Robotics and Automation Centre (RAC) is a specialist centre that trains specialist manpower to be proficient in the areas of robotics and automation-related technologies, intelligent systems and emerging technologies for the manufacturing industry. The centre provides the following:

• An avenue for the latest technology to be demonstrated

• A testbed for the experimentation of promising and emerging technologies

• A learning centre where students are exposed to and trained using the latest automation systems

In addition to the fulltime diploma programmes, the centre also conducts specially tailored training programmes to meet specific industry needs in robotics, automation and mechatronics technologies. Our broad expertise has enabled us to undertake industrial projects where automation systems are designed and commissioned. The strategic alliances which the centre has forged with leading automation systems providers and integrators have proved to be a useful platform in which new technologies are showcased.

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Areas Of Specialisation

Currently, the Centre focuses on the following core technologies:

• Robotics
• Machine Vision
• Sensory and end-effector
• Communication and control
• Modelling, simulation and off-line programming

Industry Services

In terms of training facilities, the Centre has the following:

• Robotics & Automation Applications Systems
• Programmable Controllers (PLC)
• Electro-pneumatic System

The Robotic & Automation Centre supports companies by offering turnkey solutions in automation applications and offer industry training in the area.

Project Information

Examples of projects done within the RAC include Finger Change Mechanism, Compliance Tool, Off-line Programming of Robot using Virtual Reality Technique, Voice Commands Activated Nursing Robot, Mobile Robot Care Giver, Intelligent Wafer Baking System, Flip Chip System, Micro Machining System, High Speed Assembly System, Robot Repeatability and Test station, and Computer Integrated Robotics Assembly Line.

Mobile Robot Care Giver

The Mobile Robot Care Giver, is a robot for service purpose. It acts as a communication channel that enables the doctor and patient to interact when they are in different location.

Mobile robot care giver makes use of sonar sensor to sense the environment to avoid obstacles. It has a camera that allows "face-to-face" communication to take place. It is able to deliver an item from one place to another within a sensing range. Video conferencing will be taking place through wireless network and remotely controlling the robot also can be achieved through wireless mode.

Articulated Robot

In Robotic Offline-programming System, one of the software used was IGRIP (Interactive Graphics Robot Instruction Program). IGRIP is an interactive, 3D graphic simulation tool for designing, evaluating, off-line programming of robotic workcells. Actual robotic or device geometry, motion attributes, kinematics, clamps, fixtures and IO logic are incorporated to produce extremely accurate simulations.

Voice-Activated Nursing Robot

The Voice-Activated Nursing Robot is a 6-axis modular robot proposed to showcase possible applications of advanced robotics system to solve a typical healthcare problem.

The Sensors controller is a high-level control software for both control simulation and actual robot control, based on
the low level control functions of Morse or Powercube module. It provides the user with a friendly control environment.

The communication between the high and low level control program is realised by means of the Controller Area Network (CANBUS) interface card. PC and modules interchange commands via this interface for motion control, monitoring and administration.

In an idealised simulated environment, the proposed modular robot is to realise the task of assisting a disabled user in carrying out different pre-determined tasks through voice input command ie: making and fetching a cup of coffee, warming up of food, etc.

A voice recognition system is integrated with emerging technologies like Industrial Field Bus System (CANBus), a multi-purpose dextrous end effector and different types of sensors.

It is designed to eventually incorporate a substantial degree of intelligence together with the robot to form an advanced system capable of serving the needs of the disabled user.

For more information, please contact:

Mr Sim Tian Soon
Manager
Robotic and Automation Centre
Nanyang Polytechnic
180, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
S569830
Tel: 6550-0985 
Email: SIM_Tian_Soon@nyp.gov.sg

Last updated on 23 Jan 2008 by Lawrence Durai