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Introduction to Robotics, class notes (UG level)

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DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3509.5203

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Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

(CETB)
College of Electronic Technology / Bani Walid
Control System Department

Subject Name: Introduction to Robotics

Class Notes (Part One)

BY: Yousef Moh. Abueejela

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Course Info
Lecture Hours: 14 weeks x 2.5 hours = 35 hours/semester
Tutorial Hours: 10 weeks x 2 hour = 20 hours/semester
Self-Readings: 14 weeks x 4 hours = 56 hours/semester
Attendance: > 75 % it means you must attend at least 10 weeks

Grading
Exam 1

Midterm Exam .... 25 %

Exam 2

Quiz total ..5 %

Assignments & H.ws... 10 %
Final Exam .. 60 %

Text Books and References

Introduction to Robotics: analysis, systems, applications, by Saeed B. Niku (available in

college library CNT 291).

Introduction to Robotics: mechanics and control 2nd edition, by John J. Craig (available
in college library CNT 254/4).

Fundamentals of robotics by Ming xie (Copies will be given).

This Class Notes and hard copy materials
Contacts
Email:

yousef.yaga@gmail.com

Phone:
Office: College administration building & Plc Lab

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Schedule of Lectures for Spring 2014/2015

week Lecture

Introduction to Robot and Robotics, Three laws of robotics,

History, Issues of industrial robot usage, Robot Types, limitations,
Architecture ,Videos Media
Robot Applications ,Robot Configuration, Classification, Robot
Repeatability and Accuracy, Videos Media
Robot Applications, Robot component, Degree of freedom, Drive
Technologies,Videos Media

2D Vectors ,Point Representation in 3D, Vectors in Space 3D,

Unit Vector, 2,3D Vectors Rotations and Translation.

Rules to finding H.T.M, 3D Rotation and Translation in Space,

Examples 3D vectors, Issues, Relative Frames, Homogeneous
Transformation H.T.M,
Coordinate Systems, three related frames, Rotational about fixed
frames ( x,y,z). Transformation of Coordinate Frame
Rotational , Translation about fixed frames ( ,,).

1
2

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Topic

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Date

Forward Kinematics Basics, Orientations, Translation of rigid body

3D System Camera, Robot and an Object designing and

solution.
Forward Kinematics Examples for Camera object Robot Systems.

Mid Term Examination ( postponed by the student 2 times )

Denavit-Hertanberg representation, D-H algorithm of tow axis
robot
Forward Kinematics Solutions For 2 Dof Robots, Examples.
Forward Kinematics Solution For 3 Dof Robot, Examples.
Forward Kinematics Solution For 4 Dof Robots, Examples.
Forward Kinematics Solutions For 5 Dof Robots, Examples.
Forward Kinematics Solution For 6 Dof Robots, Mitsubishi

problem of inverse kinematics , Inverse Kinematics solutions

Inverse Kinematics Examples and review
Wheeled mobile robot, structure, types, modelling
Wheeled mobile robot speed and position calculation
Paper exam revision and solutions
Last exams Solutions

Quizs ( 4/5 ).... Homeworks ( 3/10) ... Mid term(1/25)

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

What Is a Robot?
Robots today are being utilized in a wide variety of industrial application. The most
majority of industrial robots are mechanical arms attached to a fixed base, with some
form of programmable control for automatic execution of motion.
There are a variety of definitions of an industrial robot, two of which are as follows:
A robot is a re programmable multi-function manipulator designed to move
material parts, tools or specialised devices, through variable programmed motions for
the performance of a variety of tasks.

(Robotic Institute of America, 1979)

An industrial robot is a re-programmable device designed to both manipulate and

transport parts, tools or specialised manufacturing implements through variable
programmed motions for the performance of specific manufacturing tasks.
(British Robots Association)

Robotics is the engineering science and technology of robots, and their design,
manufacture, application, and structural disposition. It requires a working knowledge
of electronics, mechanics, and software.
The word 'robot' first appeared in 1921 but was not a technical term. It was used by a
Czech playwright called Karel Capek in a satirical play called 'Rossums Universal
Robots' to describe slave labourers who had their souls removed to make them work
harder. In, 1942 Isaac Asimov wrote a short science fiction story in which the word
'robotics' was first used and presented 3 laws of robotics.
1. Robots must not injure humans
2. Robots must obey orders
3. Robots must protect their own existence
4

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Issues of industrial robot usage!

