All posts by Roboticmagazine

Again, it is better not to write but just to show the video, when it is a robot from Boston Dynamics, as it speaks for itself

The post Boston Dynamics Atlas Robot can now do backflips appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

For a robot to truly be considered autonomous, it must possess three very important characteristics: Perception, Decision and Actuation.

• Perception: For an autonomous robot, perception means sensors. Laser scanners, stereo vision cameras (eyes), bump sensors (skin and hair), force-torque sensors (muscle strain), and even spectrometers (smell) are used as input devices for a robot. Similar to how a human uses the five senses to perceive the world, a robot uses sensors to perceive the environment around it.

• Decision: Autonomous robots have a similar decision making structure as humans. The “brain” of a robot is usually a computer, and it makes decisions based on what its mission is, and what information it receives along the way. Autonomous robots also have a capability that is similar to the neurological system in humans. This is called an embedded system; it operates faster and with higher authority than the computer that is executing a mission plan and parsing data. This is how the robot can decide to stop if it notices an obstacle in its way, if it detects a problem with itself, or if its emergency-stop button is pressed.
• Actuation: People have actuators called muscles. They take all kinds of shapes and perform all kinds of functions. Autonomous robots can have all kinds of actuators too, and a motor of some kind is usually at the heart of the actuator. Whether it’s a wheel, linear actuator, or hydraulic ram, there’s always a motor converting energy into movement.

In summation, a truly autonomous robot is one that can perceive its environment, make decisions based on what it perceives and/or has been programmed to recognize and then actuate a movement or manipulation within that environment.

The best example of an autonomous robot is the Roomba. The Roomba is easily the most prolific, truly autonomous robot on the market today. While only a few hundred dollars, not thousands like many robots for manufacturing, the Roomba can make decisions and take action based on what it perceives in its environment. It can be placed in a room, left alone, and it will do its job without any help or supervision from a person. This is true autonomy.

###

The post above has been submitted to us by https://stanleyinnovation.com

The post 3 Crucial Characteristics of an Autonomous Robot appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

Automated Managed Services roll out their upgraded automated ball return system, which handles ball washing and transportation back to the dispenser of golf balls

Established in late 2013, Automated Managed Services (AMS) have been offering driving range robots as an outfield maintenance solution to golf facilities. Their increasing success continues to reshape the idea of what golf maintenance should look and be like, as they rollout their newly redesigned ball return system across new and previous AMS locations.

The automated ball return system is responsible for the washing and transportation back to the dispenser of golf balls. It works in conjunction with the robot ballpicker that goes out and collects the balls out on the outfield. Once the robot is full it returns to its base and drops them into the return system. This process is fully automatic, from the time the balls are collected to being transported back to the dispenser, no human interaction is involved.

The design itself consists of a stainless steel ball drop zone that is shaped like half a diamond. This is installed into the ground and it is what the robot drops the balls into. The half diamond shape allows the balls to be funnelled towards the centre, at the base of the drop zone container is a slider that moves back and forth. With each back and forth motion the balls drop into u-bend shaped cage, this allows any debris such as small stones to fall away. Leaving the balls to roll into a connected green transportation pipe, where compressed air pushes the balls along back to the ball dispenser. During this transportation process water is introduced and the balls are cleaned. The return system is controlled via control panel that is usually located alongside the ball dispenser unit as well as the air compressor for the transportation pipe.

The design and development of the new system was undertaken by the owner of AMS Philip Sear and his technical director Sam Daybell. Philip had this to say about the ball return system:

“Research and development are a key component of our technology infrastructure, so we always strive to improve our products and services. With this in mind the new design is definitely more efficient in processing the balls and returning them to the dispenser. An example of this can be seen in the modification on how we use water in the system, we decided to only introduce water into transportation pipe. After previously also having it in the ball drop zone itself, this ensures water is used more resourcefully along with the balls being cleaned effectively. Overall we are very pleased with the new design as it continues our sustainability in offering a solution that streamlines resources and is cost-effective for our clients”

The new return system is currently being installed at FourAshes Golf Centre based in Solihull, who have been utilising robot technology at their facility for the past 4 years.  It is also part of a new installation being undertaken at Grimsby Golf Club and was installed at High Legh Golf Club based in Knutsford.

