Virtual Experiments using RoboAnalyzer
Explaining the concepts in a course on Robotics typically requires a 3D model of a serial-robot/manipulator, either in the form of a physical robot or a virtual robot in software environment, for a better understanding. With the experience of handling Robotics courses and the feedback received so far, we have come up with a list of Virtual Experiments using RoboAnalyzer.
These virtual experiments are suitable for a one semester introductory course in Robotics, and can be performed as typical laboratory assignments using a PC. The experiments are structured so that they are coherent with the lectures in classroom. Each of the experiments are divided into subtasks, which the students can complete using the different modules of RoboAnalyzer software. In a typical semester of 14 weeks, about 11 practical assignments may be carried out using RoboAnalyzer, as given in Table 1. The remaining 2 to 3 weeks may be utilised to take presentations from the students, based on what they learned, or presentations on projects (as shown in Table 2) as a part of the course.
A detailed report can be downloaded here.
Table 1: List of Virtual Experiments using RoboAnalyzer
These virtual experiments are suitable for a one semester introductory course in Robotics, and can be performed as typical laboratory assignments using a PC. The experiments are structured so that they are coherent with the lectures in classroom. Each of the experiments are divided into subtasks, which the students can complete using the different modules of RoboAnalyzer software. In a typical semester of 14 weeks, about 11 practical assignments may be carried out using RoboAnalyzer, as given in Table 1. The remaining 2 to 3 weeks may be utilised to take presentations from the students, based on what they learned, or presentations on projects (as shown in Table 2) as a part of the course.
A detailed report can be downloaded here.
Table 1: List of Virtual Experiments using RoboAnalyzer
| Week | Practical Assignments using RoboAnalyzer | Topics Covered |
| 1 | Introduction to RoboAnalyzer | Usage of RoboAnalyzer |
| 2 | Virtual Models of Industrial Robots | Industrial Robots |
| 3 | Understanding coordinate frames and transformations | DH Parameters, Robot Geometry |
| 4 | Forward kinematics of robots | Robot Kinematic Analysis |
| 5 | Inverse kinematics of robots | Robot Kinematic Analysis |
| 6 | Case Study: Kinematics of MTAB Mini Robot | Robot Kinematic Analysis |
| 7 | Case Study: Workspace Analysis of a 6 axis robot | Workspace Analysis |
| 8 | Inverse and Forward dynamics of robots | Robot Dynamics |
| 9 | Creating robot joint trajectories | Trajectory Planning |
| 10 | Application: Writing a welding profile using a virtual robot | Cartesian Motion of Industrial Robots |
| 11 | Application: Control a virtual robot using a joystick | Industrial Robots |
Table 2: List of Suggested Projects using RoboAnalyzer
| S.No. | Projects | Duration | Estimated Time |
| 1 | Visualization and identification of DH parameters of an industrial robot | 2 weeks | 15 hours |
| 2 | Kinematic analysis of MTAB Aristo Robot | 3 weeks | 20 hours |