How to tackle the issues of industrial relation?!!!
RIA (Robotics Industries Association) has put up the following promise for the
Opponents of robot usage in the industry:

Not to replace workers, only replace equipment.

Use only for (hazardous, boring, demoralizing, and repetitive tasks).

Only if it can result in shorter work week, higher pay, and better working
conditions for human.

Classes of Robot
Most of physical robots fall into one of the three categories:
Manipulators/robotic arms which are anchored to their workplace and built
usually from sets of rigid links connected by joints.
Mobile robots which can move in their environment using wheels, legs, etc.
Hybrid robots which include humanoid robots are mobile robots equipped with
manipulators.

To qualify as a robot, a machine must be able to:

1) Sensing and perception: get information from its surroundings.
2) Carry out different tasks: Locomotion or manipulation, do something
Physicalsuch as move or manipulate objects
3) Re-programmable: can do different things
4) Function autonomously and/or interact with human beings

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Why Use Robots?!!!

There are many different reasons for using a robot but the central reasons are:
Application 4D environments

4A tasks

Dangerous (exploring inside a volcano)

Automation

Dirty

Augmentation

Dull (such as domestic cleaning)

Assistance

Difficult (cleaning the inside of a

Autonomous

long pipe and space missions)

Most robots today are used to do repetitive (boring

and dull) actions or jobs considered too dangerous and
difficult for humans. They are also used in factories to
build things like cars and electronics. Some robots are
even designed to explore underwater and on other
planets!
Another reason we use robot is because it is cheaper, easier and sometimes the only
way we can get things done! Robots can explore inside gas tanks, volcanoes, Mars and
other places too dangerous for humans to go! Robots also can do one thing over and
over again without getting bored is that something you could do? Think about it
standing in one place doing the same thing all day and night would get pretty boring!
Another reason to use robots is because they never get sick; dont need to take a
day off, and best of all they dont ever complain!
There are four major reasons why Nissan Corporation uses automation and in
particular industrial robots.

Quality improvement.
6

Better cost effectiveness.

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Flexibility to change.

Improvement of working environment

Limitations of Robotics
Are not creative or innovative

Can not think independently

Can not make complicated decisions

Can not learn from mistakes

Can not adapt quickly to changes in their surroundings

History of Automation/Robotics
Date

Development

mid- 1
J. de Vaucanson built several human-sized mechanical dolls that played music.
700s
J. Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom, a programmable machine for weaving threads or
1801
yarn into cloth.
1830 Christopher Spencer (American) designs a cam operated lathe
Seward Babbit (American) designs a motorized crane with gripper to remove ingots from a
1892
furnace.
The first reference to the word robot appears in a play opening in London. The play,
1921 written by Czechoslovakian Karel Capek, introduces the word robot from the Czech
robota, which means a serf or one in subservient labor.
1938 Willard Pollard and Harold Roselund (Americans) design a programmable paint-spraying
mechanism for the DeVilbiss Company.
1946 J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly build the first large electronic computer called the
Eniac at M.I.T.
1948 Norbert Wiener ( professor at M.I.T.) publishes Cybernetics, a book which describes the
concept of communications and control in electronic, mechanical, and biological systems.
1954 The first programmable robot is designed by George Devol, who coins the term
1954 Universal Automation. He
later shortens this to Unimation, which becomes the name of the first robot company.
1960 Unimation is purchased by Condec Corporation and development of Unimate Robot
Systems begins.
1964 Artificial intelligence research laboratories are opened at M.I.T., Stanford Research
Institute (SRI), Stanford University, and the University of Edinburgh.
1970 At Standford University a robot arm is developed which becomes a standard for research
projects. The arm is electrically powered and becomes known as the Stanford Arm.
1973 The first commercially available mini computer controlled industrial robot is developed by
Richard Hohn for Cincinnati Milacron.
1978 The Puma (Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly) robot is developed by
Unimation from Vicarm techniques and with support from General Motors.
1980 The robot industry starts its rapid growth, with a new robot or company entering the market
every month.
7

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Types of Robots (some examples)

