Mechanical Engineering in Robotics (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The student:
- knows the transmission methods in a robot and is able to apply them in practice
- knows the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics and their application in robotics
- knows the most important machine parts (eg. clutches, transmission methods, bearings, shaft/hub connections, fastening accessories)
- is familiar with the main aspects of robot material selection

Student understands demands of energy efficiency and sustainability as a part of cyber-physical systems. The student understands the ethical problems related to robotics.

Content

- Power transmission
- Basics of hydraulics and pneumatics
- Machine parts
- Materials in robotics

Location and time

Weeks 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 one day per week - usually friday.

Typical timing during the day
1st Session 9:00 - 10:40
Lunchbreak 10:40 - 11:20
2nd Session 11:20 - 12:50
Coffee break 12:50 - 13:10
3rd Session 13:10 - 14:30

Materials

Material provided.

Teaching methods

Metods used are project-based learning" (PBL) and design-build pedagogy.

The use of AI is recommended.

Unit 1: Introduction to Robotics and Mechanical Engineering 1.1. Overview of Robotics and Its Applications 1.2. Role of Mechanical Engineering in Robotics 1.3. Historical Evolution of Robotics

Unit 2: Mechanical Design Principles 2.1. Basics of Mechanical Design 2.2. Basics of Materials (e.g. selection of tools/grippers for specific material handling) 2.3 Selection of the most important components and parts (eg. clutches, transmission methods, bearings, shaft/hub connections, fastening accessories) 2.4 Selection for Robotic Components 2.5 Factor of Physical Safety in Robotics

2 Assignments

Unit 3: Basics of Robot Kinematics (Forward and Inverse) 3.2. Motion Planning and Trajectory Generation 3.3. Basics of End-Effector Design and Control

Unit 4: Sensors and Actuators 4.1. Types of Sensors Used in Robotics 4.2. Sensor Integration and Calibration 4.3. Actuators in Robotics


4.1 Basics of Pneumatics (Partly Self Study material)
4.2 Basics of Hydraulics (Partly Self Study material)

Unit 5: Mechanism Design
Mechanism Design 5.1. Mechanical Linkages and Mechanisms 5.2. Gearing Systems and Transmission types
5.3. Robotic Arm types 5.4. Mobile Robot Platforms

Unit 5: Mechanism Design
5.5 Using Pneumatic and Hydraulics in Robotics as transmission types.

Unit 6: Robotics Manufacturing Techniques 6.1. Machining and Fabrication Methods 6.2. Basics of 3D Printing in Robotics 6.3. Assembly and Integration Processes 6.4. Quality Control in Manufacturing
Small task(s)

Unit 7: Robotic Prototyping and Simulation 7.1. Rapid Prototyping Techniques 7.2. CAD Software for Robotics (importing from CAD to RobotStudio) 7.3. Simulation and Testing of Robotic Systems Laboratory work

Unit 8: Case Studies and Projects 8.1. Real-world Applications of Mechanical Engineering in Robotics 8.2. Designing and Building a Robotic System (Hands-on Project) 8.3. Presenting and Analyzing Case Studies
Laboratory work & Groupwork starts

Unit 9: Emerging Trends and Advanced Topics 9.1. Soft Robotics 9.2. Bio-inspired Robotics 9.3. Swarm Robotics 9.4. Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration 9.5. Ethics and Safety in Robotics 9.X energy efficiency and sustainability as a part of cyber-physical systems.
9.6 Future Directions and Career Opportunities 9.7 Career Paths in Robotics and Mechanical Engineering 9.8 Robotics Research and Development 9.9 Industry Trends and Job Opportunities 9.10. Preparing for a Career in Robotics

Exam

Exam schedules

Exam is arranged during week 15 on Friday.

Completion alternatives

Work placement analysis and reporting.

Student workload

Total workload is 5 study points X 27 = 135 hours during the weeks 5-15.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows the basic concepts of transmission and hydraulics and pneumatics. The student can to identify the most important machine parts and is able to search for information on the topic. The student understands the implications of material choices in robot design phase.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows the basic concepts of transmission and hydraulics and pneumatics and is able to apply them in non-complex robots. The student can identify the most important machine parts and is able to search for information on the topic as well as choose appropriate components and materials for robots.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student knows the basic concepts of hydraulics and pneumatics and is able to apply them in complex robots. The student is able to design the essential mechanical solutions to a robot and choose the most appropriate components and materials.