TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– This paper aims to present the design of a modular robot with 3D-printing technology. Design/methodology/approach– The robot consists of a number of autonomous modules coupled by magnetic interfaces. Each module combines 3D-printed mechanical parts with widely available standard electronic components, including a microcontroller and a single servo actuator. The mechanical and electrical connection is provided by a single set of magnets which apply the physical force between the modules and at the same time serve as wires for power and communication. Findings– The PMR is a full-featured robotic device, well integrated into a simulation framework, capable to execute common locomotion patterns but still extremely affordable (approximately 25/module). Furthermore, the design is easy to extend and replicate for other research and education groups. Originality/value– This paper explores a novel approach of connecting devices in a complex way by utilizing very simple magnetic parts. A second focus lies on the concept of closely integrating simulation and hardware development, blurring the edge between digital and physical word.
VL  - 42
IS  - 2
SN  - 0143-991X
DO  - 10.1108/IR-12-2014-0442
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-12-2014-0442
AU  - Krupke Dennis
AU  - Wasserfall Florens
AU  - Hendrich Norman
AU  - Zhang Jianwei
PY  - 2015
Y1  - 2015/01/01
TI  - Printable modular robot: an application of rapid prototyping for flexible robot design
T2  - Industrial Robot: An International Journal
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 149
EP  - 155
Y2  - 2024/04/20
ER  -