Robot Manipulators

Aerial Robots

Mobile Manipulators

Humanoid

Underwater robots

Wheeled mobile robots

8

Legged
robots

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Hilare
II

Sojourner
Rover

NASA and JPL, Mars

Mobile robot examples

VECTOR-Versatile Endoscopic Capsule
for gastrointestinal TumOr Recognition

2001: Capsule endoscopy

Tele-operated Endoscopic
Capsule with Active
Locomotion Scuola Superiore
SantAnna, Italy (research
project)
9

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Industrial Robot Applications

Historically, there have been two main streams for the development of robotics. One
application area is the traditional industrial robot, employed for assembly line tasks such as
welding, painting, and materials handling. The other application area is teleportation for
hazardous environments, such as handling nuclear materials. More recently, the domain of
application for robotics has expanded. Here are the most 10 industrial robot applications:
1) Material Handling (see slide 12).
2) Polishing (see slide 12).
3) Punching (see slide 13).
4) Welding (see slide 13).
5) Palletizing.
6) Assembly.
7) Laser Cutting.
8) Spray Painting.
9) Inspection.
10) Deburring.

See industrial robot

Videos slide 14

Percentages of industrial robot uses in worldwide are (60% welding and painting ,20%

pick and place and 20% others).

Advantages &Benefits of Industrial Robots

1. Increased output rates.
3. Reduced material wastage.
5. Reduced labor turnover.

2. Improved product quality

4. Accident reduction.
6. Greater flexibilityandre-programmability.

Dis-advantages of Industrial Robot

1) Replacement of human labor.
2) Robots are an expensive initial cost.
3) Can only do what it is instructed to do; nothing more, nothing les
4) Greater unemployment
10

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Architecture of Robotic Systems

An industrial robot contains several electrical and mechanical components acting
together as a system. The controller contains an operating system and software that
dictates how the system operates and communicates. Sensors work together for
gathering information (Localization and positioning).

External
Sensors

Environment
Internal
Sensors

Programming

Control
Unit
Actuators
Mechanical
Structure

Industrial Robot

USER

Actuators:

Sensors:

Camera, Encoder, Photo Electronic, GPS,

Compass, Gyroscope, Inertial navigation,
Laser Range Scanners, Pressure

Electrical, Hydraulic,
Pneumatic, Artificial Muscle

11

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Configuration of Industrial Robot

Over the years robot manufacturers have developed many types of robots of differing
configurations and mechanical design, to give a variety of spatial arrangements and working
volumes. The majority of these manipulators fall into one of these six configurations:
Cartesian

(PPP),

Cylindrical

(RPP),

Spherical

(RRP),

SCARA

(RRP),

Articulate/Revolute (RRR) and robot. The work envelope or work volume is defined as the
space within which the robot cans manipulator the end of its wrist. The shape of work volume
is determined by the type of robot configuration.

1- Cartesian Type Configuration (PPP),( X Y Z )

It is form by 3 prismatic joints, whose axes are coincident with the X, Y and Z planes.
These robots move in three directions, in translation, at right angles to each other.
Cartesian manipulator is useful for table-top assembly applications and, as gantry robots
for transfer of material and cargo.
Advantages:

Work space

3 linear axes
Easy to visualize
Rigid structure
Easy to program off-line

Disadvantage:
Can only reach in front of itself
Requires large floor space for size of work envelop
Axes hard to seal

12

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

2- Cylindrical Type Configuration (RPP), ( , r, z )

For cylindrical type manipulator, its first joint is revolute which produces a rotation
about the based, while its second and third joints are prismatic. The robot arm is
attached to the slide so that it can be moved radially with respect to the column.
Advantages:
2 linear axes, 1 rotating axis
Can reach all around itself
Reach and height axes rigid
Disadvantage:
Cannot reach above itself
Base rotation axis is less rigid than a linear axis
Will not reach around obstacles

3- Spherical Type Configuration (RRP), ( , , z )

The first two joints of this type of manipulators are revolute, while its third Joint is
prismatic. It used for a small number of vertical actions and is adequate for loading and
unloading of a punch.
Advantages:
1 linear axis, 2 rotating axes
Long horizontal reach
Disadvantage:
Cannot reach around obstacles
Generally has short vertical reach

13

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

4- Scara Type Configuration (RRP or PRR), ( , , z )

The word SCARA stands for Selective Compliant Articulated Robot for Assembly.
There are two type of SCARA robot configuration: either the first two joints are
revolute with the third joint as prismatic, or the first joint is revolute with the second and
third Joints as prismatic. Although some of the SCARA robots have the RRP structure.
Advantages:

