Browse Topic: Hand

Items (247)
Find
Trunk Support Assists Those with Spinal Cord InjuryTBMG-361823/1/2020
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can cause devastating damage including loss of mobility and sensation. Researchers have invented the Trunk-Support Trainer (TruST), a robotic device that assists and trains people with SCIs to sit more stably by improving their trunk control and thus gain an expanded active sitting workspace without falling over or using their hands to balance.
Dynamic Gripper Mimics Adjustable Grip of the Human HandTBMG-359952/1/2020
Human hands can alter the firmness of their grip. A new two-fingered robotic hand shares that trait. The design enables it to absorb energy from impacts during collisions, preventing whatever the robot is holding from breaking and making it safer for people to work with and near the machines.
A Smart Artificial Hand for Amputees Merges User and Robotic ControlTBMG-3551611/1/2019
EPFL scientists are developing new approaches for improved control of robotic hands — in particular for amputees — that combines individual finger control and automation for improved grasping and manipulation. This interdisciplinary proof-of-concept between neuroengineering and robotics was successfully tested on three amputees and seven healthy subjects. The results are published in a recent issue of Nature Machine Intelligence.
Numbering System for TapsJ2123_201910 (Current)10/9/2019
This SAE Recommended Practice provides a systematic method for the identification of ground thread taps for inch sizes up to 9.999 in with a Maximum Thread-per-Inch of 99.9, and Metric sizes up to 99.9 mm with a Maximum pitch of 9.99 mm. It is intended to assist in the cataloging and supplying of these tools. It is not intended for ACME, Buttress, or similar type thread forms. NOTE 1— Caution must be taken when assigning codes to prevent specifying taps that cannot be physically or economically manufactured. NOTE 2— The Code Number coming from the manufacturer MUST reflect the actual tool construction. NOTE 3— In particular without limitation, SAE disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained within this report if the standards of this report are retrieved, combined, or used in connection with any software.
Motor Vehicle Council
Numbering System for Single Diameter and Taper ReamersJ2124_201910 (Current)10/9/2019
This SAE Recommended Practice provides a systematic method for the identification of single diameter and taper reamers. It is intended to assist in the cataloging and supplying of these tools. NOTE 1— Caution must be taken when assigning codes for designators to prevent specifying reamers that cannot be physically or economically manufactured. NOTE 2— The Code Number coming from the manufacturer MUST reflect the actual tool construction. NOTE 3— In particular without limitation, SAE disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained within this report if the standards of this report are retrieved, combined, or used in connection with any software.
Motor Vehicle Council
Numbering Systems for End MillsJ2342_201910 (Current)10/9/2019
This SAE Recommended Practice provides a systematic method for the identification of End Mills. It is intended to assist in the cataloging and supplying of these tools. NOTE 1— Caution must be taken when assigning codes for designation to prevent specifying cutting tools that cannot be physically or economically manufactured. NOTE 2— In particular without limitation, SAE disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained within this report if the standards of this report are retrieved, combined, or used in connection with any software.
Motor Vehicle Council
Surgeons Use Augmented Reality to Reconnect Blood VesselsTBMG-349258/1/2019
Following severe trauma, patients may have tissue damage or open wounds that require reconstructive surgery using fasciocutaneous flaps. These flaps of tissue, which are taken from elsewhere on the body and include the skin and blood vessels, are used to cover the wound and enable it to close and heal properly. A vital step in the process is connecting the blood vessels of the new tissue with those at the site of the wound, so oxygenated blood can reach the new tissue and keep it alive.
Preliminary Study of Perceived Vibration Quality for Human Hands2019-01-15226/5/2019
A large body of knowledge exists regarding the effects of vibration on human beings; however, the emphasis is generally on the damaging effects of vibration. Very little information has been published regarding the effect of vibration on perceived consumer product quality. The perceived loudness of a product is quantified using the Fletcher-Munson equal loudness curves, but the equivalent curves for perceived vibration amplitude as a function of amplitude and frequency are not readily available. This “vibration quality” information would be valuable in the design and evaluation of many consumer products, including automobiles. Vibration information is used in the automobile design process where targets for steering wheel, seat track, and pedal vibration are common. For this purpose, the vibration information is considered proprietary and is generally applicable to a narrow frequency range. In this investigation, work paralleling the original Fletcher-Munson study is presented. “Equal comfort curves” for vibration were measured and developed for hands grasping a handlebar. A paired-comparison test methodology was used to establish an equivalency of perceived vibration comfort for vibration in a wide range of vibration amplitudes over a wide range of frequencies. The results include preliminary equal comfort curves for hand vibration, preliminary minimum perceivable vibration curves, and recommendations for a test to provide more definitive results.
