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.

This paper presents an optimization approach to improving the performance of lattice structures subjected to thermal and mechanical loads. The proposed method is demonstrated through examples of battery packs, L-brackets, and machine tool headstocks. The results of numerical verification show that the proposed method enhances the performance of designed structures greatly compared with traditional solid-design and temperature constraints.

A prediction model for surface roughness classification of computer numerical control drills based on fusion of local time–frequency features and global time–frequency features of the Mobilenet_v3_small model is proposed. Correct rates of the training set, validation set, and test set are 85.2%, 84%, and 85.4%. Compared with industrial lightweight network models, this model improved the correctness rates on the training set, validation set, and test set by about 10%, 9%, and 13%, respectively.

A trajectory prediction model based on Transfomer has been proposed to address the issue of long-term prediction accuracy in complex traffic environments. Optimizing multi-head attention based on knowledge of the scene context and vehicle position generates interactions between maps and agents, as well as between agents themselves. Its effectiveness has been evaluated on the basis of the outdoor dataset, and higher precision was achieved.

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.

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.

This paper designs a linkage-type self-adaptive deformable tracked mechanism module in accordance with the multi-loop mechanism. The mechanism has two modes of forward movement and reverse movement, including deformable tracked-type and rocker arm-type, respectively.  This kind of mechanism has very good terrain adaptability and can deform through passive self-adaptive obstacles, which has certain application prospects in special terrains.

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.

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. 

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.

This study proposed an analytical model of a fixed-rotation constrained-arc segment. Based on this, a novel two-stage constant-torque bending hinge is designed, and an optimization study is carried out. Finally, the feasibility of the design scheme is verified by theoretical analysis, finite-element analysis, and experiments. The new bending hinge provides a proficient solution for the design of fixtures, joint rehabilitation devices, and human activity assistive devices.

In this work, firstly, a 3D model of a loading and unloading industrial robot was established. Then, kinematics and dynamics analyses were conducted. Subsequently, based on the results of the dynamics analysis, transient dynamics simulations were carried out to verify the strength and stiffness of the industrial robot, laying a solid foundation for subsequent optimization.

The fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm eliminates steady-state error, improves response speed, and enhances both system adaptability and disturbance resistance. This approach effectively addresses the inherent uncertainties and nonlinear variations in bolt tightening processes. The average deviation between the tightening torque and target torque measures 0.108 N m, achieving a control accuracy of 0.9%.

This paper presents a novel 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) compliant parallel manipulator, designed with a 6-PSS configuration and leaf spring compliant joints, together with manufacture error identification techniques. These innovations enhance motion accuracy, range and dynamic performance. This manipulator holds promise for applications like optical guidance and chip packaging.

An autonomous launch and recovery (LAR) system is essential for the deployment and retrieval of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). Traditional crane-like LAR systems are typically designed to handle only the deployment and recovery of a single USV. In this paper, we propose a novel crane-like LAR system for multiple USVs, which includes the mechanism design, control strategy, and experimental validation. This research provides a reliable and innovative solution for the LAR of multiple USVs.

The frame is a key component of a small electric vehicle. As the main load-bearing body, lightweight design of the frame can meet its strength and deformation requirements while avoiding resonance with road excitation, which can reduce vehicle costs while meeting performance requirements.

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.

This article presents novel rehabilitation training by combining virtual reality technology and a rehabilitation robot. The goal is to provide multiple-information feedback for activities of daily living training. The rehabilitation robot receives data from virtual scenes to provide force feedback, creating a sense of presence. This approach is expected to help patients in the later stages of a stroke to improve their muscle strength and regain their upper-limb motor function.

We establish a size optimization model of the Watt-II six-bar mechanism combined with the particle swarm algorithm and then complete the size optimization of the Watt-II six-bar mechanism. After analyzing the optimization effect, the results show that the mechanism after size optimization could effectively improve the output efficiency and capacity.

This paper proposes a novel dual-tunnel soft pneumatic origami actuator to provide a large maximum shrinkage rate for reciprocating motion. A programmed design method is proposed based on the geometric parameter model and stiffness model of the actuator. In comparison to other actuators, this actuator weighs only 5 g, and the force-to-weight ratio is 600. The maximum shrinkage rate of the actuator is 61 %, increasing the potential for lightweight and compact devices.

We developed an advanced control system to enhance the comfort of vehicle seats by reducing vibrations. This innovative system combines an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to effectively manage the magnetorheological (MR) damper. Our research showed significant improvements in reducing seat vibrations. Moreover, the system's performance has been demonstrated to exceed that of conventional controls.

In this paper, the dynamic performance of large parabolic antenna support structures is thoroughly studied, a multi-component modular dynamic assembly method is proposed, and a module is established to solve the high-dimensional differential equations by modular coalescence and a recursive algorithm, which is of great reference value for this kind of expandable truss antenna with multiple identical sub-rings.

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.

A deformable wheel mechanism with a single-degree-of-freedom drive is proposed for improved obstacle crossing in emergency operations. Its kinematics and performance, including its stiffness and expansion ratio, are analyzed and verified through simulations. A lightweight, stable resin prototype enhances expansion and stiffness, showing high adaptability and effectiveness for special vehicle wheels.

