Maxon-driven robot will "reach the unreachable

Citation

(2002), "Maxon-driven robot will "reach the unreachable", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774eab.003

Maxon-driven robot will "reach the unreachable"

Keywords: Robots, Jet engines, Aerospace industry

A snake arm robot – it sounds like science fiction. But it is very much fact... and is proving invaluable in situations where no person ever wants to go (Plate 3).

Designed by OC Robotics of Bristol, the "snake" is basically a robotic arm, comprising a number of individual segments, with a drive unit controlling one or more of them. It is the fact that each individual segment can be controlled independently and has its own specific motors that makes the robot unique.

It is believed that many dangerous, time consuming and otherwise impossible tasks will be made simple by this machine which can reach the heart of a particular application without touching or damaging any components on the way.

Plate 3 The snake arm robot-powered by ultra-compact Maxon motors

For example, one of its prime tasks is expected to be the servicing of jet engines – the snake arm robot travelling down the air path to inspect inaccessible components – removing the need for manual access dismantling and saving time and money. Importantly, the snake arm robot can reportedly enter the engine and travel through the fan blades while components are still hot, reducing downtime and improving turn-around.

Consisting of as many as 20 segments, the robotic arm is powered by ultra-compact maxon motors. A typical five segment machine would be powered by fifteen maxon A-max motors or EC with planetary gearheads and encoders. For the really flexible 20 segment machines, as many as sixty motors would be used – all computer controlled and working in synchronised motion.

While "reaching the unreachable" may be the prime purpose of this extraordinary machine, what do you do when you get there? Apart from a "tip vision" camera, other tools may include laser welders, ultrasound scanners and water jet cutting. The snake arm robot can carry a payload of 10g right up to l00kg.

Based in Bristol, OC Robotics has close links with the aerospace industry and with local universities. Formed five years ago and recent winners of two "Smart" awards from the Department of Trade and Industry, the company launched their snake arm technology in January 2002.

"We have always used maxon motors", said a company spokesman. "We have never had gone wrong. Although we have been offered what may appear cheap options by other manufacturers, we would much rather stick with the reliability and quality that maxon offer. We are building an excellent relationship with them."

"I specified maxon in the design because they work with me through the whole design and production engineering process. For example, I particularly like the free maxon product selector programme. I was able to try out different products and evaluate them. With this programme, I could chart across a whole range of speeds and currents and use the interactive facility to try things in situ. The end result is much greater peace of mind."

Details available from: maxon motor UK Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1189 733337; Fax: +44 (0) 1189 737472; E-mail: sales@maxonmotor. co.uk; Web site: www.maxonmotor.co.uk