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Article
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Mingwei Hu, Hongguang Wang, Xinan Pan and Yong Tian

The purpose of this paper is to search the optimal arrangement scheme of random motion accuracy of joints for optimal synthesis of pose repeatability which can make robot design…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to search the optimal arrangement scheme of random motion accuracy of joints for optimal synthesis of pose repeatability which can make robot design more reasonable and reduce the development cost of robots.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a mathematical model of pose repeatability, which includes positioning repeatability and orientation repeatability of robots, is established. According to the ISO 9283 standard, an optimal synthesis method of pose repeatability for collaborative robots is introduced, and three optimization objective functions are proposed. The optimization model is solved by using numerical analysis software, and the optimal arrangement scheme of random motion accuracy of joints is obtained which meets the requirements of pose repeatability of robot.

Findings

It is found that, in three optimization objective functions, the single-objective evaluation function of maximization of joint motion error is more suitable for optimal synthesis of pose repeatability. In practice, due to the safety factor, the test results of pose repeatability are better than the results of optimal synthesis of pose repeatability.

Practical implications

This method makes robot design more reasonable and reduces the development cost of robots.

Originality/value

This work is the first time to optimize the orientation repeatability of collaborative robots. Because the pose repeatability of most robots is tested by the ISO 9283 standard, so this method which is based on this standard is more suitable for the performance requirements of robot products.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 January 2012

Mohamed Slamani, Albert Nubiola and Ilian Bonev

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of a laser tracker, a laser interferometer system and a telescopic ballbar for assessing the positioning performance of a…

2006

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of a laser tracker, a laser interferometer system and a telescopic ballbar for assessing the positioning performance of a six‐axis industrial serial robot. The paper also aims to illustrate the limitations of these three metrology instruments for the assessment of robot positioning performance and to demonstrate the inadequacy of simplistic performance tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Specific test methods in the case of the laser interferometer system and the telescopic ballbar are proposed. Measurements are analyzed in accordance to the ISO 9283 norm.

Findings

It is found that, in static conditions and after a relatively short warm‐up, the unidirectional position repeatability of the non‐calibrated industrial robot under study (an ABB IRB 1600) is better than 37 μm, the unidirectional orientation repeatability is at worst 87 μrad, the linear position accuracy is better than 650 μm, and the rotation accuracy is at worst 2.8 mrad (mainly because of the sixth robot axis). It was also found that the dynamic (radial) errors due to vibrations can be up to approximately ±250 μm along a small circular path at TCP speed of 700 mm/s.

Practical implications

It is pointed out that the use of a laser tracker (or any other large range portable 3D measurement system) is questionable for assessing – let alone analyzing in depth – the unidirectional position repeatability of some of today's industrial robots. It is also demonstrated that the laser interferometer system can be used for measuring linear errors along a linear path of motion as well as angular errors about axes orthogonal to the path of motion. Finally, it is shown that the telescopic ballbar is an excellent, comparably low‐cost, high‐precision tool for assessing the static and dynamic positioning performance of industrial robots and its use in robotics should be further developed.

Originality/value

This work is the first to detail the use of three metrology equipments for assessing the positioning performance of an industrial robot. Experimental results are presented and discussed. Some guidelines for optimizing the positioning performance of an industrial robot are provided.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Chuangui Yang, Junwen Wang, Liang Mi, Xingbao Liu, Yangqiu Xia, Yilei Li, Shaoxing Ma and Qiang Teng

This paper aims to propose a four-point measurement model for directly measuring the pose (i.e. position and orientation) of industrial robot and reducing its calculating error…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a four-point measurement model for directly measuring the pose (i.e. position and orientation) of industrial robot and reducing its calculating error and measurement uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-point measurement model is proposed for directly measuring poses of industrial robots. First, this model consists of a position measurement model and an orientation model gotten by the position of spherically mounted reflector (SMR). Second, an influence factor analysis, simulated by Monte Carlo simulation, is performed to investigate the influence of certain factors on the accuracy and uncertainty. Third, comparisons with the common method are carried out to verify the advantage of this model. Finally, a test is carried out for evaluating the repeatability of five poses of an industrial robot.