This paper develops a 4SRRR quadruped wall-climbing robot for demanding on-site work in shipyards and steel-structure manufacturing. A dynamic analytical model is established, replacing Euler–Bernoulli beam elements with Timoshenko beam elements to analyze natural frequencies. Results show that with single-element rods, the error in the first three natural frequencies is under 3.5 %. These findings validate the model's accuracy and support real-world applications. 

In this paper, a micro-textured coated tool is proposed to improve the cutting performance of the tool by utilizing the synergistic effect of the micro-texture and coating material, and it is found that the coated tool with the micro-texture on its front and back face induces a reduction in the cutting force by 21.57 % and a reduction in the cutting temperature by 7.56 %, which effectively facilitates chip outflow and avoids the buildup of cutting heat on the tool surface.

To solve the flutter identification problem in the machining process of thin-walled parts, an online monitoring method based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and convolutional neural network–vision transformer (CNN-ViT) is proposed. First, the CNN model is utilized to extract local features from the image obtained after CWT. Then, the self-attention mechanism of the ViT model is employed to capture the global features of the feature map, and, finally, the classification results are output.

This paper focuses on vibration suppression and trajectory planning for a two-link flexible manipulator and proposes a novel control method that integrates a modified adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (MAPSO) with fuzzy proportional–derivative (PD) control to achieve effective trajectory tracking.

The robot assisting the affected side for mirror trajectory tracking, due to unidirectional transmission of movement information, might result in excessive movement range on the affected side, potentially increasing the risk of secondary injury as the unaffected side cannot perceive the movement status of the affected side. Therefore, this paper proposes a force feedback mirror-assisted strategy based on adaptive impedance control.

This paper focuses on the PRC method for unknown Euler–Lagrange systems with actuator faults and any bounded initial value. The attitude adjustment mechanism of the self-designed spraying robot is equivalent to a two-joint cooperative robot system. The convergence speed was improved to be within 1s. By comparing with traditional control methods, the improvement in control accuracy and convergence speed has been verified.

Soft continuum manipulators show great promise in minimal invasive surgery (MIS) due to their excellent adaptability and contact safety. In our recent work,  a novel braided manipulator based on fibrous materials is developed which features a thin-walled structure and a linear actuation response, enhancing its suitability for surgical environments. This paper studies effects of design parameters on its kinematical behaviors, which can provide a foundation for an optimized skeleton design.

In this paper, a three-axis 6-degree-of-freedom ship stabilization platform is proposed and a fuzzy adaptive proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is designed. Comparison with the PID controller shows that the regulation time of PID and fuzzy PID is 7 s and 3.5 s, respectively.  The fuzzy adaptive PID controller has high tracking accuracy and stability. Finally, the control user interface of the ship stabilization platform is designed based on Qt Creator.

In this paper, an entire process of laser cladding repair of a damaged polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit of high value based on a dual-robot system is proposed.

To address the problems relating to the low efficiency and high labor intensity of manual operation in transplanting potted flower plug seedlings, an automatic bowl-clamping-type transplanting mechanism with a planetary gear train based on incomplete non-circular gear transmission is proposed.The design of the mechanism combines forward parameter modification (guiding optimization design) and reverse design, providing a reference for solving practical problems in flower seedling transplanting.

The two-span three-support rotor is a typical structure of rotating machinery such as steam turbine units, compressor units, and water pumps. When the elevation of the sliding bearing changes, the misalignment excitation of the coupling and the stiffness damping of the bearing will change accordingly, which will affect the vibration characteristics of the rotor. This paper can provide theoretical guidance and data support for the structural design and fault diagnosis of the two-span three-support rotor.

During the construction of a power transmission line, the cross frame is required to protect the existing facilities under the line from a possible tension failure accident. Because of its light weight, low cost, and short construction period, the new type of flexible nylon rope mesh has recently been widely used. This paper introduces dynamic modeling and analysis methods for wire impact flexible cable networks and verifies the effectiveness of the methods through experiments.

A special deformation prediction model for titanium alloy in thin wall machining is established and calibrated by micromilling experiments. The model has been successfully evaluated by micromilling experiments. It shows that the dimensional errors of the thin wall made of Ti-6Al-4V are significantly reduced after on-machine radial cutting depth compensations. The relative errors have been reduced from 16.5 % to 3.9 %.

The current closed-loop control of pneumatic systems relies on electronic sensors and controllers. In this work, we have developed an airflow-sensing device and applied it to a pneumatic gripping system. The gripper can automatically sense the distance to objects and achieve active grasping. Our research results provide new solutions for intelligent control of pneumatic systems, freeing them from dependence on electronic devices.

The gear system with backlash is a strongly nonlinear system, and the widely used harmonic balance method cannot meet the requirements. Additionally, the quasi-periodic and unstable periodic motion analytical solutions may be derived, and the principle of chaos generation can be further explained. Therefore, the effect of the generalized harmonic balance method DTE (dynamic transmission error) on system bifurcation and stability is studied.

In this paper, kurtosis-based improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) is proposed to optimize the number of penalty factors and decomposition levels in variational mode decomposition (VMD). A method for fusing time domain metrics with entropy features and extracting their streamline features by principal component analysis (PCA) is also proposed. Experimental data validation shows that the method not only reduces the training time of the classification model but also improves the classification accuracy.

In this paper, an obstacle avoidance grasping path planning method based on monocular vision is proposed. This approach achieves 99.50 % recognition accuracy in complex scenes, and the smoothness and motion efficiency of the optimized trajectory are improved by about 60 % and 10 %, respectively.