Chengguo Zong, Zhijian Ji, Junzhi Yu and Haisheng Yu
The purpose of this paper is to study the adaptability of the tracked robot in complex working environment. It proposes an angle-changeable tracked robot with human–robot…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the adaptability of the tracked robot in complex working environment. It proposes an angle-changeable tracked robot with human–robot interaction in unstructured environment. The study aims to present the mechanical structure and human–robot interaction control system of the tracked robot and analyze the static stability of the robot working in three terrains, i.e. rugged terrain, sloped terrain and stairs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the mechanical structure and human–robot interaction control system of the tracked robot. To prevent the detachment of the tracks during obstacle navigation, a new type of passively adaptive device based on the relationship between the track’s variable angle and the forces is presented. Then three types of rough terrain are chosen to analyze the static stability of the tracked robot, i.e. rugged terrain, sloped terrain and stairs.
Findings
This paper provides the design method of the tracked robot. Owing to its appropriate dimensions, good mass distribution and limited velocity, the tracked robot remains stable on the complex terrains. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the design method.
Originality/value
The theoretical analysis of this paper provides basic reference for the structural design of tracked robots.
Details
Keywords
Zhengxing Wu, Junzhi Yu, Jun Yuan and Min Tan
This paper aims to propose a novel design concept for a biomimetic dolphin-like underwater glider, which can offer the advantages of both robotic dolphins and underwater gliders…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a novel design concept for a biomimetic dolphin-like underwater glider, which can offer the advantages of both robotic dolphins and underwater gliders to achieve high-maneuverability, high-speed and long-distance motions.
Design/methodology/approach
To testify the gliding capability of dolphin-like robot without traditional internal movable masses, the authors first developed a skilled and simple dolphin-like prototype with only gliding capability. The hydrodynamic coefficients, including lift, drag and pitching moment, are obtained through computational fluid dynamics method, and the hydrodynamic analysis in the steady gliding motion is also executed.
Findings
Experimental results have shown that the dolphin-like glider could successfully glide depending on the pitching torques only from buoyancy-driven system and controllable fins without traditional internal moveable masses.
Originality/value
A hybrid underwater glider scheme that combines robotic dolphin and glider is firstly proposed, shedding light on the creation of innovation gliders with maneuverability and durability.
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Xuelong Li, Lei Jiang, Xinxin Liu, Ruina Dang, Fusheng Liu, Wang Wei, Tong Zhang and Guoshun Wang
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the modeling and implementation of a novel multimode amphibious robot, which is used for patrol and beach garbage cleaning in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the modeling and implementation of a novel multimode amphibious robot, which is used for patrol and beach garbage cleaning in the land–water transition zone.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the design idea of multimode motion, the robot innovatively integrates the guiding fin and wheel together, is driven by the same motor and can achieve multimodal motion such as land, water surface and underwater with only six actuated degrees of freedom. The robot dispenses with the transmission mechanism by directly connecting the servo motor with a reducer to the actuator, so it has the characteristics of simplifying the structure and reducing the quality. And to the best of the authors' knowledge, the design of the robot can be considered the minimal configuration of amphibious robots with the same locomotion capabilities.
Findings
Based on the classical assumptions of underwater dynamics analysis, this paper uses basic airfoil theory to analyze the dynamics of the robot’s horizontal and vertical motions and establishes its simplified dynamics model. Also, the underwater motion of the robot is simulated, and the results are in good agreement with the existing research results. Finally, to verify the feasibility of the robot, a prototype is implemented and fully evaluated by experiments. Experimental results show that the robot can reach the maximum speed of 2.5 m/s and 0.3 m/s on land and underwater, respectively, proving the effectiveness of the robot.
Originality/value
The robot has higher work efficiency with the powerful multimode motion, and its simplified structure makes it more stable while costing less.
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Fan Yu, Junping Qiu and Wen Lou
This paper aims to solve the disadvantages of content-based domain ontology (CBDO) and metadata-based domain ontology (MDO) and improve organization and discovery efficiency of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to solve the disadvantages of content-based domain ontology (CBDO) and metadata-based domain ontology (MDO) and improve organization and discovery efficiency of library resources by resource ontology (RO).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper constructed an RO model. Methods of informetrics are utilized to reveal semantic relationships among library resources. Methods of ontology, ontology-relational database mapping (O-R mapping) and relational database modelling are utilized to construct RO. Take author co-occurrence for example, the paper demonstrated the capability of RO model.
Findings
RO not only revealed the deep-level semantic relationships of metadata of library resources but also realized totally computer-automated processing. RO improved the efficiency of knowledge organization and discovery.
Research limitations/implications
Semantic relationships revealed by RO are limited to simple metadata, which makes it difficult to reveal fine-grained semantic relationships. Ongoing research focuses on the revelation of semantic relationships based on the title and abstract.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for utilizing methods of Informetrics to construct ontology.
Originality/value
This paper proposed a standardized process of ontology construction in library resources. It may be of potential interest for anyone who needs to effectively organize library resources.
Details
Keywords
Qiang Cao, Jianfeng Li and Mingjie Dong
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate three categories of four-degrees of freedom (4-DOFs) upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton mechanisms from the perspective of relative…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate three categories of four-degrees of freedom (4-DOFs) upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton mechanisms from the perspective of relative movement offsets between the upper limb and the exoskeleton, so as to provide reference for the selection of exoskeleton mechanism configurations.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the configuration synthesis and optimum principles of 4-DOFs upper limb exoskeleton mechanisms, three categories of exoskeletons compatible with upper limb were proposed. From the perspective of human exoskeleton closed chain, through reasonable decomposition and kinematic characteristics analysis of passive connective joints, the kinematic equations of three categories exoskeletons were established and inverse position solution method were addressed. Subsequently, three indexes, which can represent the relative movement offsets of human–exoskeleton were defined.
Findings
Based on the presented position solution and evaluation indexes, the joint displacements and relative movement offsets of the three exoskeletons during eating movement were compared, on which the kinematic characteristics were investigated. The results indicated that the second category of exoskeleton was more suitable for upper limb rehabilitation than the other two categories.
Originality/value
This paper has a certain reference value for the selection of the 4-DOFs upper extremity rehabilitation exoskeleton mechanism configurations. The selected exoskeleton can ensure the safety and comfort of stroke patients with upper limb dyskinesia during rehabilitation training.