RAIN was a community of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and motivated individuals working together to solve some of the most challenging robotics problems in the world.
At its core were ten research institutions, led by the University of Manchester, each bringing their own expertise.
RAIN-Hex
A HEXAPOD WITH CUSTOMISABLE LEG LAYOUT FOR ENHANCED MOBILITY AND WORKSPACE
The RAIN-Hex is designed to be an advanced Walking Machine Centre with enhanced mobility (speed and adaptation with different leg layout), machining capability (work volume and stiffness) and versatility (deploy different tools/sensors).
The RAIN-Hex has demonstrated the advanced machining and walking capabilities with customised leg-layout configurations during its preliminary testing stage. The current industry use case is to deploy the RAIN-Hex for in-situ sampling for inspection of pressurised water reactor with industrial partner Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc.
Technical Specifications:
- Type: Six-legged Walking Machine Tool
- Total DoF (active): 6 (Machining mode) / 19 (Walking mode)
- Overall size: 500 x 500 x 700 mm
- Weight: 45 Kg
- Power: 36V/6A (current version with 5m power cable)
- Communication interface: Umbilical power and Ethernet
Key Publications
- A Novel Class of Reconfigurable Parallel Kinematic Manipulators: Concepts and Fourier-based Singularity Analysis
- Parametric Vibration Analysis and Validation for a Novel Portable Hexapod Machine Tool Attached to Surfaces with Unequal Stiffness
- A Calibration Procedure for Reconfigurable Gough-Stewart Manipulators
Get in Touch
Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The University of Manchester
Engineering Building A
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL