Technology

There are two basic arrangements for snake-arm robots: self-contained portable devices and extensions to existing systems.

These two product ranges build on the same patented technology in both software and hardware design principles.

OC Robotics also designs bespoke systems for unique applications.

For those not familiar with this type of robot, the name 'snake-arm' should generate the appropriate image: a slender robot arm that snakes.

A snake-arm robot is a bit like the human spine. It is comprised of a large number of vertebrae. It is a tendon driven arm with wires terminating at various points along the length of the arm. The result is that the curvature and plane of curvature of each segment can be independently controlled. A motor is used to control the length of each wire independently. The control software calculates the necessary lengths of all the wires to produce the desired shape.

The operator uses a joystick to drive the tip. The computer does the maths to make the arm follow. This tip-following capability enables a snake-arm robot to avoid obstacles and follow its nose into complex structures.

All our snake-like manipulators have a hollow bore that runs the length of the arm. This means that all services can be carried within the arm so that the external surface is smooth and continuous. It also means that the arm can be used as a steerable hose-pipe or a vacuum cleaner!

The technology is very scalable and we can design arms to be large and durable as well as small and compliant. Our arms can combine a significant payload with precise positioning AND still snake into awkward spaces.

So if you want to put something together from the inside or get into the heart of a machine without taking it apart, then an OC Robotics snake-arm robot will help you reach the unreachable.

Contact us to find out more.