with minimal therapist intervention. However, the human hand evolved for various precision and power gripping tasks, with its intricate anatomy featuring a large number of degrees of freedom—up to 31—which hinder its modeling in many rehabilitation scenarios. In the process of designing prosthetic devices, instrumented gloves, and rehabilitation devices, there is a clear need to obtain simplified rehabilitation-oriented hand models without compromising their representativeness across the population. This is where the concept of kinematic reduction, focusing on specific grasps, becomes essential. Thus, the objective of this study is to uncover the intra-finger dependencies during finger flexion/extension by analyzing a comprehensive database containing recorded trajectories for 23 different functional movements related to ADLs, involving 77 test subjects. The initial phase involves data wrangling, followed by correlation analysis aimed at selecting 116 dependency-movement relationships across all grasps. A regularized generalized linear model is then applied to select uncorrelated predictors, while a linear mixed-effect model, with reductions based on both predictor significance and effect size, is used for modeling the dependencies. As a final step, agglomerative clustering of models is performed to further facilitate flexibility in tradeoffs in hand model accuracy/reduction, allowing the modeling of finger flexion extensions using 5–15 degrees of freedom only.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI for Robotic Exoskeletons and Prostheses)
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Autonomous Alignment and Docking Control for a Self-Reconfigurable Modular Mobile Robotic System
by
Shumin Feng, Yujiong Liu, Isaac Pressgrove and Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050081 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the path planning and motion control of a self-reconfigurable mobile robot system, focusing on module-to-module autonomous docking and alignment tasks. STORM, which stands for Self-configurable and Transformable Omni-Directional Robotic Modules, features a unique mode-switching ability and novel docking mechanism design.
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This paper presents the path planning and motion control of a self-reconfigurable mobile robot system, focusing on module-to-module autonomous docking and alignment tasks. STORM, which stands for Self-configurable and Transformable Omni-Directional Robotic Modules, features a unique mode-switching ability and novel docking mechanism design. This enables the modules that make up STORM to dock with each other and form a variety configurations in or to perform a large array of tasks. The path planning and motion control presented here consists of two parallel schemes. A Lyapunov function-based precision controller is proposed to align the target docking mechanisms in a small range of the target position. Then, an optimization-based path planning algorithm is proposed to help find the fastest path and determine when to switch its locomotion mode in a much larger range. Both numerical simulations and real-world experiments were carried out to validate these proposed controllers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motion Trajectory Prediction for Mobile Robots)
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CardioXplorer: An Open-Source Modular Teleoperative Robotic Catheter Ablation System
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Zhouyang Xu, Aya Mutaz Zeidan, Yetao He, Lisa Leung, Calum Byrne, Sachin Sabu, Yuanwei Wu, Zhiyue Chen, Steven E. Williams, Lukas Lindenroth, Jonathan Behar, Christopher Aldo Rinaldi, John Whitaker, Aruna Arujuna, Richard Housden and Kawal Rhode
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050080 - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, is treated by catheter ablation to isolate electrical triggers. Clinical trials on robotic catheter systems hold promise for improving the safety and efficacy of the procedure. However, expense and proprietary designs hinder accessibility to such systems.
