1.    Expected results from the project

1.1. Description of the results related to acquiring new knowledge, potential for practical application or solving social problems

 

Implementation of the activities set out in WP1 to WP4 will lead to a comprehensive analysis and promotion of international experience and expertise of the staff on the topic.

ЗTasks set out in sections A2 and A3 have several basic applications:

- study of properties and characteristics of specific constructions of robots in different work situations;

- Testing of different control laws of robots;

- Application of modeling to illustrate the ideas;

- Training of students and Ph.D students for the virtual modeling of robots;

- Creating optimal projects of new ideas for mobile robots;

- Increase of theoretical knowledge and acquiring new knowledge in contemporary rapidly developing fields of robotics.

Activities from WP4 lead to the creation of numerous real working models of mobile robots with different applications in different environments. The project results are physical, mathematical and software models of mobile robots and end effectors, procedures and techniques for modeling and optimization of systems based on known mathematical methods and software. In particular:

- creation of unique models of robots by rapid prototyping technologies;

- improvement of existing models by sensor equipment, software control and improvement of the mechanical components;

- research and experiment by using different technologies for 3D printing of new kinematic joints;

- control of a new 3D printed mobile robots by sensor device for receiving data from brain bio-potentials;

- making educational books and guide for students in the context of rapid prototyping technologies;

- applications of mobile robots for interactive education and helping people with disabilities.

In theoretical terms is expected to collect, summarize and evaluate the information obtained from the experiments. It is expected to be achieved substantive findings on the use of specific materials for feet for the robots that significantly increase their static stability and eventually led to the creation of walking robots based on a new principle for overcoming the obstacles.

 

1.2. Increasing the research capacity of the applying and/or partner organizations, as well as improving team members qualification

 

Increasing the qualification and experience of students and PhD students taking part of the project by learning, making researches and experimenting with rapid prototyping technologies. Design, analyse and optimization of new kinematic joints and also creating new types of original constructions of robots by computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing and computer aided engineering. Being part of creation of the software and control of the prototypes. Assembling of the models. Programming of educational robots.

For reaching this concrete goals it is planned:

- Developing relationships with industrial companies to produce the developed robots for commercial purposes. Strengthening of the cooperation and the relationships science - industry and transfer of innovative technologies and developments in the industrial sector, which will increase the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies.

- Preparation of projects for mobile robotic systems with non-industrial applications;

- Extension of the research team and the inclusion of new PhD. students to actively participate in such new projects;

- Preparation of projects to study mobile robots together with partners from abroad to participate in the Framework Programs of the European Union;

These considerations will ensure sustainability of the results and actions proposed in this project.

 

1.3. Plan for realization and dissemination of the results from the project

 

Industrial and unconventional applications of mobile robots will be sought. Existing models will be used to negotiate for industrial applications, including the production of teaching aids for training of different age groups.

Operating an internet based website in innovative robotics. Divided into thematically oriented areas of robotics with relevant supervisors who will actively monitor and manage participants in the active exchange of information.

New solutions and ideas for the application of innovative designs robots are expected.

Another application of the results of the project aims to train students and PhD. students, which can evolve to creation a virtual laboratory for remote access.

Completion of PhD. thesis and preparing materials for enrollment of new PhD. students.

The robot developed for inspection of pipes has the potential to be used in oil and gas pipelines which is current topic in the country.

Application of mobile robots will be sought in the following areas: mine clearing, rescue operations, exploration of inaccessible terrains, applications in archeology, to assist people with disabilities and other industrial applications.

The obtained theoretical results will be available for knowledge sharing in higher education institutes.