Findings

In this paper, results show that the proposed model is better than the three-SMRs model in measurement accuracy, measurement uncertainty and computational efficiency. Moreover, both measurement accuracy and measurement uncertainty can be improved by using the proposed influence laws of its key parameters on the proposed model.

Originality/value

The proposed model can measure poses of industrial robots directly, accurately and effectively. Additionally, influence laws of key factors on the accuracy and uncertainty of the proposed model are given to provide some guidelines for improving the performance of the proposed model.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2015

Mohamed Slamani, Ahmed Joubair and Ilian A. Bonev

The purpose of this paper is to present a technique for assessing and comparing the static and dynamic performance of three different models of small six-axis industrial robots…

1053

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a technique for assessing and comparing the static and dynamic performance of three different models of small six-axis industrial robots using a Renishaw XL80 laser interferometer system, a FARO ION laser tracker and a Renishaw QC20-W telescoping ballbar.

Design/methodology/approach

Specific test methods are proposed in this work, and each robot has been measured in a similar area of its working envelope. The laser interferometer measurement instrument is used to assess the static positioning performance along three linear and orthogonal paths. The laser tracker is used to assess the contouring performance at different tool center point (TCP) speeds along a triangular tool path, whereas the telescoping ballbar is used to assess the dynamic positioning performance for circular paths at different TCP speeds and trajectory radii.

Findings

It is found that the tested robots behave differently, and that the static accuracy of these non-calibrated robots varies between 0.5 and 2.3 mm. On the other hand, results show that these three robots can provide acceptable corner tracking at low TCP speeds. However, a significant overshoot at the corner is observed at high TCP speed for all the robots tested. It was also found that the smallest increment of Cartesian displacement (Cartesian resolution) that can be taken by the tested robots is approximately 50 μm.

Practical implications

The technique used in this paper allows extremely accurate diagnosis of the robot performance, which makes it possible for the robot user to determine whether the robot is in good or bad condition. It can also help the decision-maker to select the most suitable industrial robot to achieve the desired task with minimum cost and specific application ability.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new method based on the performance verification approach for solving the robot selection problem for flexible manufacturing systems. Furthermore, despite their importance, bidirectional repeatability and Cartesian resolution are never specified by the manufacturers of industrial robots nor are they described in the ISO 9283:1998 guide, and they are rarely the object of performance assessments. In this work, specific tests are performed to check and quantify the bidirectional repeatability and the Cartesian resolution of each robot.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2020

Yang Chuangui, Mi Liang, Liu Xingbao, Xia Yangqiu, Qiang Teng and Lin Han

This paper aims to propose a reasonable method to evaluate uncertainty of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability and solve the non-linear problem existing in…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a reasonable method to evaluate uncertainty of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability and solve the non-linear problem existing in its evaluation procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a measurement model of orientation repeatability, based on laser tracker, is established. Secondly, some factors, influencing the measurement result of orientation repeatability, are identified, and their probability distribution functions are modelled. Thirdly, based on Monte Carlo method, an uncertainty evaluation model and algorithm of measurement of industrial robot’s orientation repeatability are built. Finally, an industrial robot is taken as the research object to validate the rationality of proposed method.

Findings

Results show that the measurement model of orientation repeatability of industrial robot is non-linear, and the proposed method can reasonably and objectively estimate uncertainty of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability.

Originality/value

This paper, based on Monte Carlo method and experimental work, proposes an uncertainty evaluation method of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability which can solve the non-linear problem and provide a reasonable and objective evaluation. And the stochastic ellipsoid approach is firstly taken to model the repeatability of laser tracker. Additionally, this research is beneficial to decide whether the orientation repeatability of the industrial robot meets its requirements.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1990

A Nowrouzi, YB Kavina, H Kochekali and RA Whitaker

A UK research team has developed a means of quantifying the performance of robot systems. Details of the design and results achieved with a PUMA 560 are described.