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Atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, is treated by catheter ablation to isolate electrical triggers. Clinical trials on robotic catheter systems hold promise for improving the safety and efficacy of the procedure. However, expense and proprietary designs hinder accessibility to such systems. This paper details an open-source, modular, three-degree-of-freedom robotic platform for teleoperating commercial ablation catheters through joystick navigation. We also demonstrate a catheter-agnostic handle interface permitting customization with commercial catheters. Collaborating clinicians performed benchtop targeting trials, comparing manual and robotic catheter navigation performance. The robot reduced task duration by 1.59 s across participants and five trials. Validation through mean motion jerk analysis revealed 35.2% smoother robotic navigation for experts (≥10 years experience) compared to the intermediate group. Yet, both groups achieved smoother robot motion relative to the manual approach, with the experts and intermediates exhibiting 42.2% and 13.6% improvements, respectively. These results highlight the potential of this system for enhancing catheter-based procedures. The source code and designs of CardioXplorer have been made publicly available to lower boundaries and drive innovations that enhance procedure efficacy beyond human capabilities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Robotics and Service Robotics)
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A Simulation-Based Framework to Determine the Kinematic Compatibility of an Augmentative Exoskeleton during Walking
by
S. Nagarajan, K. Mohanavelu and S. Sujatha
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050079 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Augmentative exoskeletons (AEs) are wearable orthotic devices that, when coupled with a healthy individual, can significantly enhance endurance, speed, and strength. Exoskeletons are function-specific and individual-specific, with a multitude of possible configurations and joint mechanisms. This complexity presents a challenging scenario to quantitatively
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Augmentative exoskeletons (AEs) are wearable orthotic devices that, when coupled with a healthy individual, can significantly enhance endurance, speed, and strength. Exoskeletons are function-specific and individual-specific, with a multitude of possible configurations and joint mechanisms. This complexity presents a challenging scenario to quantitatively determine the optimal choice of the kinematic configuration of the exoskeleton for the intended activity. A comprehensive simulation-based framework for obtaining an optimal configuration of a passive augmentative exoskeleton for backpack load carriage during walking is the theme of this research paper. A musculoskeletal-based simulation approach on 16 possible kinematic configurations with different Degrees of Freedom (DoF) at the exoskeleton structure’s hip, knee, and ankle joints was performed, and a configuration with three DoF at the hip, one DoF at the knee, three DoF at the ankle was quantitatively chosen. The Root Mean Square of Deviations (RMSD) and Maximum Deviations (MaxDev) between the kinematically coupled human–exoskeleton system were used as criteria along with the Cumulative Weight Score (CWS). The chosen configuration from the simulation was designed, realised, and experimentally validated. The error of the joint angles between the simulation and experiments with the chosen configuration was less than 3° at the hip and ankle joints and less than 6° at the knee joints.
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(This article belongs to the Section Neurorobotics)
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Modelling, Analysis and Comparison of Robot Energy Consumption for Three-Dimensional Concrete Printing Technology
by
Daniel Kajzr, Tomáš Myslivec and Josef Černohorský
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050078 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The technology used for the 3D printing of buildings from concrete is currently a very relevant and developing topic and appears to be especially advantageous in terms of sustainable production. An important aspect of the sustainability assessment is the energy efficiency of the
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The technology used for the 3D printing of buildings from concrete is currently a very relevant and developing topic and appears to be especially advantageous in terms of sustainable production. An important aspect of the sustainability assessment is the energy efficiency of the printing robots. Printing robots consume a significant amount of energy when printing. It is important to analyse this energy thoroughly and to be able to predict it in order to optimise the movement and control of printing robots to reduce energy consumption. In that paper, we analyse in detail the energy consumption of printing robots, which has not yet been thoroughly investigated in the context of 3D printing building applications. We present a methodology to develop an energy consumption model for a printing robot, specifically developed and optimized for this technology. Our methodology incorporates an innovative approach to determine reduced-efficiency maps, allowing for the inclusion of difficult-to-measure drive efficiency parameters in the model. This results in a comprehensive model of the energy consumption of the printing robot, reflecting its operating characteristics in a real-world environment. An open control system of the printing robot is used for the measurement of energy quantities, and specially developed software tools are introduced. We also present the first direct comparison of the energy consumption of different printing robots when following a uniform printing trajectory. The comparison is made based on the presented methodology to obtain and compare actual energy data from workplaces with printing robots. The methodology combines measured data with energy simulations from ABB RobotStudio, enabling energy comparisons between industrially articulated robots and real printing robots, including the ABB IRB4600, the gantry printing robot, and the printing robot. The experiments clearly demonstrate that the kinematic structure of printing robots significantly affects their energy consumption in 3D printing concrete. Based on the conducted methodologies and analyses, we identify key aspects of energy consumption of printing robots in 3D Construction Printing or 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology. In doing so, we bring a new perspective and provide a basis for further research and development in this previously understudied area.
