Growing a profitable robotic requires cautious number of applied sciences. Poor decisions can result in pricey setbacks, reliability points, or future-proofing issues. Drawing from the in depth expertise of our work at OLogic, which makes a speciality of 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 Outdated microcontrollers
Outdated microcontrollers (MCUs) can restrict your robotic’s capabilities by proscribing processing energy and power effectivity. With robotics more and more demanding edge computing and AI options, utilizing out of date MCUs reduces flexibility and adaptableness.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 required processing energy for contemporary robots.
2. Proprietary software program ecosystems
Whereas proprietary software program platforms can appear to be a safe selection resulting from their complete help, they typically 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 checklist 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period the place multi-functional and good sensors dominate the robotics panorama, single-function sensors have gotten outdated.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.
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 Outdated protocols like Zigbee or outdated Bluetooth variations could seem cost-effective, however they will’t match the velocity or reliability of newer requirements like Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.0, or 5G.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 capability 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 selection in robotics functions resulting from its instability in environments with fixed motion and vibration. USB connectors are susceptible to points like re-enumeration or system hanging, typically triggered by the movement of a robotic. For important methods, take into account extra secure and rugged options like Ethernet or GMSL and ruggedized connectors to stop random disconnections throughout operations. That is one other important merchandise in our checklist of 10 applied sciences to keep away from in robotics.
6. Non-locking connectors
In shifting robotics functions, non-locking connectors are a frequent level of failure. Customary shopper grade connectors are inclined to loosen or disconnect resulting from fixed vibration and motion, inflicting unpredictable efficiency points. Locking connectors, corresponding to these utilized in industrial and automotive functions, guarantee a safe and dependable connection even in difficult environments. Keep away from utilizing non-locking connectors in any software the place stability is essential and use locking ones from firms like Molex or JST.
7. Low-bandwidth information processing
Robotics functions typically contain the processing of huge quantities of sensor information in real-time. Choosing low-bandwidth information 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 sooner and extra correct information processing, which is important for duties like impediment detection, navigation, and manipulation. Simply having a WiFi connection to the robotic is normally not sufficient. Getting access to a 4G or 5G community in parallel is important to uninterrupted connectivity.
8. Low-cost wiring harnesses or tin connectors
Low-cost wiring harnesses and tin-plated connectors would possibly appear to be a option to minimize prices, however they will result in vital reliability points, particularly in robotics functions the place sturdiness and constant connectivity are essential. Tin connectors, particularly, are susceptible to oxidation over time, which may end up in 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 quick circuits. Go for high-quality supplies, corresponding 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 tough. Modular mechanical designs present the pliability to simply swap elements, modify to new applied sciences, and accommodate future expansions. That is significantly vital in industries the place robotics functions should evolve quickly to fulfill new challenges. Robotic serviceability is important with fielded merchandise. Make sure 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 cellular functions. 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, give attention to superior battery applied sciences like lithium-iron-phosphate, which supply increased power density and longer operational lifespans.
Conclusion
Within the difficult, multi-disciplined subject of robotics, it’s essential to make knowledgeable selections about which applied sciences to embrace and which to keep away from. This checklist can positively enable you to in your subsequent challenge. 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 corporations like OLogic, your product improvement will keep forward of the curve.
Editor’s Notice: This text was republished with permission from OLogic.
In regards to the Creator
Ted Larson is the CEO of OLogic, a analysis and improvement outsourcing firm with a give attention to robotics. OLogic has labored on merchandise for firms corresponding to Hasbro, Fb, Google, Motorola, HP, and Amazon. Larson is pc 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 known 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 pc science from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo.