Latest Papers

ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics

  • Mechanical Characterization of Supernumerary Robotic Tails for Human Balance Augmentation
    on August 31, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractHumans are intrinsically unstable in quiet stance from a rigid body system viewpoint; however, they maintain balance, thanks to neuro-muscular sensory control properties. With increasing levels of balance related incidents in industrial and ageing populations globally each year, the development of assistive mechanisms to augment human balance is paramount. This work investigates the mechanical characteristics of kinematically dissimilar one and two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) supernumerary robotic tails for balance augmentation. Through dynamic simulations and manipulability assessments, the importance of variable coupling inertia in creating a sufficient reaction torque is highlighted. It is shown that two-DoF tails with solely revolute joints are best suited to address the balance augmentation issue. Within the two-DoF options, the characteristics of open versus closed loop tails are investigated, with the ultimate design selection requiring trade-offs between environmental workspace, biomechanical factors, and manufacturing ease to be made.

A Novel Origami-Inspired Delta Mechanism With Flat Parallelogram Joints

Abstract

In robotics, the origami-based design methodology uses straightforward fabrication and assembly processes to create small-scale parallel mechanisms. Delta mechanisms are among the well-known parallel mechanisms used mostly in pick-and-place operations due to their capability to reach high speeds and accelerations. In this work, we present a novel Delta mechanism based on origami-inspired designs and two-dimensional layer-by-layer fabrication methods, reducing the time and errors in manufacturing. We developed a new flat parallelogram providing translations in X–Y–Z directions, respecting the Delta mechanism’s conventional kinematic models. The fabrication and assembly processes include laser machining and lamination, eliminating manual-folding and bonding steps. The mechanism operates in a 20 × 20 × 20 mm3 workspace and a 17.5 cm diameter circular footprint when it is entirely flat. The kinematic performance of the mechanism is analyzed using a six degrees-of-freedom position sensor on the end effector. The experiments are conducted to follow circular trajectories with varying radii at different heights. Despite having no feedback control from the end effector, the mechanism follows the given trajectories with 1.5 mm root-mean-square (RMS) precision. We also present the effects of the elasticity of flexible materials at different regions of the mechanism on the performance of the Delta robot.
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