This paper presents a ring four-array rolling mechanism consisting of four anti-parallelogram mechanisms with revolute joints. The mechanism is connected by four anti-parallelograms in a looped configuration and has a not-totally-closed ring shape. The mechanism has planar and spherical patterns of locomotion: the planar pattern locomotion includes the parallelogram rolling gait and the anti-parallelogram tumbling gait and the spherical pattern locomotion includes the spherical rolling gait.

In this paper, a fusion of the improved particle swarm algorithm and proportional–integral–derivative control algorithm in path tracking is investigated to improve the accuracy and robustness of path tracking of automated guided trolleys in complex environments. A robot operating system is introduced to provide a modular solution for the automated guided trolley system, which simplifies the integration of system components and provides a framework for system upgrading and expansion.

Axial-hole assembly is a key step in the assembly of high-integration components of electronic equipment. In order to achieve the precision assembly of high-density axial holes, we propose a high-precision and smooth assembly strategy that combines the manual control of the tandem machine and the positioning accuracy of the parallel robot. This provides strong technical support for the precision assembly of highly integrated components of electronic equipment.

We presented a graphical method for systematically analyzing traditional Chinese puzzle boxes. It discusses the structural characteristics of puzzle boxes and uses four different types of puzzle boxes as examples of applying the proposed method and representing the opening processes of the puzzle boxes. Traditional Chinese puzzle boxes are diverse and creative, displaying the skilled craftsmanship of ancient artisans. 

In this paper, based on the spatial extension design of a planar 6R single-loop chain, a 4–5R rolling mechanism is proposed, and a set of gait analysis and locomotion strategies are planned for the mechanism. The correctness and feasibility of the theoretical analysis are verified through structural dynamics simulation and prototype design. The theoretical and engineering design basis is laid for the research of the new planar single-loop chain robot.

Urban traffic congestion, obstacle avoidance, and driving efficiency are significant challenges for driverless-vehicle path planning in urban environments. The traditional artificial potential field (APF) algorithm is inadequate for meeting efficiency and safety requirements in path planning. This paper proposes a new AS-IAPF path-planning algorithm by introducing stability criteria to enhance target accessibility for autonomous vehicles under dynamic and complex traffic conditions.

In order to better imitate the enveloping–grasping function of human fingers and control the grasping morphology of the fingers, a modular gripper is proposed to be controlled using a combined differential control of wires and shape-memory alloy (SMA) springs, and the gripper can actively adjust the grasping morphology of the fingers according to the characteristics of the shape and contour of the objects to be grasped so as to achieve stable and reliable grasping.

Our research team designed a robotic mechanism inspired by the masticatory system of human beings. It is to be deployed in the food industry, reproducing the chewing behaviors of human beings. Thus, the properties of the newly developed foods can be evaluated in a human-like manner. To facilitate the model-based motion control in real time, a newly developed methodology from the literature is used. Then, the inertia coupling in the joint space control is analyzed.