Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Solid-Solutions-Group-Navigation Javelin-Group-Navigation Solid-Print-Group-Navigation 3DPRINTUK-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Advanced-Manufacturing-Group-Navigation Trimech-Staffing-Solutions-Group-Navigation
With over 35 years of experience, the TriMech Group offers a comprehensive range of design, engineering, staffing and manufacturing solutions backed by experience and expertise that is unrivalled in the industry. The TriMech Group's solutions are delivered by the divisions and brands shown here, use the links above to visit the group's websites and learn more.
x
Search

Robotics using SOLIDWORKS Motion

Thursday May 8, 2014 at 12:00pm
Robotics isn’t an area many of us are familiar with, but on a recent SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation course we had someone who was very interested in the subject! One of our customers from Loughborough University has dedicated many hours of research to the topic and was keen to understand just how SOLIDWORKS was able to help when it comes to facing the challenges involved when designing robotic assemblies.
Robotics isn’t an area many of us are familiar with, but on a recent SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation course we had someone who was very interested in the subject!

One of our customers Dr Matt Chamberlain who works for The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation at Loughborough University has dedicated many hours of research to the topic and was keen to understand just how SOLIDWORKS was able to help when it comes to facing the challenges involved when designing robotic assemblies.

One of the huge difficulties in robotics is knowing exactly how much torque goes through the motors when the system is in action, so that the correct power-rating can be specified. Once the design is put into production, if the motors used are too small they might not be able to lift the arm under gravity or move a component quick enough. If a motor is too large on the other hand, the design becomes over-designed. It will be heavier and more expensive than needed.

As a starting point, a basic CAD model was downloaded from the ABB website. ABB are a company who already make robotic arms for various industries and have liaised with Loughborough University on several projects. A few extra components were added so the arm had a job to do….
 
SOLIDWORKS Robot Motion Image 1
 
Here, we wanted to work out what torque (and power consumption) would be required on the motors to lift the blue canister from the lower box on the left, onto the stack of 3 boxes on the other side.
 
To begin, a motion study was setup using 6 Hinge Mates where the motor would go…
 
SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation (showing hinge mate locations)
 
To move the blue canister, a Path Mate was used.  This gave a smoothly ramped transition from one side to the other….
 
 
SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation Image 3 (showing path mate)
 
 
 
Using the Path Mate to drive a motion study, the Hinge Mate displacements were extracted…
 
SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation Image 4 (hinge mate positions)
 
SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation Image 5 (Motion study bar)
 
 
These were saved out, then fed back into a second motion study using 6 "Motors".  In this new study, the motion was now being driven using the known displacements from earlier.  Viewing the results, this lead to the following output Torques and Powers on the motors…
 
SOLIDWORKS Motion Simulation Image 6 (motor torques & powers)
 
 
In a design scenario, this information could be used to choose the correct sized motor to carry out the task. 
 
Without SOLIDWORKS, this information is very difficult to achieve and requires a level of experience to make sure the motors are not insufficient for the job!
 
Click the below link to see the Robotic arm in action!
 
 
 
Craig Hudson
Applications Engineer

Related Blog Posts

How Much Weight Does it Take to Break a Barbell? T
Discover how to predict potential failure points and optimise product designs to enhance durability and provide peace of mind to the consumer with this SOLIDWORKS Simulation tutorial.
MSC Nastran: Smoothing the Way with Analytical Con
Improve the performance of your simulations in MSC Nastran with this simple trick!
Staying in Touch with MSC Nastran
What's the difference between a glued contact and a touching contact? Read on to find out! You didn't think we'd spoil a punchline here, did you?

 Solid Solutions | Trimech Group

MENU
Top