Bastiaan, Jennifer M., Green, Edward, Kaye, Sophie
A Sensor that Fits Like a GloveTBMG-345896/1/2019
We recently had a discussion with Sri Peruvemba, VP of Strategy at BeBop Sensors (Berkeley, CA), about the technology and applications for their two-dimensional fabric sensor material. I started by asking Sri about the unusual name for the company.
Model Gives Robots a Better Feel for Object ManipulationTBMG-345766/1/2019
A new learning system improves a robot’s ability to mold materials into target shapes and make predictions about interacting with solid objects and liquids. The system, known as a learning-based particle simulator, could give industrial robots a more refined touch and may have applications in personal robotics.
Restricted Access ‘C’ Clamping Smart Drilling Unit2019-01-13343/19/2019
One way assembly of aero structures has the potential to significantly reduce build times. One of the solutions, which goes towards achieving this philosophy, is the use of a ‘C’ clamping automated drilling system. The Manufacturing Technology Centre has developed and manufactured a ‘C’ clamping automated drilling unit to overcome many of the limitations of current designs, which prevent their use on a broader range of structures. The drilling unit addresses issues with access, size and weight restrictions as well as economic factors. This technical paper will present the outcomes from the design and manufacture of the drilling unit that is to be used within restricted access areas, as either a hand held device or as a robotic end effector free from any cables or hoses, allowing full and unhindered articulation of any robot motion. The device’s services: power, tool lubrication, swarf extraction and control systems have been designed to be embedded, rendering it a standalone unit. With the miniaturisation of the electrical and mechanical elements, combined with a deep throat, high clamping force and innovative spindle design, the system can be applied in a variety of scenarios. The control system has been designed to be low cost, compact and wireless with a tablet interface for enhanced connectivity, improving on current solutions. Combined with the utilisation of brushless servomotors for real-time position, speed and torque feedback, the unit allows adaptive drilling of multi-material stacks and future development of other smart drilling principles. The project was funded by Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and conducted by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
Suwala, Agata, Land, Patrick, Janik, Karol, Kasler, Richard
Finger Support Could Help Regain Motor FunctionTBMG-339903/1/2019
A Kennesaw State University engineering professor and her team of students have developed a new finger support that could ultimately help those suffering from finger deformities regain motor function.
Q&A: Siyi Xu, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MATBMG-339303/1/2019
Working with teams from Harvard, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Siyi Xu developed a soft, non-toxic, wearable sensor that attaches to the hand and measures grasp force and the motion of the hand and fingers. The sensor is designed to identify neuromotor disabilities in prematurely born children.
Artificial Joint Restores Wrist-Like MovementsTBMG-337172/1/2019
For patients missing a hand, one of the biggest challenges to regaining a high level of function is the inability to rotate one's wrist (pronate and supinate). These are essential movements involved in everyday tasks such as using a door handle, a screwdriver, a knob, or simply turning over a piece of paper. For those missing their hand, these are much more awkward and uncomfortable tasks, and current prosthetic technologies offer only limited relief to this problem.
Electronic Glove Gives Robotic Hand Sense of TouchTBMG-337232/1/2019
Stanford engineers have developed an electronic glove containing sensors that could one day give robotic hands the sort of dexterity that humans take for granted.
