The Application:
This proven, world renowned robot is an all-terrain ROV with high payload capacity and multiple attachment options designed to provide multiple mission support. In particular, by operating hundreds of meters away it enables reconnaissance activities as well as active surveillance for military, security and police forces alike and keeps operators directly out of any potential harm or danger.
Customer Requirements:
High efficiency expectation
- Battery supplied, mobile operation needing 8+ hours duty / 7-day standby capability
- ≥98% efficiency to extend overall battery life
Motion experience assistance needed
- Customer’s original experience was with other industries, not mobile robotics
- In-house engineering initially had limited motion control knowledge
Small size and low weight considerations
- Available space was at a premium
- Portability key to overall design / use
Solutions Technology:
Engineer-to-engineer interaction
- ADVANCED Motion Controls’ engineers became an extension of customer’s design team
- Intensive on-site support assessed and assisted system requirements
Standard-to-custom development track
- “Proof-of-concept” completed with standard drives
- Ultimate solution proposal combined all needs into common design which reduced component count from 4 drives per robot to two
- Additionally, lowered overall costs with single design for both sides which helped management of the overall supply chain
Multiple solutions
- Common dual-axis drive deployed to power each side – one for traction / shoulder with other for traction / elbow
- Configuration options include custom PCB mounted drives for powering grippers and other accessories as needed
Integrated development
- The drive’s base plates were designed as an integral piece of the ROV’s structure
- Compartment sealed to IP67 upon installation for all weather operational capabilities
