MECHACELL

Development of a Self Sufficient Modular Mechatronic Device and Its Proof of Concept with a Workpiece Positioning Study

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Applications of microsystems have been increasing over the recent years in many fields. Microsystems are usually designed and manufactured in highly specialized establishments. The potential application of modular design and development techniques at the micro scale has many benefits. As a result of this effort, a mighty and dependable micro module can be mass produced at a very affordable price and can be used in many applications. Using common micro mechatronic modules (i.e. MechaCells) will increase the number of skilled developers, which will eventually result in increased quality in end products. Groups of these MechaCells (i.e a MechaCell Pack) can perform tasks under different conditions sharing mechanical, electrical and computing resources. The proposed project is a more focused and strengthened version of an earlier submission based on valuable feedback from the technical experts. The project proposed here in its latest form aims to take the first step towards realization of micro-mechatronic cells with measurable goals and performance requirements. Specifically, the primary objectives are to develop design requirements for a workpiece positioning application, develop mathematical and empirical simulation models and control algorithms for the MechaCell Prototype and a pack of MechaCells collaborating, and develop a macro scale workpiece positioning testbed. The proposed research differs from the previous work in that it will focus on building self sufficient mechatronic modules (with on-board energy generation and storage and on-board distributed intelligence) rather than solely for actuation purposes. The proposed project will help the applicant establish the specific research background and testbed facilities required to take the design and development of the proposed MechaCell to the next level during his successful reintegration period to European Region.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Micro-devices are currently tailor-made and quite expensive. New modular technology easily combined into complex mini-mechatronics will decrease costs and speed delivery of novel products with improved quality.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Development and application of microsystems exploiting mechatronics has skyrocketed in recent decades. However, the miniaturised devices are typically tailor-made in highly specialised environments at high cost. The ability to mass-produce flexible and modular mechatronic micro-cells for use in more complicated configurations would have major impact on the speed and cost of development and on final product quality. It would also free up researchers to a large extent to focus on developing new applications for the modules rather than on developing innumerable devices.

Scientists launched the EU-funded project MECHACELL to achieve the first step in realisation of such modularity with a workpiece positioning device as a case study. The mechatronic MechaCell modules will be self-sufficient with on-board distributed energy generation and on-board distributed intelligence. They will be designed to be combined in MechaPacks.

The project encompasses all steps from mathematical and empirical simulation studies to development of control algorithms for the MechaCell and MechaPack. It will also create a test bed for the device.

During the first recording period, the team developed three different prototype designs for the proposed cell. All have a micro-power plant, micro-sensors and actuators, and a micro-computer connected to a cell bus for power and communication among cell components. In addition, the simulation model is ready to test the various prototypes.

Researchers expect to deliver a MechaCell and MechaPack design tool that will enable the designer to determine the best component configuration and number of devices for a representative application case. Specialised devices for biomedical, military, automotive and manufacturing applications continue to shrink in size.

The market potential for MECHACELL technology is tremendous. So is its likely impact on the EU economy and on the many small- and medium-sized enterprises with limited research and development budgets.