Safety and Comfort for All: An affordable Hill-Hold and Automated Parking Brake System2019-26-00051/9/2019
With an ever-increasing number of vehicles on Indian roads, the safety and ease of driving has become a very important criterion for the customers. In passenger and commercial vehicles, while launching a vehicle on gradient or stop and go traffic in hilly region, the vehicle tends to roll back/forward in the opposite direction of the intended movement. This undesirable movement is also a safety issue, as this may cause collision with the vehicle on the rear or in front. It requires a skilled driver to coordinate between the clutch pedal, brake (also handbrake in some situations) and accelerator pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling back while handling such situations. It also leads to clutch disc wear and heating as the driver may tend to slip the clutch to prevent the vehicle from rolling back. Hill hold is a driver assist feature which prevents the vehicle roll back/roll forward during launch operation on uphill/downhill conditions. Hill-hold is offered as an add-on feature on most vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Hill hold is achieved in ESP by applying the rear or all four brakes of the vehicle. ESP is not commonly provided in entry level vehicles due to its higher cost because of a lot of additional components and controls. Another shortcoming of the Hill-hold through ESP is that, due to its control strategy it holds the brakes only for approximately 3-5 seconds, after which the vehicle will start rolling back. At Schaeffler India, two hill hold concepts have been developed for entry level vehicles and above. These systems achieve the Hill-hold and Auto Park brake function either by purely mechanical or mechatronic means. The mechanical system consists of a transmission integrated Hill-hold system. The mechatronic system is designed for easy integration in the existing parking brake (hand brake) system with minimal modifications. The paper describes the various development phases from collecting the voice of customer, input requirements, system arrangements and architecture, design and development steps till validation and results.
Iyer, Ramkumar, Awade, Yogesh, Doshi, Pritesh, Dabhade, Abhishek, Jadhav, Vinod
Computer Detects and Understands Body LanguageTBMG-336091/1/2019
Detecting the nuances of nonverbal communication between individuals will allow robots to serve in social spaces, enabling them to perceive what people around them are doing, what moods they are in, and whether they can be interrupted. A self-driving car could get an early warning that a pedestrian is about to step into the street by monitoring body language. Enabling machines to understand human behavior also could enable new approaches to behavioral diagnosis and rehabilitation for conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and depression.
Method Trains Robots to Collaborate Through DemonstrationTBMG-3322711/1/2018
Robots that are adapted to respond to physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) traditionally treat such interactions as disturbances, and resume their original behaviors when the interactions end. This pHRI has been enhanced with a method that allows humans to physically adjust a robot's trajectory in real time.
Hybrid Silicone-Fabric Sensor for Wearable RobotsTBMG-3312410/1/2018
Wearable technologies are exploding in popularity in both the consumer and research spaces, but most of the electronic sensors that detect and transmit data from wearables are made of hard, inflexible materials that can restrict both the wearer's natural movements and the accuracy of the data collected.
Bringing a Human Touch to Modern ProstheticsTBMG-324588/1/2018
Amputees often experience the sensation of a “phantom limb”—a feeling that a missing body part is still there. That sensory illusion is closer to becoming a reality thanks to a team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University that have created an electronic skin. When layered on top of prosthetic hands, this e-dermis brings back a real sense of touch through the fingertips.
Ergonomics and Handheld Medical Devices: Five Vital Elements for Design SuccessTBMG-291086/1/2018
Dexterity, precision, control and comfort — without them, no handheld or hand intensive medical device is a success, for either the medical professional using it or for the patient relying on the outcomes. Ergonomically driven design guides a successful device development process from concept through prototype to market. There are always five fundamentals required for world-class handheld instruments or hand-intensive devices.
Self-Learning Robot Hands Adapt to Grasp ObjectsTBMG-287174/1/2018
Anew grasp system with robotic hands works without previously knowing the characteristics of objects, learning by trial and error. The robot features two hands based on human hands in terms of both shape and mobility. The robot brain for the hands has to learn how everyday objects like pieces of fruit or tools can be distinguished on the basis of their color or shape, as well as what matters when attempting to grasp the object; for example, a banana can be held, and a button can be pressed. The system learns to recognize such possibilities as characteristics, and constructs a model for interacting with and re-identifying the object.
