Robotics and Advanced Instrumentation

Description

Learning outcomes: MK1: Scientific-disciplinary knowledge and comprehension in the field of Engineering Technology MK2: Gaining in-depth knowledge and comprehension in at least one of the following disciplines in Electromechanical Engineering Technology: Drive systems, Automation, Energy conversion, Production techniques and management, Mechanical design including the material selection, Automotive applications MI1 : Problem analysis and solving MI2: Design and/or development MI3: Application-oriented research MP1: To make operational MG1: Information gathering and processing MG2: Communication with engineers and non-engineers MG3: Critical thinking Motivation Technological solutions increasingly contribute to our daily living while also making their appearance on the workfloor. Engineers need to understand the capabilities and opportunities of these technologies. At the same time they need to understand the associated risks and challenges. This course starts by teaching the fundamental underlying mathematic principles of robotic technology and the specificities of human-robot interaction. As many complex tasks rely on a synergetic working of (wo)man and machine, interaction and usability is receiving more attention these days. A clear example of where technology makes a difference is the operating room. Clinicians are continuously striving to improve their techniques to diagnose, treat and support patients with greater care and improved outcome. Technology is taking in an important role in this endeavour. Within the second part of the course we review some of the latest technological advancements in surgery and bridge the gap to medical device design and advanced robotics that are used already now in our hospitals. While focusing on surgical instrumentation, human-robot interaction or interacting with advanced instrumentation is also getting more ground in other fields such as manufacturing, rehabilitation, navigation and so on. Learning targets related to introduction to robotics The student will be introduced to robotics technology and various robotic applications [MK1]. He/she will get a good understanding of formulating automation tasks - such as positioning or manipulation tasks - in 3D space [MK1, MK2, MI1 and MI2]. He/she will learn how to select, model and control robots and kinematic structures to execute appropriate trajectories and motion profiles in 3D [MK1, MI1 and MI2]. When working in ill-defined environments, robotic operation can benefit from user interaction. Students will get a basic understanding of different interaction modalities (teleoperation, co-manipulation or hands-on control w/wo haptic feedback) [MK1] and understand the implications on design and functionality [MI2, MG3]. Learning targets related to advanced instrumentation Students are introduced to the specificities and design aspects of traditional and more advanced robotic applications featuring human robot interaction, teleoperation, surgical robots [MK1]. From observation of different use cases [MG1, MG2, MI3], students learn to identify opportunities for improvement [MG3] through introduction of technological tools; tools that are tailored to user needs and specific interventions. In particular students can reflect upon aspects such as usability, ergonomics and safety in different designs [MK1, MI1, MI2, MI3 and MG3]. Students are able to setup up experiments and test-beds to measure and validate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and - more in general - of the governing working hypothesis [MK1, MI1, MI2, MI3, MG3]. Students get practical experience in building up instrumentation that is endowed with interaction capability [MP1].