The generative design process for robotic design applications

Abstract

Recent open-source explorations and research linked to the domain of Additive Manufacturing has led to the development of more complex geometries and organic components which can be easily manufactured. This has proven to be a crucial milestone for designers with a radical step change in the thought process to fully utilise its potential. Additive Manufacturing technologies including 3D Printing and Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) complement these design approaches as the complicated geometries and manifolds produced after optimization steps are not feasible to be produced using the traditional methods of manufacturing. Although still in its infancy Generative Design (GD) has shown remarkable potential for industrial applications, particularly when coupled with 3D printing processes. Utilising generative design also has significant potential benefit for robotics as it has the capability to substantially reduce robotic arm weight whilst maintaining the overall strength. Lighter robotics systems designed using GD will allow for economical actuator solutions due to reduced motor torque requirements linked to a lighter manipulator configuration and unchanged end effector payload.