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(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Robots and Automation)
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PARTS—A 2D Self-Reconfigurable Programmable Mechanical Structure
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Michael Gerbl, Michael Pieber, Emanuel Ulrich and Johannes Gerstmayr
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050077 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Modular self-reconfigurable robots hold the promise of being capable of performing a wide variety of tasks. However, many systems fall short of either delivering this promised functionality due to constraints in system architecture or validating it on functional hardware prototypes. This paper demonstrates
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Modular self-reconfigurable robots hold the promise of being capable of performing a wide variety of tasks. However, many systems fall short of either delivering this promised functionality due to constraints in system architecture or validating it on functional hardware prototypes. This paper demonstrates the functional capabilities of the Planar Adaptive Robot with Triangular Structure (PARTS) and documents the versatility of this robot system using a holistic approach that combines simulations and hardware demonstrations on a prototype with nine fabricated modules. PARTS is a two-dimensional modular robot consisting of modules with a shape-shifting triangular geometry capable of forming adaptable space-covering structures. Meta-modules and mesh restructuring techniques are presented as methods for achieving topological self-reconfiguration. The feasibility of these methods is demonstrated by applying them on a simulated reconfiguration example of 62 modules. The paper showcases the versatility of PARTS on the hardware prototype using task-specific configurations, including locomotion using a meta-module and a walker configuration, module-module interaction by establishing a bridge between two separated module clusters, and interaction with the environment using a gripper and supporting structure configuration. The results validate the versatility and emphasize the potential of the system’s design concept, motivating the transfer of the hardware architecture to the third dimension.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Robots and Mechatronics)
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Porcospino Flex: A Bio-Inspired Single-Track Robot with a 3D-Printed, Flexible, Compliant Vertebral Column
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Shahab Edin Nodehi, Luca Bruzzone, Mohammadreza Lalegani Dezaki, Ali Zolfagharian and Mahdi Bodaghi
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050076 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This paper is focused on the design and development of the Porcospino Flex, a single-track robot inspired by nature and featuring a meta-material structure. In the earlier version of the Porcospino, the main body was composed of a chain of vertebrae and two
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This paper is focused on the design and development of the Porcospino Flex, a single-track robot inspired by nature and featuring a meta-material structure. In the earlier version of the Porcospino, the main body was composed of a chain of vertebrae and two end sections linked by flexible joints, but the excessive use of materials in 3D printing and the resulting weight of the robot posed challenges, ultimately leading to a decrease in its overall efficiency and performance. The Porcospino Flex is manufactured through the fused deposition modeling process using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and thermoplastic polyurethane, featuring a singular meta-material structure vertebral column. The adoption of a lattice structure in the main body of the Porcospino Flex leads to a substantial increase in performance, reducing its weight from 4200 g to 3600 g. Furthermore, the decrease in weight leads to a reduction in material usage and waste, making a substantial contribution to the sustainability of the robot. The discussion focuses on the testing results of the Porcospino Flex prototype, highlighting the enhancements observed compared to its prior version.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Service Robots)
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Multi-Robot Task Planning for Efficient Battery Disassembly in Electric Vehicles
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Cansu Erdogan, Cesar Alan Contreras, Rustam Stolkin and Alireza Rastegarpanah
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050075 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
With the surging interest in electric vehicles (EVs), there is a need for advancements in the development and dismantling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are highly important for the circular economy. This paper introduces an intelligent hybrid task planner designed for multi-robot disassembly
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With the surging interest in electric vehicles (EVs), there is a need for advancements in the development and dismantling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are highly important for the circular economy. This paper introduces an intelligent hybrid task planner designed for multi-robot disassembly and demonstrates its application to an EV lithium-ion battery pack. The objective is to enable multiple robots to operate collaboratively in a single workspace to execute battery disassembly tasks efficiently and without collisions. This approach can be generalized to almost any disassembly task. The planner uses logical and hierarchical strategies to identify object locations from data captured by cameras mounted on each robot’s end-effector, orchestrating coordinated pick-and-place operations. The efficacy of this task planner was assessed through simulations with three trajectory-planning algorithms: RRT, RRTConnect, and RRTStar. Performance evaluations focused on completion times for battery disassembly tasks. The results showed that completion times were similar across the planners, with 543.06 s for RRT, 541.89 s for RRTConnect, and 547.27 s for RRTStar, illustrating that the effectiveness of the task planner is independent of the specific joint-trajectory-planning algorithm used. This demonstrates the planner’s capability to effectively manage multi-robot disassembly operations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-robot Systems: State of the Art and Future Progress)
