NASA grant funds to multi-robot perception research

Geisel Software, a Massachusetts-based custom software development firm, is partnering with North Carolina-based Fayetteville State University (NCFSU) to perform research funded by NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) grant. It will fund active and on-demand multi robot perception (AOMRP) research to develop multi-robot perception, a technology that uses highly specialized image sensors to support NASA’s use of autonomous multi-robot systems for scouting missions on the moon or other planets.

“Partnering with Fayetteville State is a natural fit,” comments Brian Geisel, Geisel Software CEO. “We both bring strong backgrounds in computer science and software with an especially strong focus on robotics. Our unique background in ground-based robotics, swarming robotics, mobility, and sensors adds experience from both DOD and commercial companies that are advancing the state of the art.”

Dr. Sambit Bhattacharya, professor of computer science in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at NCFSU and his team will work with Geisel Software engineers to develop technologies that provide situational awareness for exploration robots, human-assistive robots, and autonomous spacecraft.

Geisel Software Inc.

NASA

Fayetteville State University (NCFSU)

Photo credit: SMW Autoblok

Twin vise for Industry 4.0

The fully automated compact PTP/PTH series twin vise provides pneumatic and hydraulic clamping force with standard jaw stroke, long stroke, or one fixed jaw stroke control.

Ideal for automation, the self-centering PTP pneumatic and PTH hydraulic twin vises are for tombstone and storage solutions as well as 4- and 5-axis multi-pallet machining centers with or without robot loading.

The twin vises feature a compact design, failsafe clamping force up to 60kN, and case hardened components for high precision and long life. Suitable for O.D. and I.D. clamping, the spring-loaded twin vises can be used with industry standard or engineered top jaws. A series of solid carbide serrated inserts grip the workpiece securely, minimizing vibration, allowing for higher cutting speed and feed rates, meaning more metal removed in less machining time.

SMW Autoblok

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STXI Motion

Motion control for robots, drives, motors

Supporting up to 64 interpolated axes, the softMC 703 compact controller delivers high-performance motion control capabilities to robots, drives, and motors via any major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) programmable logic controller (PLC).

When used with the stepIM integrated closed loop stepper, CDHD2 servo drive, and PRHD2 servo motor, the softMC 703 controller creates a complete and cost-effective motion control solution for dynamic applications in industrial automation.

The softMC 703 controller provides Industry 4.0 machine-to-machine communication while reducing overall cost of motion control system design and configuration. Extensive programming options allow designers to create flexible motion programs with support for preemptive multitasking and asynchronous event response. The softMC 703 includes an open, real-time programming language, C/C++, and the robot operating system (ROS). The controller also features ControlStudio, an integrated program development environment.

STXI Motion