This paper proposes a multifunctional soft robotic gripper for a Dobot robot to handle sensitive products. The gripper is based on pneumatic network (PneuNet) bending actuators. In this study, two different models of PneuNet actuators have been studied, designed, simulated, experimentally tested, and validated using two different techniques (3D printing and molding) and three different materials: FilaFlex 60A (3D-printed), Elastosil M4601, and Dragonskin Fast 10 silicones (with molds). A new soft gripper design for the Dobot robot is presented, and a new design/production approach with molds is proposed to obtain the gripper’s PneuNet multifunctional actuators. It also describes a new control approach that is used to control the PneuNet actuators and gripper function, using compressed air generated by a small compressor/air pump, a pressure sensor, a mini valve, etc., and executing on a low-cost controller board—Arduino UNO. This paper presents the main simulation and experimental results of this research study.

Circuit simulation, together with practical sessions, is considered a fundamental tool to assist the teaching of electronics. Robotics offers rich real-world applications that foster student interest in developing engineering projects. Despite the potential benefits of uniting these two realities, software tools that combine circuits and robotic systems in a single simulation platform are scarce. This paper presents Ardosia, a simulation software that combines electronics and robotics in a single simulation arena. The electronics aspects of the simulation are handled by the Falstad Circuit Simulator, a software with proven success in promoting student interest and learning outcomes. Importantly, this software features significant interactive and visualization characteristics that are deemed valuable to enhance conceptual understanding. Non-electrical physics simulation is performed by a special purpose engine, designed to simulate sensor and actuator behavior in a 2D world. In combination, the two simulation engines yield a model where electronic circuits are embodied in the world through robot sensors and actuators interacting together and with the surroundings. Such a simulator is intended to promote the use of robotics projects in electronics education, since students will be equipped with a software to conveniently design and evaluate robotic systems, through simulation, before applying their ideas in an experimental setting. The paper presents an overview of Ardosia, complemented with examples of use in electronics education and a validation experiment comparing simulation with real-world data.

This paper proposes a multifunctional soft robotic gripper for a Dobot robot to handle sensitive products. The gripper is based on pneumatic network (PneuNet) bending actuators. In this work, two different models of PneuNet actuators have been studied, designed, simulated, experimentally tested, and validated using two different techniques (3D printing and molding) and three different materials: FilaFlex (3D printed), Elastosil M4601 and Dragonskin Fast 10 silicones (with molds). A new soft gripper design for the Dobot robot is presented, and a new design/production approach with molds is proposed to obtain the gripper's PneuNet multifunctional actuators. It also describes a new control approach that is used to control the PneuNet actuators and gripper function, using compressed air generated by a small compressor/air pump, a pressure sensor, a mini valve, etc., and executing on a low-cost controller board – Arduino UNO. This paper presents the main simulation and experimental results of this research work.

The washing of road tankers is currently still a manual process that requires an operator to place the washing head into the tanks. To increase productivity and operator safety, it is essential to implement automated systems with Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) capabilities. On the other hand, the industry 4.0 paradigm promotes the use of collaborative systems that integrate with the other organization’s processes. Realizing this new vision requires Supervision, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems with FDI modules that integrate with collaborative systems and promote the digitalization of companies. This paper proposes a SCADA system for a new road tanker washing robot, aimed at integrating all systems and communication networks of the organization and future FDI modules. To this end, this paper proposes a communication architecture based on open protocols and a common database to connect SCADA to the lower and higher levels of automation. Furthermore, this paper describes the various aspects of SCADA system development, from synoptic design to validation. To support the development of the SCADA system, a Digital Twin (DT) of the road tanker washing robot was used, allowing to test and validate its functionality through this virtual prototype. The results show that the proposed SCADA system and underlying information architecture are suitable for supervision of a robotized wash operation and that the use of a Digital Twin facilitates SCADA system design and validation.