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10 applied sciences to keep away from when constructing a robotic


Growing a profitable robotic requires cautious number of applied sciences. Poor selections can result in expensive setbacks, reliability points, or future-proofing issues. Drawing from the intensive expertise of our work at OLogic, which focuses on robotics and shopper electronics, listed below are 10 applied sciences to keep away from to make sure your robotic is scalable, dependable, revolutionary, and manufacturable.

1. Outdated microcontrollers

Outdated microcontrollers (MCUs) can restrict your robotic’s capabilities by proscribing processing energy and power effectivity. With robotics more and more demanding edge computing and AI options, utilizing out of date MCUs reduces flexibility and adaptableness. Superior choices like NVIDIA Jetson or MediaTek’s AIoT platform supply the mandatory processing energy for contemporary robots​.

2. Proprietary software program ecosystems

Whereas proprietary software program platforms can seem to be a safe alternative as a result of their complete assist, they usually impose limitations on flexibility and scalability. Open-source software program ecosystems, such because the Robotic Working System (ROS), enable for larger customization and integration with different methods. Sooner or later it’ll give your robotics product extra room to evolve​. On this record of 10 applied sciences to keep away from in robotics, this one is essential.

3. Single-function sensors

In an period the place multi-functional and good sensors dominate the robotics panorama, single-function sensors have gotten outdated. Superior sensors like LIDAR, depth cameras made by firms like Intel or Orbbec, or AI-enhanced imaginative and prescient methods, supply versatility and precision in complicated environments. Keep away from the temptation to make use of single-function sensors like sonar, as they will considerably restrict your robotic’s skills​. Intel is spinning off its RealSense division as a standalone firm.

Intel RealSense D421 Depth Module

The Intel RealSense D421 Depth Module. | Credit score: Intel

4. Legacy Communication Protocols

Robots more and more depend on quick, safe, and scalable communication methods, particularly in IoT environments. Outdated protocols like Zigbee or previous Bluetooth variations could seem cost-effective, however they will’t match the velocity or reliability of newer requirements like Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.0, or 5G. Sticking to legacy communication methods can hinder your robotic’s capacity to function effectively, particularly in complicated environments with excessive community calls for​.


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5. USB connections

Whereas USB is usually used for connectivity, it’s a dangerous alternative in robotics purposes as a result of its instability in environments with fixed motion and vibration. USB connectors are susceptible to points like re-enumeration or system hanging, usually triggered by the movement of a robotic. For important methods, contemplate extra steady and rugged options like Ethernet or GMSL and ruggedized connectors to forestall random disconnections throughout operations​. That is one other important merchandise in our record of 10 applied sciences to keep away from in robotics.

6. Non-locking connectors

In shifting robotics purposes, non-locking connectors are a frequent level of failure. Commonplace shopper grade connectors are likely to loosen or disconnect as a result of fixed vibration and motion, inflicting unpredictable efficiency points. Locking connectors, equivalent to these utilized in industrial and automotive purposes, guarantee a safe and dependable connection even in difficult environments​. Keep away from utilizing non-locking connectors in any utility the place stability is essential and use locking ones from firms like Molex or JST.

7. Low-bandwidth knowledge processing

Robotics purposes usually contain the processing of huge quantities of sensor knowledge in real-time. Choosing low-bandwidth knowledge processing methods can create bottlenecks, slowing down decision-making and impacting the robotic’s efficiency in dynamic environments. Utilizing high-bandwidth, edge computing options permits quicker and extra correct knowledge processing, which is crucial for duties like impediment detection, navigation, and manipulation​. Simply having a WiFi connection to the robotic is often not sufficient. Getting access to a 4G or 5G community in parallel is crucial to uninterrupted connectivity.

8. Low cost wiring harnesses or tin connectors

Low cost wiring harnesses and tin-plated connectors may seem to be a solution to reduce prices, however they will result in important reliability points, particularly in robotics purposes the place sturdiness and constant connectivity are essential. Tin connectors, specifically, are susceptible to oxidation over time, which can lead to poor conductivity and even full system failures. Low cost wiring harnesses can endure from poor insulation or weak connections, resulting in intermittent electrical failures, sign loss, and even brief circuits. Go for high-quality supplies, equivalent to gold-plated connectors and sturdy wiring.

9. Non-modular mechanical designs

A non-modular design locks your robotic into a hard and fast configuration, making future upgrades or customizations troublesome. Modular mechanical designs present the pliability to simply swap elements, alter to new applied sciences, and accommodate future expansions. That is notably necessary in industries the place robotics purposes should evolve quickly to satisfy new challenges. Robotic serviceability is important with fielded merchandise. Ensure that your mechanical engineering is optimized for deployment at scale.

10. Battery applied sciences with poor power density

Robots depend on environment friendly energy administration to carry out for prolonged intervals, particularly in cell purposes. Choosing batteries with poor power density limits working time and will increase downtime for recharging. Out-dated battery applied sciences like sealed-lead-acid (SLA) or older prismatic lithium batteries. As an alternative, concentrate on superior battery applied sciences like lithium-iron-phosphate, which supply increased power density and longer operational lifespans​.

Conclusion

Within the sophisticated, multi-disciplined subject of robotics, it’s essential to make knowledgeable choices about which applied sciences to embrace and which to keep away from. This record can positively assist you to in your subsequent undertaking. By steering away from outdated microcontrollers, non-locking connectors, USB in unstable environments, and different applied sciences talked about above, you may construct a robotic that’s extra dependable, scalable, and prepared for future calls for.

With steerage from skilled companies like OLogic, your product improvement will keep forward of the curve.

Editor’s Observe: This text was republished with permission from OLogic.

In regards to the Writer

Ted Larson is the CEO of OLogic, a analysis and improvement outsourcing firm with a concentrate on robotics. OLogic has labored on merchandise for firms equivalent to Hasbro, Fb, Google, Motorola, HP, and Amazon. Larson is laptop software program and electronics skilled with 30+ years of expertise designing and constructing business merchandise.

Previous to OLogic, he based an web software program firm referred to as the Urbanite Community, an internet server content material publishing platform for media prospects, and grew the corporate to over 70 staff, and raised over $10 million in non-public fairness and enterprise capital. Previous to Urbanite, Larson held positions at Hewlett-Packard, Iomega, and the Los Alamos Nationwide Laboratory. He has each a BS and MS in laptop science from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo.

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