The developement of robots enables new robotic applications. In the developement process, engineers encounter the limitations of the individual components of a robotic joint. There are many providers in the market with different solutions. Therefore component suppliers must follow the wishes of their costumers so that the new robot can meet the requirements for higher speeds, payload or repeatability. Customers often do not disclose their challenges in detail, as this would also reveal part of their own solutions that sets them apart from their competition.
In the company RLS Merilna tehnika d. o. o. they decided on a project of a student team that will make their own robot and thus encounter some of the challenges of robot developement. For a market-oriented approach to developement, the desire was to build a low-cost solution that would be competitive with existing open-source robots. The concept of a 4-axis robot was planned, suitable motors and reducers were selected and all other components were made.
Repeatability was measured on the model of ISO9283. Initial requirements were not met. Some options for improvement has been identified. The tested load capacity exceeds the initial requirements. Findings are needed to understand the effects of individual components on the characteristics of the whole robot.
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