Estimation of motor inertia and friction components is a complex and challenging task in motion control applications where small size DC motors (<100W) are used for precise control. It is essential to estimate the accurate friction components and motor inertia, because the parameters provided by the manufacturer are not always accurate. This research proposes a Sensorless method of determining DC motor parameters, including moment of inertia, torque coefficient and frictional components using the Disturbance Observer (DOB) as a torque sensor. The constant velocity motion test and a novel Reverse Motion Acceleration test were conducted to estimate frictional components and moment of inertia of the motor. The validity of the proposed novel method was verified by experimental results and compared with conventional acceleration and deceleration motion tests. Experiments have been carried out to show the effectiveness and viability of the estimated parameters using a Reaction Torque Observer (RTOB) based friction compensation method.

The Endonasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery (EETS) is a minimally invasive procedure to approach and remove pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions. The process causes less pain, faster recovery, and provides further minimal invasive access in critical cases. However, a slight deviation of tools from the target area can be fatal to the patients. The aim of this study is to design and develop a prototype robot to demonstrate neurosurgical robot-assisted EET approach. The effectiveness of a prototype robot in executing a minimally invasive EET surgery was studied in 6 cadavers. The robot was associated with a multi-information integrated technique for surgery including QR code tracking. The robot was controlled and driven by the neurosurgeon. The standard procedure of EET was followed and the robot carried out the first stage of EET under the supervision of neurosurgeon. Finally, the sellar was reached by the neurosurgeon. The result was determined by qualitative analysis and was confirmed by the neurosurgeon. The time for the entire EET surgical procedure showed marked reduction compared to the traditional EET approach. The robot design was found to be technically feasible and hence can be used for assisting the EET procedure. The robot used was able to assist the neurosurgeon correctly to approach the sinus.

Several researchers have revealed the huge potentials of rescue robots in disaster zones. In addition to searching for victims, these intelligent machines are also effective in obtaining useful information from the zones. These functions help to optimize the search and rescue missions. However, the fact that rescue robots have to operate in risky and dangerous environments necessitates the need for such machines to have an efficient motion control system, which can help them to operate autonomously or with minimal human control. This paper reviews the use of reliable controllers in enhancing the sensing capabilities of rescue robots. Huge potential of sensorless sensing method in the rescue robots are highlighted. It is shown that the use of sensorless sensing method enables developer to create simple and cheaper robots for various complex situations. Thus, it is imperative to conduct further studies on how to optimize the operations of robots that lack sensors.

Statistics from the National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP) indicate that Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a major cause of disability in the Thai population. Various rehabilitation methods are available to support SCI patients. Assistive robots, such as exoskeletons and prosthetics, are very useful for improving quality of life. Robotic exoskeletons have evolved as rehabilitation methods that can overcome some of the current health-related effects of SCI. In the current study, a lower-limb exoskeleton was developed to assist or rehabilitate a physically challenged person who has lost mobility owing to SCI. To overcome energy storage issues related to existing designs, the device uses a spring and camshaft system that is integrated with the robot structure to reduce the required energy by absorbing the body weight into spring potential energy and released by the cam design. Hence, the spring cam system significantly reduced torque on the joints, with approximately 17 - 30% reduction in the angle joint and 40 - 48% reduction in the knee joint. Control of the exoskeleton is carried out by analyzing brain signals (EEG) and eye movement signals (EOG), which are combined with the control system to perform daily activities, such as walking, turning, and standing. This exoskeleton boasts a maximum walking speed of 0.5 m/s and a remarkable two-hour full-load operation, making it a promising solution for enhancing the mobility and quality of life of individuals with SCI. The effectiveness of the developed exoskeleton in assisting individuals with mobility impairments was validated through comprehensive laboratory-level experimental analysis.