Robotic Gripper for Satellite Capture and ServicingTBMG-287264/1/2018
The robotic gripper was developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as part of a robotic satellite servicing mission. The gripping device can be used to autonomously or remotely grasp and control an out-of-fuel or otherwise disabled satellite. Specifically, the gripper interfaces to the separation ring (marman ring) of the client spacecraft and when closed, is sufficient to constrain all six degrees of freedom of motion between the servicing spacecraft and the client. The jaws are designed with a conformable geometry that allows the same gripper to interface to all spacecraft separation rings commonly used with Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles.
Brainwave-Controlled Exoskeleton Restores Functional GraspTBMG-285243/1/2018
École Polytechnique Fédéral de LausanneLausanne, Switzerland
Low-Cost Mechanical Device for Minimally Invasive SurgeryTBMG-285513/1/2018
A new type of mechanical instrument was developed to perform complex, minimally invasive procedures, also known as laparoscopic surgery. The technology could lead to less trauma for patients and shorter recovery times after surgery. The technology is based on National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded engineering research, and is being commercialized by FlexDex Surgical, a spinoff founded by University of Michigan engineers (Figure 1).
Automotive Engineering: February 201818AUTP022/1/2018
Leaf turns to the 2020s Nissan's pioneering battery-EV finally gets styling, propulsion and feature upgrades that put it back in the thick of the expanding electric-car race. A rebel's guide to chassis engineering Before the advent of FEA, engineers used their hands to study chassis strength and stiffness. The approach still offers benefits today, notes the man who wrote chassis engineering's "bible." Auto tech comes on strong at CES 2018 The automotive sector showed up at CES with autonomy announcements by the score and a spectrum of new-technology unveilings. New SAE President focused on Big Data Mircea Gradu, senior VP and quality chief at lidar specialist Velodyne, targets data analytics, electrification and connectivity, and STEM initiatives during his 2018 term. Editorial: Tapping the brakes on autonomy Supplier Eye Meeting the less-is-more challenge of global scale The Navigator Autonomous business models vs. current cash generators Plug-in hybrid brings Honda into sharper Clarity 2018 Detroit auto show: Achates Power OP engine begins real-world test phase Workhorse multiphysics tool gets upgrades Toyota's new Structural Blue paint shimmers on Lexus LC500 Chevy unveils larger, lighter 2019 Silverado at Detroit auto show 2018 Detroit auto show: Ford Ranger returns 2019 XC40 showcases Volvo's new CMA platform What We're Driving Q&A Dassault's Mike LaLande
Flexible “Skin” Senses Shear ForceTBMG-281421/1/2018
To date, it has been difficult or impossible for most robotic and prosthetic hands to accurately sense the vibrations and shear forces that occur, for example, when a finger is sliding along a tabletop, or when an object begins to fall. Some robots today use fully instrumented fingers, but that sense of touch is limited to that appendage, and its shape or size cannot be changed to accommodate different tasks. The other approach is to wrap a robot appendage in a sensor skin, which provides better design flexibility; however, such skins have not yet provided a full range of tactile information.
Ultrasonic Sensor Allows Amputees to Control Prosthetic FingersTBMG-2820212/27/2017
Researchers have created an ultrasonic sensor that allows amputees to control each of their prosthetic fingers individually. It provides fine motor hand gestures that aren’t possible with current commercially available devices.
Low-Density Polymer Lightens the Load of Prosthetic HandTBMG-2784111/1/2017
Researchers at the University of Southampton, UK, have chosen low-density thermopolymer to create various parts of the next generation of its innovative Southampton-Remedi prosthetic hand, which has been developed over several decades. Continued development and improvements on the hand have been the subject of several PhD programs over the years. The newest version is a low-mass, sensor-rich artificial hand designed to be a highly functional, adaptive prosthesis.
Computational Tool Simplifies Creating Machines That BendTBMG-2773210/1/2017
Replacing rigid joints and linkages with mechanisms that bend offers a number of potential advantages, even as it makes designing devices more difficult. A computational design tool developed by Disney Research promises to make this transition from rigid to compliant mechanisms easier. The tool can take a design for a conventional, rigidly articulated device and automatically substitute parts that achieve the same function through flexibility, drawing from existing catalogs of compliant mechanisms.
