HAZARDOUS AREAS SpecialiSt application engineering


Motor and gearbox selection criteria.


The solution was achieved using a


Robot measuring pipeline parameters and analysing potential defects for automatic pipe quality control.


travel should also be taken into account. Following calculation of the torque


requirement, the wheels’ rotational speed can be determined, and appropriate selection of the motor and gearbox can then be made based on the output frequency. Typically, the higher the operating voltage, the higher the motor’s speed capability. While sufficient packaging space must be


provided for the encoder, brake, motor and gearing, an important factor if the motor stack is enclosed is operating temperature and avoidance of overheating. Motor capacity and heat dissipation techniques may need to be considered in such circumstances to ensure reliability when the robot is deployed in the field.


Motion Solution developMent for a wheeled robot


Portescap recently provided the motion solution for a four-wheel drive robot. With two pairs of powered wheels, each pair turns in the same direction. It is vital that the motion system controls both pairs to run at the same speed, otherwise overall robot speed will be reduced and steering will not be aligned. Unlike differential steering that uses separately driven wheels, this four-wheel drive solution has a differential steering mechanism that requires only a single motor, which reduces footprint, energy use and cost.


Portescap Brushed DC 35 GLT motor and a planetary gearbox with a 99.8 total gearbox ratio. In a packaging of just 32mm diameter and 115mm in length, the gearbox output torque capacity reaches 8Nm with an output speed of 80rpm. With a life expectancy of 1,000 hours, the motion system can withstand temperatures up to 125°C. These results provide reliable, durable motion to a variety of wheeled robot applications.


Terrain can be a challenge for wheeled robots, particularly among rocky environments, sharp declines, or areas with low friction. While technology such as tracks with a differential drive and skid steer four- wheel drive are increasingly used, techniques to optimise existing motion solutions can also be deployed to increase durability, efficiency, and reduce noise. For example, needle roller bearings can be introduced to increase durability and efficiency by avoiding scuffing failures and providing smooth rotation of planet gears. Ensuring the gearbox has the optimum teeth combination with lower torsional forces can also reduce noise, which can be improved with an advanced


acoustic simulation to predict noise emission. To achieve the optimum motion system for a


wheeled robot design, it is crucial that it is specified according to analysis of the application requirements and the environment in which the robot will operate. Portescap’s engineers can provide a range of solutions for robotic motion, with engineers able to create customised designs for precise needs.


portescap www.portescap.com


UK teCh that ‘teleports’ hUmans into robots soars into finals of global robotiCs Competition


U


K robotics company Cyberselves has won a spot in the finals of the prestigious ANA Avatar XPRIZE global robotics competition.


Cyberselves’ telepresence technology


allows humans to teleport into a robot and control it in an intuitive, immersive way. The human operator can see, hear and feel through the robot, allowing them to perform tasks from a vast distance as if they were really there. It is believed the technology could provide remote support in hazardous environments, for telemedicine and space exploration. The $10 million Avatar XPRIZE is a four-


year global competition focused on the development of an avatar system that will deploy a human’s senses, actions, and presence to a remote location in real time, leading to a more connected world. Cyberselves is one of only two UK


companies to have made it into the finals of the competition, which was open to entries from around the world. Unlike the other semi-finalist teams,


Cyberselves’ technology lets users teleport into a robot from long distances. This


means the technology is uniquely placed for real-world impact, allowing human operators to safely carry out tasks in hazardous environments from thousands of miles away. Applications range from nuclear decommissioning to bomb disposal, offshore wind production and search and rescue operations. In the semi-finals, which took place in


Miami in September 2021, each avatar system was challenged to carry out three tasks: complete a children’s jigsaw puzzle of farmyard animals, grab and raise a wine glass in a toast with a human companion, and lift a vase to feel its texture. The systems were judged on their ability to execute the tasks whilst conveying a sense of presence for the human operator and the person with whom the robot interacted. Daniel Camilleri, co-founder and chief


technology officer at Cyberselves says: “We are incredibly proud to have made it into the finals of the Avatar XPRIZE. Our Teleport app makes the remote operation of robots both powerfully effective and functionally simple.” The finals will take place in the Autumn.


Cyberselves www.cyberselves.com


indUstrial ComplianCe | janUary/febrUary 2022 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46