Robotics and control

Description

Students move from mobile robotics into the engineering of robotic manipulation systems.

They study the mechanical components that allow machines and robots to transfer forces and create controlled movement, including Bearings, Flanges, Shafts, Couplers, Screws, Joints, and other mechanical transmission elements.

Students also explore Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, understanding their main components, operating principles, actuators, and engineering applications.

They then study the architecture of robotic arms through Links and Joints, learning how multiple controlled axes combine to create complex motion.

Instead of selecting motors by trial and error, students begin performing engineering calculations to estimate required Force, Torque, Speed, and Actuator Power according to the arm structure and expected load.

They design the mechanical structure of an Industrial Robotic Arm, select suitable actuators, and can develop custom joints using Stepper Motors and mechanical transmission components.

The course brings together mechanical design, electronics, motion control, and engineering calculations into one complete robotic manipulation system.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the mechanical architecture of robotic systems.
• Identify common mechanical machine components.
• Understand Bearings, Flanges, Shafts, Couplers, and Screws.
• Understand basic mechanical power transmission.
• Understand Links and Joints in robotic manipulators.
• Understand the concept of Degrees of Freedom.
• Identify different types of robotic joints.
• Understand basic robotic arm workspace.
• Understand the fundamentals of Hydraulic Systems.
• Identify major hydraulic system components.
• Understand the fundamentals of Pneumatic Systems.
• Identify major pneumatic system components.
• Compare electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuation.
• Calculate basic forces and loads acting on robotic mechanisms.
• Estimate required joint torque.
• Select appropriate actuators according to system requirements.
• Understand the relationship between Torque, Speed, and Load.
• Design mechanical Links for a robotic arm.
• Design robotic Joints and actuator mounting systems.
• Develop Stepper Motor-based robotic joints.
• Integrate mechanical design, electronics, actuators, and control.
• Design and build a functional Industrial Robotic Arm.