Development of a Wireless PC-Controlled Mobile Robot System and Multimedia Based Learning Module

Autonomous mobile robots, which are required to operate safely in ill-defined, complex and time varying environments, are essential elements in achieving improved performance and flexibility in manufacturing. In this thesis, a mobile robot system was designed and fabricated. The system consists of two main sections; namely; system hardware and system software. The system hardware includes motion system, receiver and transmitter, and video camera, all these components are controlled wireless using personal computer. The main purpose of the video camera is to enable the user to monitor the movement of the mobile robot system. The system software includes the development of a user-friendly and flexible interface control code named PC-Mobile Robot Control (PC-MRC). The code has been developed using Object-Oriented Programming Language and Graphic User Interface. The developed control algorithms enable the user to control the mobile robot manually, automatically or by voice recognition commands. There are three ways to control the mobile robot manually (Manual Run, Path Run and Paths Run). For automatic-run, the mobile robot can be controlled using two ways (Run File and Timer). Voice recognition control is also installed and commissioned in the developed robot system. The developed control software has been tested by running experimental movements of the robot in two different directions (forward and backward) and the time and the velocity were recorded. Three different types of motion systems (tracks, legs, wheels) were tested. It has been found that in all motion system types, the backward movement is faster than the forward movement by a range of 2% to 5.5%. It has also been found that in both movements (forward and backward) the wheels motion system is faster than the tracks and legs motion systems. Multimedia technology provides a valuable resource to enhance the teaching and learning experience. The ability to combine practical applications and visualization is among the advantages of technology based training and teaching. In this study a multimedia module for robot teaching and training was developed and implemented using Macromedia Director 7 as authoring tool. The multimedia module is divided into three main sections, which are automation, robotics and mobile robot systems. The mobile robot section shows the fabrication of the mobile robot, construction of gripper arm and some video of the movement of the mobile robot system. The implementation of this multimedia-based learning for robot technology will help to enhance the learning abilities of the engineering students. Hence, it will help to complement the subject and its understanding

Development of VR-simulator software for manufacturing systems as a decision making and simulation tool

Modern manufacturing is characterised by high levels of automation and integration, complex interactions among system elements, and high capital costs. Simulation and Virtual Reality technologies hold tremendous promise for reducing costs, improving quality, process data management, enhancing control over operations and shortening the time-to-market for manufactured goods. Unfortunately, these technologies still remains largely underutilised by industry today due to the requirement for a high standard of skills in programming and modelling methodologies. Visualisation has become a critical component of simulation technology in manufacturing applications. It provides the simulation practitioners with an environment to discuss and get a better understanding of the simulation model’s behaviour. Graphical presentation and animation can be a significant tool to communicate the outcome of simulation models for the non-technical audience. Decision makers often do not have the technical knowledge to understand the statistical results of a simulation model. But when the outcome can be expressed using animation, a better level of understanding becomes possible. This thesis presents a VR-Simulator software developed entirely by the author to overcome some of the limitations of simulation packages to allow users (who are not specialists in simulation and virtual reality techniques, or have no programming skills) to develop simulation and virtual models of manufacturing systems automatically without any need for excessive training on modelling techniques or programming. The users can interact with the generated models using voice commands and virtual reality devices (e.g. HMD). The VR-Simulator can be used as an operational décision-support tool to enable decision makers to model and analyse manufacturing systems

Future directions for the development of Virtual Reality within an automotive manufacturer

Virtual Reality (VR) can reduce time and costs, and lead to increases in quality, in the development of a product. Given the pressure on car companies to reduce time-to-market and to continually improve quality, the automotive industry has championed the use of VR across a number of applications, including design, manufacturing, and training. This paper describes interviews with 11 engineers and employees of allied disciplines from an automotive manufacturer about their current physical and virtual properties and processes. The results guided a review of research findings and scientific advances from the academic literature, which formed the basis of recommendations for future developments of VR technologies and applications. These include: develop a greater range of virtual contexts; use multi-sensory simulation; address perceived differences between virtual and real cars; improve motion capture capabilities; implement networked 3D technology; and use VR for market research

Development of VR-simulator software for manufacturing systems as a decision making and simulation tool

Modern manufacturing is characterised by high levels of automation and integration, complex interactions among system elements, and high capital costs. Simulation and Virtual Reality technologies hold tremendous promise for reducing costs, improving quality, process data management, enhancing control over operations and shortening the time-to-market for manufactured goods. Unfortunately, these technologies still remains largely underutilised by industry today due to the requirement for a high standard of skills in programming and modelling methodologies. Visualisation has become a critical component of simulation technology in manufacturing applications. It provides the simulation practitioners with an environment to discuss and get a better understanding of the simulation model’s behaviour. Graphical presentation and animation can be a significant tool to communicate the outcome of simulation models for the non-technical audience. Decision makers often do not have the technical knowledge to understand the statistical results of a simulation model. But when the outcome can be expressed using animation, a better level of understanding becomes possible. This thesis presents a VR-Simulator software developed entirely by the author to overcome some of the limitations of simulation packages to allow users (who are not specialists in simulation and virtual reality techniques, or have no programming skills) to develop simulation and virtual models of manufacturing systems automatically without any need for excessive training on modelling techniques or programming. The users can interact with the generated models using voice commands and virtual reality devices (e.g. HMD). The VR-Simulator can be used as an operational décision-support tool to enable decision makers to model and analyse manufacturing systems