Engineers at the Moscow Aviation Institute are developing an intuitive training system for robotic manipulators. Its goal is to simplify working with robots and make them more accessible for small businesses and even household use.
Currently, implementing robotic solutions in production often requires complex setup, specialist involvement, and significant costs. According to project participant Kirill Kotenev, the new system overcomes these limitations – a manipulator can be taught a new task in just a few minutes and without programming skills.
The operating principle is as simple as possible. The operator switches on the recording mode and manually sets the desired movement for the robot – for example, moving a part from one place to another. At this moment, the system records the position of all manipulator elements up to 20 times per second. Then the robot reproduces the recorded sequence, precisely repeating the trajectory and speed of movement.
At the current stage, the development supports two basic modes: position tracking during movement and control of action activation and deactivation – for example, tools. Further functionality is planned to be expanded.
The project is being implemented by a team of students under the guidance of MAI lecturer Vasily Egorov.
The development can be applied in various fields. In small businesses, such manipulators will be able to automate routine tasks – from working in bakeries to assembling parts. In everyday life – helping around the house or being used as assistants for people with disabilities.
Currently, the system is being tested on a prototype robot with a claw. Immediate plans include improving accuracy, reliability, and ease of interaction, as well as testing in conditions as close to real-world as possible.