A study of application areas for modular robots

Abstract

SUMMARY The paper describes a study of potential industrial applications where modular robots can be used in preference to conventional pedestal mounted robots and/or specially designed automatic machines. The study was conducted with reference to a particular family of pneumatically actuated robot modules. The paper also describes a modular robotic system which was designed to automate assembly processes in the manufacture of a family of egg coddlers. The manipulator comprises multi-axis groups of modules which operate concurrently to perform the assembly operations. Flexibility is incorporated through the use of a hierarchical control system architecture.