About AMS Robot Technology
Automated Managed Services provides golf ball and grass management for driving range facilities, designed to help to streamline resources, reduce costs and improve the overall health of golf driving range outfields.If you would like more information about the AMS’s Outfield Robots, please contact:

Natalie St Hill
Tel: 01462 676 222
natalie@automeatedmanagedservices.com
www.automatedmanagedservices.com

The post Automated Ball Return System For Driving Ranges appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

This is one of the methods to launch airplane drones, because airplanes need initial speed in order to fly. Catapults are used in order to throw airplanes into the air easily and quickly, where there might not be enough distance to speed up, or the drone might not have the gear to speed up (which saves weight and control systems). Catapult launched airplanes will need additional reinforcement in order to withstand the throwing force from catapult.

Ask, discuss anything about robots and drones in our forums

See our Robot Book

This post was originally written by RoboticMagazine.com and displaying without our permission is not allowed.

The post What is Catapult Launching of Drones appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

Batteries provide essential power to the motors, receivers and controllers. For multirotors, the most commonly used batteries are Lithium Polymer (LiPo) types, as their energy efficiency is high. Usually 3-4 cell batteries are used, which provide currents of up to around 5000 mah (miliamperes – hour) capacity. To understand what mah means, consider this example: a 3000 mah battery will last 3 times longer than a 1000 mah battery.  Think of the charge (or load) in Amperes and time as similar to velocity and time. Velocity x time = distance. Here the distance is mah, so in other words, it is the distance you can go for so many hours at a certain speed. As the speed (ampere or load you use) increases, the time will decrease because you have a certain defined mah limit (distance). The advantage of LiPo batteries are that it can discharge at a much faster rate than a normal battery. It is recommended to buy a few sets of batteries, so that, when the first set is discharged, you do not have to wait for flying your drone again, and while one charges in the recharger, you can use the other battery. Some intelligent batteries on newer models have sensors and they can calculate its distance from you versus amount of power to return. Safety Note: Lithium Batteries can catch fire and you must check the requirements of the battery manufacturer for safe usage.

Ask, discuss anything about robots and drones in our forums

See our Robot Book

This post was originally written by RoboticMagazine.com and displaying without our permission is not allowed.

The post Batteries for Drones appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

This is the angle between the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and the horizontal axis, when the drone flies inclined. For example, when the drone flies in perfectly horizontal position, the bank angle is zero. When it starts to turn its axis the bank angle starts to increase. When flying straight, planes bank angle is zero and when making left or right turns, they have a greater than zero bank angle.

Ask, discuss anything about robots and drones in our forums

See our Robot Book

This post was originally written by RoboticMagazine.com and displaying without our permission is not allowed.

The post What is “bank angle” of a drone? appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

It measures the speed of the drone relative to the air, by measuring the positive and negative pressure differences around the drone. When purchased, they usually come together with pitot tube and connection cables. It is recommended for advanced users or drones only, as it necessitates an extra layer of control and tuning. Through pitot tube, the pressure is measured and then this is converted to air speed. Air speed varies with the square root of air pressure. The pitot tube, which takes in the air, transmits it to the sensor through rubber tubing. The sensor is connected to flight controller through a 4 wire I²C cable. Air speed of drone is different than its speed relative to ground. When calculating flight time for a certain distance, the ground speed is used. For example, if the aircraft is moving in the air with 200 km/h, into a headwind of 5 km/h, then its ground speed is 195 km/h. This is how fast the shadow of the aircraft moves on the ground. When airspeed is corrected for pressure and temperature, true airspeed is obtained. This is the true speed at which the aircraft moves through the air fluid that surrounds it.

Ask, discuss anything about robots and drones in our forums

See our Robot Book

This post was originally written by RoboticMagazine.com and displaying without our permission is not allowed.

The post What is an Airspeed Sensor appeared first on Roboticmagazine.