Optimal Design of EPB Caliper Using DOE2017-01-25199/17/2017
An Electrical Parking Brake (EPB) system is a device that operates to park the vehicle automatically with the push of a button instead of using conventional hand or foot levers which in some ways makes it the first by wire type of brake system. As such, it is being considered in some vehicle architectures as an automatic redundant backup for vacuum-less brake systems or autonomous cars. The EPB system is generally divided into cable puller and motor on caliper (MOC) types. Recently, the MOC type EPB is being more widely applied in the global market due to product competitiveness and cost effectiveness. The MOC type EPB is composed of the caliper body, torque member, pad assembly, nut assembly and actuator. Among them, the caliper body and torque member play a main role in the robustness of the EPB system and occupy more than 80% of the total weight. Therefore, optimal design of the caliper body and torque member to maximize stiffness while minimizing weight is systematically important in the design of an EPB system. In this paper, stiffness and weight optimization was carried out for an EPB caliper body and torque member starting out from basic shapes. The objective functions for the EPB caliper body and torque member were designated as its weight and stiffness. Also EPB specific characteristics such actuator weight, and mounting requirements were considered. Main dimensions considered critical from the existing design were taken as design variables. Design of experiments (DOE) procedure was used to set the levels of design variables and the effectiveness of each level was checked using CAE. Through discrete results, we were able to find continuous approximation models in a specified range. Based on the regressive model, design variables that could minimize weight under constant stiffness conditions were adopted. From this, it was possible to obtain an optimal design of an EPB caliper body and torque member.
Kim, Sangbum, Cheon, Jae Seung, Park, Inuk, kwon, Yongsik
Gesture-Based Controls for Robots: Overview and Implications for Use by SoldiersTBMG-268255/1/2017
Afuture vision of the use of autonomous and intelligent robots in dismounted military operations is for soldiers to interact with robots as teammates, much like soldiers interact with other soldiers. Soldiers will no longer be operators in full control of every movement, as the autonomous intelligent systems will have the capability to act without continual human input. However, soldiers will need to use the information available from, or provided by, the robot. One of the critical needs to achieve this vision is the ability of soldiers and robots to communicate with each other. One way to do that is to use human gestures to instruct and command robots.
Gesture-Based Controls for Robots: Overview and Implications for Use by Soldiers17AERP05_065/1/2017
Developing a more effective means to communicate with robotic devices. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland A future vision of the use of autonomous and intelligent robots in dismounted military operations is for soldiers to interact with robots as teammates, much like soldiers interact with other soldiers. Soldiers will no longer be operators in full control of every movement, as the autonomous intelligent systems will have the capability to act without continual human input. However, soldiers will need to use the information available from, or provided by, the robot. One of the critical needs to achieve this vision is the ability of soldiers and robots to communicate with each other. One way to do that is to use human gestures to instruct and command robots. The use of gestures as a natural means of interacting with devices is a very broad concept that encompasses a range of body movements, including movements of the hands, arms, and legs, facial expressions, eye movements, head movements, and/or 2-dimensional (2-D) swiping gestures against flat surfaces such as touch screens. Gesture-based technology is already in place and commonly used without special instruction required for effective use. A common example of a well-designed gestural command is the use of hands to “wave” to activate devices (e.g., public bathroom faucet). This concept is also common to gaming interfaces and is now extending to other private and public domains such as automobile consoles.
BrainGate and Electrical Implant Stimulate Muscle MovementTBMG-266043/30/2017
New research from Brown University (Providence, RI) describes how the BrainGate brain-computer interface, combined with a functional electronic stimulation system implanted in the arm of a Cleveland man with quadriplegia, allowed him to move his arm and hand again to eat mashed potatoes, drink water from a mug, and scratch his nose.
