Bumble Bee & Ant Simulator
This system allows simulations of bumble bee flight paths and ant tragectories to be performed.
The system was designed for the University of Sussex CCNR (Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics) who are conducting ongoing research into the behaivour of bumble bee's and ants.
In particular the research is focusing on the visual navigation of these animals through large scale environments.
Neurological algorithms representing a Bees' brain will be loaded into the system and over time evolved into more complex control systems.
A number of cameras can be mounted on the end of the Z axis to allow visual feedback from the 'simulated bee/ant' to be analysed and descions made on the available visual data. The robot is a large XYZ gantry system (4000 * 3500 * 2500mm) with an open workspace allowing the camera to be moved freely throughout the system. Servo motors control each of the three axes with an accuracy of < 0.1mm and speeds in excess of 3 metres/second are possible.
Safety is very much a big issue with this kind of system as it is both large and powerful. Cameras are changed by physically entering the robot workspace and therefore a high potential risk is apparent. There are a number of safety devices fitted, including Emergency Stop buttons on each corner of the system, door interlocks and a unique key switch. Triggering any one of these devices will instantly stop the robot and cut all power to the servo-motors, meaning that even if an operator tried to move the robot the system cannot be moved. Operating procedures ensure that the key switch is turned off and the key removed and taken with an operator before entering the robot enclosure.
Cameras can be swapped quickly and easily from the end of the Z axis by simply removing two easily accessable thumb screws. A secure bracket arrangement allows each camera to be mounted securely with minimum movement and minimum effort.
OpenGL (3D computer graphics) simulations of the robot were performed in real-time as the robot moves about the workspace to judge and test the systems performance in dynamic motion routines. Sussex University will be using a similar technique to detect possible collisions within the workspace and actively prevent the robot from 'crashing' into anything.
To start with the following camera systems are being used with the system, however the system is by no means limited to just these three cameras.
1. Dennard 2055 Pan & Tilt camera
2. Neuronics VCAM 360 degree camera
3. Omnitech Fisheye camera
Images from one of the cameras will be captured by the control PC, processed and analysed in real-time to determine the next decision to make and where to move the robot axes. Typically 15 moves per second will be performed, however upto 100 moves per second could be achieved.
Please note: no bees where harmed in the making of this system
Related Systems
Software Systems
Forced Degradation RobotAutomated Labelling and Weighing
Bumble Bee & Ant Simulator
Vitens Automated Water Laboratory
Waters LCMS Management Suite
Unique Application Systems
Unique Applications, Robots & SystemsAuto Analyser Integration Systems
Large Scale Fully Automated Laboratory Systems
Material Testing Systems
System Testing & Quality Control Procedures
Paints Analysis & Application Systems
TIDAS - Paint Dispersion Assessment System
Cardiac Sensor System Electrode Painting Robot
Medical Device Sensor Manufacturing System
Cardiac Sensor Quality Control
Cryogenic Plant Sample Grinder System
Cryogenic Wafer System
Spotting Systems
Bumble Bee & Ant Simulator
Vitens Automated Water Laboratory
Sonicator, Mixer and Shaker Systems
Robotic stepper motors
Vial Roller System
Bespoke bottle crusher and recycling system
Sheffield University Automated Blood Reformatter
Precipitate Detection and Vortexing System
New TIDAS System