Prototyping of Robotic Systems in Surgical Procedures and Automated Manufacturing Processes

1. Introduction

Robotic system is constructed mechanically of kinematic chains and actuators which function as muscles that transfer potential energy to body motion (Dylan, 2005, p.797 & Schreuder, 2010, p.253). The robotic mechanisms can be controlled to perform different tasks. The applications of programmable logic control to the industry bring revolution for the manufacturing techniques. It allows more sophisticated, flexible, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing process controls (Feil-Seifer, 2007, p.425 & Kim, 2007, p.13 & Yang, 2008, p.79). Robotic system is to use control system to reduce human labor intervention during manufacturing processes and productions. It plays very important role and puts strong impact in today’s industries (McComb, 2003, p.435 & Pott, 2005, p.101). Computer-aided engineering design can quickly model the robotic systems and speed the design and development cycles (Kumar, 2011, p.994 & Menzel, 2000, p.180 & Tsagarakis, 2003, p.21). Computer aided manufacturing can improve the engineering integral processes of robotic design, development, engineering analysis, and production (Schiff, 2005, p.122 & Tapus, 2007, p.15 & Tholey, 2003, p.158). The current economic globalization requires significant labor cost reduction through industrial automation, applied robotic system, improved machine tools, and efficient production process (Ahmed, 2009, p.431 & Siebert, 2004, p.127). This chapter aims at the introduction of some robotic systems applied in surgical procedure and automated manufacturing processes. Two new research projects of robotic systems are introduced in this chapter through design analysis, computer modeling, computational engineering simulation, and prototype testing.