1 linear axis, 2 rotating axes

Height axis is rigid
Large work area floor space
Can reach around obstacles
Two ways to reach a point

Disadvantage:
Difficult to program off-line
Highly complex arm

5- Revolute Type Configuration (RRR), ( , , )

Also called articulated manipulator that looks like an arm with at least three rotary
joints. They are used in welding and painting; gantry and conveyor systems move parts
in factories.
Advantages:

3 rotating, axes
Can reach above or below obstacles
Largest work area for least work space
Two or four ways to reach a point

Disadvantage:
Difficult to program off-line
The most complex manipulator

14

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

6- Parallel Type Configuration (RRR), ( , , )

It is a complex mechanism which is constituted by two or more kinematics chains
between, the base and the platform where the end-effectors are located.
Advantages:
Motors can be proximal:
higher bandwidth,
easier to control
Disadvantage:
Generally less motion
kinematics can be challenging

Workspace : is the volume of space reachable by the end-effector, Everywhere a

robot reaches must be within this space.Tool orientation and size also important.
Repeatability and Accuracy of an Industrial Robot
Accuracy: Accuracy refers to a robot's ability to position its wrist end at a desired target point
within the work volume.
Repeatability: Repeatability describes how a points are repeated at the same place or target.

Bad Accuracy
Bad Repeatability

Bad Accuracy
Good Repeatability

Good Accuracy
Bad Repeatability

15

Good Accuracy
Good Repeatability

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Robot Classification

Arm Configuration:

o
o
o
o
o

Drive System:

Cartesian Coordinate.
Cylindrical Coordinate.
Spherical Coordinate.
Scara Coordinate.
Revolute Coordinate.

o
o
o

Electrical.
Hydraulic.
Pneumatic.

Drive Gear System:

o
o

Direct Drive Robots.

Geared Robots.

Level of Technology:

Low Technology:

Medium Technology: (pick & place, material handling, 4-6 axes).

High Technology:

(material handling, using simple assemble 2-4 axes of

movement, stop at extremes).

( material handling, pick and place, loading, painting and

welding, 6-9 axes).

Field of Applications:

o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Tooling Applications:

o
o
o
o
o
o

Industrial Robot.
Medical Robot.
Space Robot.
Military Robot.
Aerial Robot.
Etcetra ..
.

16

Painting robot.
Welding robot.
Gluing robot.
Deburring robot.
Etcetra ..
.

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Motors and Actuators Technologies

Actuators and Motors are devices that make robot move robot muscle . For most
industrial robots, the actuators are coupled to the respective robot link through a, gear train.
The effect of the gear reduction is largely to decoupled the system by reducing the coupling
among the joints. However, the present of gears introduces friction, backlash and drive train
compliance. The commonly used actuators are:

Pneumatic:

Energy efficient
Hard for feedback
control

Hydraulic:

Electric:

clean
choice of today

can deliver large forces

bulky, leakage problems

Electrical Drive
Small and medium size robots are usually powered by electric drives via gear trains
using servomotors and stepper motors. Most commonly used are dc motors, although
for larger robots, ac motors may be utilised. A new design based on direct drives
(without gear trains) is being developed.
Advantages:
Better accuracy & repeatability
Require less floor space
More towards precise work such as assembly applications
Disadvantage:
Generally not as speedy and powerful as hydraulic robots
Expensive for large and powerful robots, can become fire hazard

17

Introduction to Robotics CNT 4202

Class Notes

Hydraulic Drive
Larger robots are usually powered by hydraulic drives . Hydraulic drive system can
provide rotational motion (rotary vane actuators) and linear motion (hydraulic pistons).
Advantages:
More strength-to-weight ratio
Can also actuate at a higher speed
Disadvantage:
Require large floor space
Tendency to oil leakage

Pneumatic Drive
Generally used For smaller robots that possess fewer degrees of freedom (2- 4 joint motions).
They are limited to pick-and-place tasks with fast cycles. Pneumatic drive system can be
applied to the actuation of piston devices to provide linear motions. Rotational motions can be
achieved by rotary actuators
Advantages:
Cheaper & lower technology options for control of speed.
Safe to use and Light in weight
Disadvantage:
Require large floor space
Tendency to oil leakage

18

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