Computer-Aided Design, Selection and Evaluation of Robots (Manufacturing Research and Technology, 2)

Choosing the correct robotic device for a given application usually involves laborious searches through manufacturers' catalogs and comparing lists of specifications. This is no easy matter as selecting between even two robots can be very difficult since many specifications are not simply quantitative measures of robot capabilities, but are often complex issues requiring some expertise in the field of robotics. In this book the author presents an expert system-based FORTRAN software called CASOR which, through an interactive query and response, will produce prototype specifications which can be used to purchase a suitable commercially available robot to perform the desired tasks. To achieve this, the author has provided CASOR with a database of commercially available robots. This database has built-in intelligence to check for feasibility and compatibility with the prototype. The output of CASOR software can also be used to provide a graphical (pictorial) display of the prototype robot on a CAD design system. Incorporated in the software is a technique which evaluates the alternatives using both quantitative and subjective factors.