Meet Tron-X!
24 September 2003
News
The electro-pneumatic representation of a human being, 'Tron-X', showcases the unique capabilities of Festo's proprietary technologies in valves, servo-pneumatics, and electronic controls. In October, visitors to the Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo will have a unique opportunity to meet Tron-X face-to-face.
Tron-X' unique character lies in the methods used to emulate the movements of the human body. Developing a control system capable of providing coordinated execution of various commands was the first step in creating the impressive phenomenon, as it allows the robot's active joints to behave in a similar fashion to natural biological systems. Just like the human body, many different joints have to interact and cooperate to perform a task as simple as shaking hands.
Within this control system, Festo SPC-200 servo-pneumatic controllers provide a closed-loop control function, while Festo MPYE proportional pneumatic valves ensure precise response from the cylinders. Linear converters are fitted to the robot's body parts to deliver feedback signals, thereby allowing closed-loop control, employing the latest non-linear model adaptive techniques. State-variables of velocity, acceleration and deceleration are user-settable and are limited to give realistic movement.
The control system feeds digital signals to the CP-valves, where type EG pin cylinders convert the signals into high-speed synchronised mouth and eye movements. Type DSNU double-acting cylinders make individual finger movement possible.
Manufactured from stainless steel, most of Tron-X' weight is concentrated in its upper and lower torso. Here, larger DSW cylinders ensure fluent movement, again controlled by MPYE proportional valves.
For more information contact Festo Didactic, 011 971 5560, [email protected]
Further reading:
From the editor’s desk: Windows 10’s end of support arrives bringing industrial risks
Technews Publishing
News
By the time you read this column, support for non-LTSC editions of Windows 10 will have ended, officially having their last day on 14 October 2025. This means no more security patches, feature updates,
...
Read more...
Electronic News Digest
News
A brief synopsis of current global news relating to the electronic engineering fields with regards to company finances, general company news, and engineering technologies.
Read more...
Correction: Marijana Abt, Rebound Electronics
News
In the August issue of
Dataweek magazine, the article titled ‘Celebrating innovation, leadership, and the next generation’ featured Marijana Abt, senior account manager at Rebound Electronics. Owing
...
Read more...
Trasna and RF Design announce distribution agreement
RF Design
News
Trasna and RF Design have announced a strategic distribution agreement for cellular IoT solutions which will ensure seamless availability of Trasna’s cellular connectivity solutions.
Read more...
Local partnership puts demand-side management to work in South Africa
News
Sensor Networks has partnered with European demand-side management specialist ThermoVault to bring advanced load-shifting capabilities to one of the country’s biggest energy consumers: the household geyser.
Read more...
Hisense SA launches year-long learnership programme for youth
News
Hisense SA’s manufacturing plant in Atlantis recently welcomed 100 young people from the local community, to embark on a year-long learnership and skills development programme.
Read more...
Comtest hosts channel partners
Comtest
News
Comtest, together with FLUKE, recently set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon as they welcomed over 80 Channel Partners to their annual celebration of excellence.
Read more...
RS South Africa and Qhubeka empower learners through the gift of mobility
RS South Africa
News
Through its bicycle donation initiative, 354 bicycles have been distributed to date, empowering students to access education more easily by reducing the physical and economic barriers posed by long daily commutes.
Read more...
Deca and SST announce strategic collaboration
News
The collaboration provides customers with a modular, memory-centric foundation for advanced multi-die architectures.
Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions transitions to new name: Montgomery Group Africa
News
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment, and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.
Read more...
printer friendly version