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Automated Grasp Planning and Finger Design Space Search Using Multiple Grasp Quality Measures
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Roshan Kumar Hota, Gaoyuan Liu, Bieke Decraemer, Barry Swevels, Sofie Burggraeve, Tom Verstraten, Bram Vanderborght and Greet Van de Perre
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050074 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
As the industry shifts to automated manufacturing and the assembly of parts in smaller batches, there is a clear need for an efficient design of grippers. This paper presents a method for automated grasp planning and finger design for multiple parts using four
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As the industry shifts to automated manufacturing and the assembly of parts in smaller batches, there is a clear need for an efficient design of grippers. This paper presents a method for automated grasp planning and finger design for multiple parts using four grasp quality measures that capture the following important requirements for grasping: (i) uniform contact force distribution; (ii) better gravity wrench resistance; (iii) robustness against gripper positioning error; and (iv) ability to resist larger external wrench on the object. We introduce the fingertip score to quantify the grasp performance of a fingertip design over all the objects. The method takes the CAD model of the objects as the input and outputs the optimal grasp location and the best finger design. We use the method for a three-point grasp with a parallel jaw gripper. We validate our method on two sets of objects. Results show how each grasp quality measure behaves on different objects and the variation in the fingertip score with finger design. Finally, we test the effectiveness of the optimal finger design experimentally. The three-point grasp is suitable for grasping objects larger than is possible with shape-matching fingertips.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Grasping and Motion Control Solutions)
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An Aerial Robotic Missing-Person Search in Urban Settings—A Probabilistic Approach
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Cameron Haigh, Goldie Nejat and Beno Benhabib
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050073 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Autonomous robotic teams have been proposed for a variety of lost-person searches in wilderness and urban settings. In the latter scenarios, for missing persons, the application of such teams, however, is more challenging than it would be in the wilderness. This paper, specifically,
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Autonomous robotic teams have been proposed for a variety of lost-person searches in wilderness and urban settings. In the latter scenarios, for missing persons, the application of such teams, however, is more challenging than it would be in the wilderness. This paper, specifically, examines the application of an autonomous team of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform a sparse, mobile-target search in an urban setting. A novel multi-UAV search-trajectory planning method, which relies on the prediction of the missing-person’s motion, given a known map of the search environment, is the primary focus. The proposed method incorporates periodic updates of the estimates of where the lost/missing person may be, allowing for intelligent re-coverage of previously searched areas. Additional significant contributions of this work include a behavior-based motion-prediction method for missing persons and a novel non-parametric estimator for iso-probability-based (missing-person-location) curves. Simulated experiments are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed search-planning method, demonstrating higher rates of missing-person detection and in shorter times compared to other methods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue UAV Systems and Swarm Robotics)
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Necessary Conditions for Running through a Flange by Using Planetary-Geared Magnetic Wheels
by
Masaru Tanida, Kosuke Ono, Takehiro Shiba and Yogo Takada
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050072 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
To discuss and consider the necessary conditions for magnetic-wheeled robots with planetary-geared magnetic wheels, this paper provides comparing static calculations about three orientations in running a flange with real experiments. SCPREM-I, a magnetic-wheeled robot, was developed for running through a flange from the
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To discuss and consider the necessary conditions for magnetic-wheeled robots with planetary-geared magnetic wheels, this paper provides comparing static calculations about three orientations in running a flange with real experiments. SCPREM-I, a magnetic-wheeled robot, was developed for running through a flange from the bottom to the top. This robot has four magnetic wheels with a built-in planetary gearset. In experiments, however, the robot sometimes fails to run through a flange in three orientations. In this study, we statically analyze SCPREM-I to find the conditions necessary for running through the flange. We calculate the forces around the front and rear wheels in the three orientations. As a result, it has been found that the chassis of the SCPREM-I applies a forward force to the wheels when it runs through the flange. In addition, it has been found that the normal force of the A-Legs is balancing with the driving force of the wheels when the SCPREM-I fails to run through the flange.
