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RCS Application Example: Tool Changing on a Horizontal Machining Center

Published

Author(s)

J Fiala, Albert J. Wavering

Abstract

A large six-axis manipulator performs material handling tasks for a horizontal machining center in the National Bureau of Standards' Automated Manufacturing Research Facility. The manipulator is controlled by the Real-time Control System (RCS), a hierarchical control system developed by the Robot Systems Division at NBS. This manipulator is used to load and unload parts for the machine and, recently, to change tools on the machine. This paper describes the development of tool changing as a new RCS application, including the creation of new commands to be sent to RCS from a workstation controller and the techniques used to program manipulator movements. The integration of force sensing to monitor tool insertion and removal as well as the addition of a changeable end effector for handling tools are discussed.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Robotics and Factories of the Future
Conference Dates
July 28-31, 1987
Conference Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Conference Title
International Conference on Robotics and Factories of the Future

Keywords

AMRF, RCS

Citation

Fiala, J. and Wavering, A. (1987), RCS Application Example: Tool Changing on a Horizontal Machining Center, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Robotics and Factories of the Future, San Diego, CA, USA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=820175 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created July 30, 1987, Updated October 12, 2021