Traditional path-planning algorithms for bending robots are often a sequence of multiple line segments and an unsmoothed curve, which causes a discontinuous robot motion. A smooth path can ensure continuous motion. We propose an improved artificial potential field-based path-planning method based on the idea of a rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm, reducing the length of and smoothing the path, thus solving the path-planning problem of a multi-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) bending robot.

Robot-assisted rehabilitation has proven to be effective for improving the motor performance of patients with neuromuscular injuries. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to present a new patient-cooperative control framework for an end-effector upper-limb rehabilitation robot that provides robot-assisted training for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. The feasibility of the proposed control scheme is validated via training experiments using five healthy subjects.

We introduce different test scenarios and set-ups for a force control assessment. The force control of Universal Robots (UR10e) and FerRobotics (ACF-K 109/04) are evaluated. A force/torque sensor, mounted below a work piece, measures the applied force by the UR or by the ACF. Results for both UR and ACF force control are presented for varying desired contact velocities and forces. These results show the advantage of the ACF-K 109/04 over the UR10e force control for highly dynamic scenarios.

This study proposed and verified a new idea for the crushing system of a mobile pellet harvester. As the key components of the crushing mechanism, the theoretical design calculation was given, and Ansys software was used to verify the feasibility of the design, specifically by computing the strength and stiffness. Field tests were conducted, and the test results met the requirements. This design can promote the further development of a mobile pellet harvester.

An innovative flapping wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV), forming a figure eight wingtip trajectory, which can achieve complex composite motions of flapping, twisting, and swinging is presented in this paper. Along with the design concept of reducing any possible weight and size, the aircraft was designed with classical and reliable mechanical components. Then, experiments were conducted to test the FWMAV aerodynamic efficiency with a complex figure eight wingtip trajectory.