Automotive Engineering: February 201717AUTP022/2/2017
WCX17 Preview The annual SAE World Congress is rebranded WCX17 to express its expanded experience of new-technology discussion and established thought leadership. Achates powers toward production Achates Power's internal-combustion solution is a new play on an old technology. Inside the Bolt EV While the new battery deserves credit for the car's +200-mile range, systems optimization, careful motor design and proprietary CAE tools were equally important. CES 2017: Lush luxury EVs, sophisticated connectivity Suppliers challenge OEMs in advanced tech. Editorial: Question mark or exclamation point Supplier Eye Are you prepared for greater electrification? SAE Standards News VS committees fully engaged on cybersecurity. Honda's new 10-speed is a slick shifter SAE Level 3 'hand off' challenging AI researchers Lightweight door module aims to trim vehicle weight Exclusive first drive: Torotrak's V-Charge technology New 10-speed auto delights in 2017 Ford F-150 Power and more underscore 2018 Toyota Camry I.D. Buzz: VW's latest future-look Microbus 2018 Ford F-150 diesel aims to beat 30 mpg IQM's Dan Lawrence talks flexible hybrid wiring.
Spinal Stimulator Improves Finger ControlTBMG-262961/30/2017
Scientists from UCLA (Los Angeles, CA) have tested a spinal stimulator that boosts finger control. The electrical stimulation increased a patient's grip strength up to 300 percent, according to the researchers.
DARPA Helps Paralyzed Man Feel Again Using a Brain-Controlled Robotic ArmTBMG-2608012/1/2016
A DARPA-funded research team has demonstrated for the first time in a human a technology that allows an individual to experience the sensation of touch directly in the brain through a neural interface system connected to a robotic arm. By enabling two-way communication between brain and machine — outgoing signals for movement and inbound signals for sensation — the technology could ultimately support new ways for people to engage with each other and with the world.
Robonaut 2: Industrial OpportunitiesTBMG-2572211/1/2016
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Oceaneering, have designed a state-of-the-art, highly dexterous, humanoid robot: Robonaut 2 (R2). R2’s nearly 50 patented and patent-pending technologies have the potential to be game-changers in many applications, such as industrial environments. For example, in a traditional robotic assembly line, there are multiple specialized robots that are tooled for a small set of unique tasks. R2 provides an alternative way to implement automated assembly using extraordinary task flexibility, dexterity, and rapid interchangeability with human processes and tools. This can lower automation infrastructure costs and increase manufacturing flexibility. R2 can serve as an assistant or work independently. R2’s dexterity is a key feature in industrial environments, as the robot can handle factory work that is ergonomically difficult, fatiguing, or even unsafe.
Human Grasp Assist Device with ExoskeletonTBMG-253229/1/2016
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with General Motors (GM), have designed and developed Robo-Glove, a wearable human grasp assist device, to help reduce the grasping force needed by an individual to operate tools for an extended time or when performing tasks having repetitive mo tion. Robo-Glove has the potential to help workers, such as construction workers, hazardous material workers, or assembly line operators, whose job requires continuous grasping and ungrasping motion. The Robo-Glove also has potential applications in prosthetic devices, rehabilitation aids, and helping people with impaired or limited arm and hand muscle strength.
Foot Device Controls Video Game ActionTBMG-251517/28/2016
A group of graduate students from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, devised a sandal-like controller that allows a video game player to control the on-screen action with his feet. The team — dubbed GEAR, for Game Enhancing Augmented Reality — created the device for amputees or those with disabilities that inhibit use of their arms or hands.
CDIF Integrated Meta-model Presentation Location and Connectivity Subject AreaEIAIS118 (Current)6/16/2016
The CDIF Family of Standards is primarily designed to be used as a description of a mechanism for transferring information between CASE tools. It facilitates a successful transfer when the authors of the importing and exporting tools have nothing in common except an agreement to conform to CDIF. The language that is defined for the Transfer Format also has applicability as a general language for Import/Export from repositories. The CDIF Integrated Meta-model also has applicability as the basis of standard definitions for use in repositories. The standards that form the complete family of CDIF Standards are documented in EIA/IS-106 CDIF - CASE Data Interchange Format - Overview. These standards cover the overall framework, the transfer format and the CDIF Integrated Meta-model. The diagram in Figure 1 depicts the various standards that comprise the CDIF Family of Standards. The shaded box depicts this Standard and its position in the CDIF Family of Standards. This standard, EIA/IS-118 CDIF - Integrated Meta-model - Presentation Location and Connectivity Subject Area, defines the portion of the CDIF Integrated Meta-model that supports presentation concepts such as nodes, edges, and annotations.
