* Covers virtually everything related to mobile robots--destined to become THE definitive work on robot mechanisms * Discusses the manipulators, grippers, and mechanical sensors used in mobile robotics * Includes never before compiled material on high-mobility suspension and drivetrains * Motor control section is written for those who don't have an advanced electrical understanding * A must read for anyone interested in the field of high-mobility vehicles

A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the area of robot mechanisms, primarily considering industrial manipulators and humanoid arms. The book is intended for both teaching and self-study. Emphasis is given to the fundamentals of kinematic analysis and the design of robot mechanisms. The coverage of topics is untypical. The focus is on robot kinematics. The book creates a balance between theoretical and practical aspects in the development and application of robot mechanisms, and includes the latest achievements and trends in robot science and technology.

Screw theory is an effective and efficient method used in robotics applications. This book demonstrates how to implement screw theory, explaining the key fundamentals and real-world applications using a practical and visual approach. An essential tool for those involved in the development of robotics implementations, the book uses case studies to analyze mechatronics. Screw theory offers a significant opportunity to interpret mechanics at a high level, facilitating contemporary geometric techniques in solving common robotics issues. Using these solutions results in an optimized performance in comparison to algebraic and numerical options. Demonstrating techniques such as six-dimensional (6D) vector notation and the Product of Exponentials (POE), the use of screw theory notation reduces the need for complex algebra, which results in simpler code, which is easier to write, comprehend, and debug. The book provides exercises and simulations to demonstrate this with new formulas and algorithms presented to aid the reader in accelerating their learning. By walking the user through the fundamentals of screw theory, and by providing a complete set of examples for the most common robot manipulator architecture, the book delivers an excellent foundation through which to comprehend screw theory developments. The visual approach of the book means it can be used as a self-learning tool for professionals alongside students. It will be of interest to those studying robotics, mechanics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Over 2000 drawings make this sourcebook a gold mine of information for learning and innovating in mechanical design The fourth edition of this unique engineering reference book covers the past, present, and future of mechanisms and mechanical devices. Among the thousands of proven mechanisms illustrated and described are many suitable for recycling into new mechanical, electromechanical, or mechatronic products and systems. Overviews of robotics, rapid prototyping, MEMS, and nanotechnology will get you up-to-speed on these cutting-edge technologies. Easy-to-read tutorial chapters on the basics of mechanisms and motion control will introduce those subjects to you or refresh your knowledge of them. Comprehensive index to speed your search for topics of interest Glossaries of terms for gears, cams, mechanisms, and robotics New industrial robot specifications and applications Mobile robots for exploration, scientific research, and defense INSIDE Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Sourcebook, 4th Edition Basics of Mechanisms • Motion Control Systems • Industrial Robots • Mobile Robots • Drives and Mechanisms That Include Linkages, Gears, Cams, Genevas, and Ratchets • Clutches and Brakes • Devices That Latch, Fasten, and Clamp • Chains, Belts, Springs, and Screws • Shaft Couplings and Connections • Machines That Perform Specific Motions or Package, Convey, Handle, or Assure Safety • Systems for Torque, Speed, Tension, and Limit Control • Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electric, and Electronic Instruments and Controls • Computer-Aided Design Concepts • Rapid Prototyping • New Directions in Mechanical Engineering

This self-contained introduction to practical robot kinematics and dynamics includes a comprehensive treatment of robot control. It provides background material on terminology and linear transformations, followed by coverage of kinematics and inverse kinematics, dynamics, manipulator control, robust control, force control, use of feedback in nonlinear systems, and adaptive control. Each topic is supported by examples of specific applications. Derivations and proofs are included in many cases. The book includes many worked examples, examples illustrating all aspects of the theory, and problems.

Robotics, Second Edition is an essential addition to the toolbox of any engineer or hobbyist involved in the design of any type of robot or automated mechanical system. It is the only book available that takes the reader through a step-by step design process in this rapidly advancing specialty area of machine design. This book provides the professional engineer and student with important and detailed methods and examples of how to design the mechanical parts of robots and automated systems. Most robotics and automation books today emphasis the electrical and control aspects of design without any practical coverage of how to design and build the components, the machine or the system. The author draws on his years of industrial design experience to show the reader the design process by focusing on the real, physical parts of robots and automated systems. Answers the questions: How are machines built? How do they work? How does one best approach the design process for a specific machine? Thoroughly updated with new coverage of modern concepts and techniques, such as rapid modeling, automated assembly, parallel-driven robots and mechatronic systems Calculations for design completed with Mathematica which will help the reader through its ease of use, time-saving methods, solutions to nonlinear equations, and graphical display of design processes Use of real-world examples and problems that every reader can understand without difficulty Large number of high-quality illustrations Self-study and homework problems are integrated into the text along with their solutions so that the engineering professional and the student will each find the text very useful