Low-cost, high performance servo-pneumatic manipulators with sensor feedback

A. de Almeida, H. Fachada, J. Dias, P. Amado, P. Menezes, U. Nunes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

New types of manipulators featuring both low cost and flexibility are required to expand the spectrum of applications in factory automation for assembly purposes. A low-cost manipulator which uses pneumatic cylinders as the actuators is described. The cylinders do not require any gearboxes and are fitted with incremental encoders for continuous position monitoring. Continuous positioning of the manipulator axes is achieved through proportional pneumatic valves driven by a hierarchical control structure. This distributed structure also simplifies the integration of the sensors required for each particular application. A machine vision system based on the use of fast digital signal processors was developed, providing additional sensory feedback. To overcome the problems associated with the highly nonlinear nature of the system composed by the proportional valves and the pneumatic cylinders, both variable structure control algorithms and proportional-integral-derivative algorithms are used to achieve an optimal response.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationThird Int Symp Intell Control
EditorsH.E. Stephanou, A. Meystel, J.Y.S. Luh
Pages465-470
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 1988
EventThird International Symposium on Intelligent Control 1988 - Arlington, VA, USA
Duration: 24 Aug 198826 Aug 1988

Publication series

NameThird Int Symp Intell Control

Conference

ConferenceThird International Symposium on Intelligent Control 1988
CityArlington, VA, USA
Period24/08/8826/08/88

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