Systems Management Council
Improving Children’s Prosthetic HandsTBMG-247646/1/2016
A team of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering students at Rice University, calling itself Carpal Diem, has developed a testing suite to validate how well 3D-printed prosthetic hands transfer force from the wearer, usually a child born without a fully formed hand, to the prosthetic intended to help pick up and manipulate small objects.
Vibration Sensors Add New Touch to ProstheticsTBMG-249086/1/2016
The sense of touch is complex, and an instructor at the University of California – Santa Barbara (UCSB) has the technology to prove it. Yon Visell, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and his students designed an apparatus that captures the unique vibration patterns associated with touch-specific actions, from gripping a coffee mug to tapping on a flat surface. The findings could support new applications in prosthetics, robotics, and virtual reality.
Robotic Glove Can Help Restore Hand MovementsTBMG-246815/1/2016
Design Environment for Nonlinear Model Predictive Control2016-01-06274/5/2016
Model Predictive Control (MPC) design methods are becoming popular among automotive control researchers because they explicitly address an important challenge faced by today’s control designers: How does one realize the full performance potential of complex multi-input, multi-output automotive systems while satisfying critical output, state and actuator constraints? Nonlinear MPC (NMPC) offers the potential to further improve performance and streamline the development for those systems in which the dynamics are strongly nonlinear. These benefits are achieved in the MPC framework by using an on-line model of the controlled system to generate the control sequence that is the solution of a constrained optimization problem over a receding horizon. Motivated by the application of NMPC to the Diesel engine air path control problem, we present a control design environment that leverages Maple’s symbolic computation engine to facilitate NMPC problem formulation, solution, and C code-generation. Given the limited on-line computational resources available for automotive control implementation and the dependence of effective NMPC problem formulation and solution on the application at hand, the designer needs to be able to fully explore the NMPC formulation / solution / computation cost design space. Thus our Symbolic Computing Design Environment (SCDE) for NMPC is constructed so that the designer can rapidly evaluate the performance and computation cost of several implementation options. In particular, we show by example how SCDE can be used to choose between numeric and symbolic solutions approaches and reduce NMPC computation cost by generating functions from the controller’s equations that re-use the sub-expressions common to different aspects of the solution.
Walker, Kevin, Samadi, Behzad, Huang, Mike, Gerhard, Jürgen, Butts, Kenneth, Kolmanovsky, Ilya
Mind-Controlled Arm Moves Individual ‘Fingers’TBMG-241373/1/2016
A mind-controlled prosthetic arm developed by Johns Hopkins researchers allows wearers to move individual digits independently of each other. The proof-of-concept device represents an advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease, say the physicians and biomedical engineers.
Tendon-Driven Finger, Wrist, and Thumb Actuation SystemTBMG-236661/1/2016
The Robonaut 2 (R2) Dexterous Robot is the result of an effort to build a two-armed, ten-fingered humanoid robot torso capable of assembly work. This invention concerns a multi-fingered hand, and is composed of several parts. One is a tendon-driven, four-link, four-degree-of-freedom robotic thumb. Another is an extrinsic actuation system for tendon-driven fingers. The final part is a wrist mechanism with a large range of motion capable of high strength and speed while maintaining human wrist range of motion. The wrist provides pass-through capability for extrinsic hand actuation.
Contact State Estimation for Multi-Finger Robot Hands Using Particle FiltersTBMG-236651/1/2016
A method, using a particle filter, has been created for identifying the location, orientation, and shape of an object that a robot hand touches. An appropriate motion model has been defined that characterizes the motion of the robot hand as it moves relative to an object. The measurement model also estimates the likelihood of an observation of contact position, velocity, and tactile sensor information given handobject states, and is approximated analytically based on a geometric model, or on a corpus of training data. In either case, the measurement model distribution is encoded as a Gaussian, or using radial basis functions.
AS2542 Main Body. Left HandAS2542-5 (Current)12/4/2015
No scope available.
Engine and Airframe Technical Standards Committee (TSC)
AS2543 Main Body. Right HandAS2543-5 (Current)12/4/2015
No scope available.
Engine and Airframe Technical Standards Committee (TSC)
Items per page:
1 – 50 of 247