Leveraging Off-the-Shelf Components Dramatically Reduces Mobile Manipulator Development Time and Cost
Integrating commercially available hardware and open-source software significantly accelerates the creation of functional robotic systems for industrial applications.
OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2013
Key Findings
- 01A functional mobile manipulator can be assembled quickly using readily available commercial parts.
- 02Open-source software facilitates integration and reduces development overhead.
- 03The resulting platform is suitable for research in autonomous industrial tasks.
Application
Design takeaway
When developing complex robotic systems, prioritize the integration of existing, proven commercial components and open-source software to achieve rapid development and cost-effectiveness.
How to apply
When designing a new robotic system, conduct a thorough audit of available commercial components and open-source software that meet functional requirements before considering custom development.
Project actions
- 01Research existing robotic platforms and components that can be adapted for your project's needs.
- 02Explore open-source software libraries for control, navigation, and computer vision to save development time.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Demonstrates a practical, cost-effective approach to building complex robotic systems.
- +Highlights the synergy between hardware selection and software integration.
Limitations
The availability and compatibility of COTS components can be a constraint, and integration may still require significant engineering effort.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings is supported by the successful demonstration of the system's capabilities. Reliability would depend on the robustness of the chosen COTS components and the integration process.
Think critically
To what extent does relying on COTS components limit innovation in novel robotic functionalities compared to a fully custom-designed system?
Design Principles
"Accelerated development of complex systems is achievable through strategic integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and open-source solutions."
This approach allows design teams to bypass lengthy custom component development, enabling faster iteration and deployment of complex robotic solutions. It democratizes access to advanced robotics, making sophisticated research platforms more attainable.
What This Means for Your Design
You can build cool robots faster and cheaper by using parts that are already made for other things and free software.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying the choice of using commercial components or open-source software in your design project to reduce development time and cost.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2013). A Low-cost Mobile Manipulator for Industrial and Research Applications. OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network). Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/3430772c-70db-41a2-a4b2-7c5ee79d0caf/leveraging-off-the-shelf-components-dramatically-reduces-mobile-manipulator-development-time-and-cost
Paragraph starter
The development of the ABBY mobile manipulator by Venator (2013) highlights the efficacy of leveraging commercially available mass-produced hardware and open-source software to rapidly create robust research platforms at a reduced cost. This approach significantly accelerates the realization of complex robotic systems by minimizing custom component development and focusing on integration and intelligent functionality, a strategy applicable to various design projects aiming for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Source
OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network)
A Low-cost Mobile Manipulator for Industrial and Research Applications
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about leveraging off-the-shelf components dramatically reduces mobile manipulator development time and cost?
- When developing complex robotic systems, prioritize the integration of existing, proven commercial components and open-source software to achieve rapid development and cost-effectiveness. Evidence: OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) (2013).
- Why does "Leveraging Off-the-Shelf Components Dramatically Reduces Mobile Manipulator Development Time and Cost" matter for design?
- This approach allows design teams to bypass lengthy custom component development, enabling faster iteration and deployment of complex robotic solutions. It democratizes access to advanced robotics, making sophisticated research platforms more attainable.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When developing complex robotic systems, prioritize the integration of existing, proven commercial components and open-source software to achieve rapid development and cost-effectiveness.
- What were the main findings?
- A functional mobile manipulator can be assembled quickly using readily available commercial parts.. Open-source software facilitates integration and reduces development overhead.. The resulting platform is suitable for research in autonomous industrial tasks.
- What research method was used?
- System Development and Demonstration.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2013 journal from OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new robotic system, conduct a thorough audit of available commercial components and open-source software that meet functional requirements before considering custom development.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a laboratory setting, and real-world industrial deployment may present additional challenges not addressed. The specific performance benchmarks of the custom-integrated system compared to fully custom-built systems were not extensively detailed.
- Is there evidence that mobile manipulator affects design outcomes?
- The research successfully demonstrated that a mobile robot with an industrial arm can be built affordably and quickly by using existing commercial parts and free software, proving its utility for research and industrial tasks. This approach allows design teams to bypass lengthy custom component development, enabling fa Source: OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) (2013).
- Where does this complex robotic research apply?
- Robotics, Industrial Automation, Research Platforms It sits within commercial production research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
mobile manipulator design research · evidence on mobile manipulator · does mobile manipulator improve design outcomes · complex robotic studies for designers · mobile manipulator and complex robotic findings · commercial production research evidence