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(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Robots and Mechatronics)
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Visual Servoing Architecture of Mobile Manipulators for Precise Industrial Operations on Moving Objects
by
Javier González Huarte and Aitor Ibarguren
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050071 - 2 May 2024
Abstract
Although the use of articulated robots and AGVs is common in many industrial sectors such as automotive or aeronautics, the use of mobile manipulators is not widespread nowadays. Even so, the majority of applications separate the navigation and manipulation tasks, avoiding simultaneous movements
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Although the use of articulated robots and AGVs is common in many industrial sectors such as automotive or aeronautics, the use of mobile manipulators is not widespread nowadays. Even so, the majority of applications separate the navigation and manipulation tasks, avoiding simultaneous movements of the platform and arm. The capability to use mobile manipulators to perform operations on moving objects would open the door to new applications such as the riveting or screwing of parts transported by conveyor belts or AGVs. This paper presents a novel position-based visual servoing (PBVS) architecture for mobile manipulators for precise industrial operations on moving parts. The proposed architecture includes a state machine to guide the process through the different phases of the task to ensure its correct execution. The approach has been validated in an industrial environment for screw-fastening operations, obtaining promising results and metrics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Robotics into High-Accuracy Industrial Operations)
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Open AccessEditorial
Special Issue Kinematics and Robot Design VI, KaRD2023
by
Raffaele Di Gregorio
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050070 - 1 May 2024
Abstract
What would our concept of life be without motion [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kinematics and Robot Design VI, KaRD2023)
Open AccessReview
Radiological Crossroads: Navigating the Intersection of Virtual Reality and Digital Radiology through a Comprehensive Narrative Review of Reviews
by
Andrea Lastrucci and Daniele Giansanti
Robotics 2024, 13(5), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13050069 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The integration of Virtual Reality with radiology is the focus of this study. A narrative review has been proposed to delve into emerging themes within the integration of Virtual Reality in radiology by scrutinizing reviews gathered from PubMed and Scopus. The proposed approach
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The integration of Virtual Reality with radiology is the focus of this study. A narrative review has been proposed to delve into emerging themes within the integration of Virtual Reality in radiology by scrutinizing reviews gathered from PubMed and Scopus. The proposed approach was based on a standard narrative checklist and a qualification process. The selection process identified 20 review studies. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in radiology offers potential transformative opportunities also integrated with other emerging technologies. In medical education, VR and AR, using 3D images from radiology, can enhance learning, emphasizing the need for standardized integration. In radiology, VR combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) shows promising prospectives to give a complimentary contribution to diagnosis, treatment planning, and education. Challenges in clinical integration and User Interface design must be addressed. Innovations in medical education, like 3D modeling and AI, has the potential to enable personalized learning, but face standardization challenges. While robotics play a minor role, advancements and potential perspectives are observed in neurosurgery and endovascular systems. Ongoing research and standardization efforts are crucial for maximizing the potential of these integrative technologies in healthcare. In conclusion, the synthesis of these findings underscores the opportunities for advancements in digital radiology and healthcare through the integration of VR. However, challenges exist, and continuous research, coupled with technological refinements, is imperative to unlock the full potential of these integrative approaches in the dynamic and evolving field of medical imaging.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robots and Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future of Health Care)
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