Abstract

A UK research team has developed a means of quantifying the performance of robot systems. Details of the design and results achieved with a PUMA 560 are described.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2013

Mohamed Slamani and Ilian A. Bonev

This paper proposes a simple technique for assessing the effect of gear transmission errors in a six‐axis industrial serial robot, as these errors can vitally affect the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes a simple technique for assessing the effect of gear transmission errors in a six‐axis industrial serial robot, as these errors can vitally affect the industrial robot's positioning accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental procedure is developed using a laser interferometer system to measure bidirectional linear position errors for an ABB IRB 1600 industrial robot. A simple technique based on fast Fourier transformation (FFT) analysis is devised and implemented for the characterization, evaluation, and quantification of gear transmission errors. Structural deformation and backlash error are also discussed.

Findings

The authors found that the major sources of error affecting the performance of the robot come from joints two and three. They also found that eccentricity errors, structural deformations, and backlash are the most important sources of error affecting the accuracy and the repeatability of the industrial robot studied. Additional tests show that the robot's first joint has relatively poor bidirectional repeatability.

Practical implications

The usefulness of a laser tracker (or any other large range portable 3D measurement system) is questionable for assessing – let alone analyzing in depth – the gear transmission errors of some of today's industrial robots. The authors demonstrate in this paper that a laser interferometer system can successfully measure gear transmission errors very accurately. The proposed methodology is simple, efficient, and easy to use for the characterization and quantification of the errors.

Originality/value

This work is the first to detail the use of the laser interferometer system for the characterization of the gear transmission errors of an industrial robot. A methodology has been developed and implemented for very accurately quantifying the effects of gear transmission errors, structural deformations, and backlash. The proposed methodology greatly simplifies the measurement set‐up and accelerates error quantification.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Mohamed Slamani, Hocine Makri, Aissa Boudilmi, Ilian A. Bonev and Jean-Francois Chatelain

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use of the observability index and telescopic ballbar for accuracy enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the telescopic ballbar and an observability index for the calibration of an ABB IRB 120 robot, focusing on robotic orbital milling. Comparative simulation analysis selects the O3 index. Experimental tests, both static and dynamic, evaluate the proposed calibration approach within the robot’s workspace.

Findings

The proposed calibration approach significantly reduces circularity errors, particularly in robotic orbital milling, showcasing effectiveness in both static and dynamic modes at various tool center point speeds.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a specific robot model and application (robotic orbital milling), limiting generalizability. Further research could explore diverse robot models and applications.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical benefits by enhancing the accuracy of robotic systems, particularly in precision tasks like orbital milling, providing a valuable calibration method.

Social implications

While primarily technological, improved robotic precision can have social implications, potentially influencing fields where robotic applications are crucial, such as manufacturing and automation.

Originality/value

This study’s distinctiveness lies in advancing the accuracy and precision of industrial robots during circular motions, specifically tailored for orbital milling applications. The innovative approach synergistically uses the observability index and telescopic ballbar to achieve these objectives.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Nicolas Andreff, Pierre Renaud, Philippe Martinet and Franc¸ois Pierrot

Presents the kinematic calibration of an H4 parallel prototype robot using a vision‐based measuring device. Calibration is performed according to the inverse kinematic model…

Abstract

Presents the kinematic calibration of an H4 parallel prototype robot using a vision‐based measuring device. Calibration is performed according to the inverse kinematic model method, using first the design model then a model developed for calibration purpose. To do so, the end‐effector pose (i.e. position and orientation) has to be measured with the utmost accuracy. Thus, first the practical accuracy of the low‐cost vision‐based measuring system is evaluated to have a precision in the order of magnitude of 10μ_it;m and 10−3° for a 1,024×768 pixel CCD camera. Second, the prototype is calibrated using the easy‐to‐install vision system, yielding a final positioning accuracy of the end‐effector reduced from more than 1cm down to less than 0.5mm. Also provides a discussion on the use of such a method on commercial systems.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1995

J F Quinet

Examines the background of off‐line programming for robots and thefailure of many simulation robotics programs to become effective industrialrobot programs. Looks at the need for…

Abstract

Examines the background of off‐line programming for robots and the failure of many simulation robotics programs to become effective industrial robot programs. Looks at the need for the production cell to be identical to the simulation model and the questions to be considered for successful programming. Discusses the development and methods of robot calibration and the identification of errors. Concludes that with the development of dynamic control and measurements systems for industrial robot performance it has been possible to develop efficient methods to calibrate complete robotics cells under industrial systems.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 534