What are the steps to successfully design a robot?

A design's practical functions can include: movement How will the robot move within its environment? If it were put in a different environment, would it still be able to move within this new space? manipulation How will the robot move or manipulate other objects within its environment? Can a single robot move or manipulate more than one kind of object? energy How is the robot powered? Can it have more than one energy source? intelligence How does the robot "think?" What does it mean to say that a robot "thinks?" sensing How will my robot "know" or figure out what's in its environment? If it were put in a different environment, would it be able to figure out this new environment

The problem or challenge should be defined modeling the world in which the robot should "live". This is essential for the conception of the robot. It is important to understand that a robot doesn't have the same restrictions nor the same evolution of a human being or an animal, therefore is almost necessary to create an "evolution process" for the robot before designing it.

To design a good robot, 1st we have to do is to properly define problem statement , this problem statement shall have specification and quantum of problem with expectation of outcome like for example if I want to design a robot to clean my panel I shall specify what shall be length of panel width of panel, duration of cleaning, length of travel for robot so that I can desing battery capacity as well. I shall also define what level of performance I am expecting from this robot , for example speed of cleaning and efficiency of system, if we can define measurement parameters it will be very helpful

An important consideration is cost. The cost to benefit ratio is critical after defining the objective of the robot. Total Lifecycle costs should be integrated into costing model for product continuity......

Plan it on paper, make sure you are addressing the end users requirements, research the market, as there may already be solution on the market that could be converted/modified or customised to the customers requirements, thus reducing cost and time to implement. So many solutions are being addressed unfortunately from first principles, adding cost and time to overall delivery.

If we can select the most promising concept and create a detailed design that includes all the necessary components and subsystems. And Considering factors like materials, manufacturing processes, and cost-effectiveness. Regards,

Once the problem is defined we need to detailed the problem adding specification to each section these detailings shall give us way forward to search for prospective solution. Entire problem shall be Broken into different subsections each subsections will then give us way for solution to that section. So in start we will be able to define possible solutions on approximation basis for these subsections . May be at this point there will be more then one solution to each subsection, however we shall keep all the option at this point of time, in next level we have to add or multiply all these elemental solution to reach to possible overall solution

Involve the right people at the right time, make sure you keep on visiting the original requirements as agreed with the client there is nothing worse for a client to hear from a group of engineers that the solution is what the engineers believe is correct, vs meeting the clients requirements, the client knows their business best, the client is paying for the end result, make sure you satisfy their needs and not your own.

Now one we have broadly defined the solution we have to select solution for building and testing purpose , we may have to select one plan at a time and test it on simulation if possible if it does not yield required result other plan can be tested

Involve the client during the build and testing, include them when milestones are achieved, let the client be part of the process.

The robot will likely have many parts and subsystems. Plan the interfaces among these subsystems from the outset. Decide on what material, energy, and information must flow between subsystems, and what the geometric/physical interface will be. If you lock down the interfaces early, you can design or select the parts somewhat independently, as long as they are compatible with the interface.

Designers first business is to decide upon the arrangements of the components given due consideration to space limitations as well as convince in assembling and dismantling

Robotics & Automation Begin with an application spectrum and criteria “scorecard” to support identifying potential robotics applications in a facility and determining the applicability of a manual, collaborative or fully automated robotic operation based on the degree of desired operational flexibility, consistency of items, predictability of presentation and run volumes. Basically, a repetitive task performed on uniform products with high volumes and minimal flexibility required, the more applicable a process is for robotic implementation.

This can be achieved in many different ways. Use can achieve rudimentary intelligence in your robot by using only relays, potentiometers, bump switches and some discrete components. You can increase complexity in intelligence in your robot by adding more sensors and continuing in the same vein of using hardwired logic. By introducing a more sophisticated control element, the microprocessor, you introduce a significant new tool in solving the robot control problem.

if this is a model for a school project, then this is the way to go and good experience for "would be" robot engineers. For main stream commercial robots, there will be more complex systems to consider, PLC's, Computers, HMI stations, types of power systems, hydraulic, electric, air depending on the function of the robot, self propelled, driven, Human interaction etc.

When building and programming is complete, the entire project must be tested to see if it does the job for which it was designed. An evaluation needs to then be written. This should be a statement outlining the strengths and weaknesses in your design. It should describe where you have succeeded and where you have failed to achieve the aims set out in the specifications.

this is effectively a Factory Acceptance Test, where the designers and manufacturers come together to test the system, this needs to be very well controlled, especially in a new build/new function type robot, as it may not react as originally predicted, Inspection requirements need to be well defined, desk top reviews, assigning responsibility to key personnel is important, and it's important to understand what their role is in the process.

Involve the end users in the test and evaluation. If any aspect of your robot is evaluated poorly, you may have to go back several steps in the process (e.g. to problem definition or subsystem selection) and make changes for the next iteration.

If your design requires too much communication, that is a failure on the designer, not the user. Operation of the robot should be intuitive and safe. Do not rely on your end users' being experts in robotics.

Before going into final production if plan is simulated and results are in line with requirement we shall go for mode building . Many time when results are ok in simulation but some part fails in actual performance if equipment and section , so building small scale model is right approach for on ground testing

A robot design will always depends on the intended function. In my experience, you need three major factors: 1. To design the exterior (depending on the function) 2. To design the software that will be impeded in the robot 3. To select or design the instruments that will be the connector between the software and hardware or body

Once we finalised our model and tested it we can check performance at different conditions and at different input parameters , if the results are not satisfactory we and redesign some components and give a next try . We shall also look for benchmarking of results it will give prospective how my robot will perform in comparison to other similar product . This will redefine the overall perform e and we will be able to set standard for performance of robot . A third party review or opinion is also very important because some time we can not see from the prospective from which a customer or third party can see it . It may give new dimensions which may be very helpful in impertinent special features for the solution and it can increase value