Other Team Member(s): Scott Frazier
Date: 3/30/04
Area of Exploration: Robotics
Basic Overview of the Process: Robots are reprogrammable machine designed to do the work of one or more human beings(860). Robots can have many different devices added to the arms that will let them do many different jobs. Robots can be powered three different ways electrically, hydraulically, and by pneumatically. Robots are also programmed to do the job in the quickest time that is aloud.
Task Description: The task that was done was to move three pieces of wood and stack them on top of each other. Then move them all at the same time to a given spot.
Equipment: The equipment that was used was a computer with the software Scorebase Pro, Scorbot ER 4 pc, and some pieces of tape.
Materials: The material that was used was three pieces of wood all about 14" long, 2" wide, and the thickness varied from about 1/4" to 1".
Steps Followed:
1. Turn on computer and open Scorebase Pro
2. Take off the cover on the robot and the controller and turn on Scorbot ER 4 pc
3. When Scorebase Pro is open search for home under run tab
4. Place the objects on the pieces of tape the objects must be placed the same why each and every time
5. Use the movement buttons to control the robots different axises
6. Once in the position you want record the position by giving that position a number never use the same number more than once
7. Keep positioning the robot and recording that position and number until the task is done
8. When done recording tell the robot to run that program that was just written
9. Now the robot can run the program as many times as need
10. Send robot back to home position turn off and put covers back on the robot and control box
11. turn off computer
Description of Problems: The main problem that we had was keeping the robot going because at the time we did not know that the wires that connected the computer to the control box were loose. So we got a screwdriver and tightened up the screws on the control box. When we first ran the robot, with its new program, we forgot to raise the robot arm so the robot dragged the pieces of wood across the table so we had to add another step in to raise the arm off the table. With adding a new step we renumbered the other positions, but when I think of it now we could have just added the new position with a new number.
Industrial Applications: Their are count less applications, but some of the applications that robots do are welding, painting the construction of computers, loading and unloading of parts.
References:
Brooks, Rodney Allen: (2002) "Flash and machines: how robots will change us". Pantheon Books, New York
Mason, Matthew T.: (2001) "Mechanics of robotic manipulation" MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.
New Webster's Dictionary. (1995). Lexicon Publications, Inc. page 860. Danbury, CT
Notes: Make sure that you record the position right then and give it a number that is not used.
Control Programs Developed: Print out of commands included