Robotics

Programmable Remote Operated Trolley - PROT

PROT is a computer controlled, Material Handling System, which has been designed, fabricated and developed,

for use in a fully

automated system, where the entire production process is broken up into a number of sequential

operations, and/or the workparts need to be moved from one location to another.

It just requires a one–time path definition, where the trolley is initially trained to move along a desired path, which can be simultaneously stored. This stored path can then be retrieved, and the trolley can be made to move along this path, just as it had been trained to move.

The computer-generated signals are encoded using an electronic base unit, and are then transmitted using FM transmitters. These signals are then received , using FM receivers and decoded by an on-board electronic logic unit. The necessary control signals thus generated are used to control the stepper motors that drive the trolley.

Mechanical Aspects

Computer Aspects

Electronic Aspects

TEAM:

George V

Vignesh G

Damodhar P

Joseph P

Arul S

Roopa G

The PROT belongs to the class of ‘Line Restricted’ Materials Handling equipment and has been envisaged to be used as an ‘Automated Guided Vehicle’ for ‘load carrying’ purposes.

It is ideally suited for use in a Flexible Manufacturing System i.e.systems where layouts must be easily altered and floors left free for other traffic.

It is a battery – powered trolley that can move and transfer materials by following prescribed paths around the manufacturing floor.

One of the main features of PROT is that it is neither physically tied to the production line nor driven by an operator , as is the case with other guided vehicles like a forklift.

It has an on-board logic unit, which can be controlled by signals from the ‘Central Computer’ in the Manufacturing System.

It complements an automated production line consisting of conveyor or transfer systems by providing the flexibility of complex and programmable movement around the manufacturing shop.

It also provides for continuous flow of materials which makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages of poor and inefficient layout.