{"id":19777,"date":"2020-10-19T03:34:46","date_gmt":"2020-10-19T07:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/?p=19777"},"modified":"2025-12-17T13:04:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T18:04:52","slug":"robotic-systems-exploit-the-physical-limits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/robotic-systems-exploit-the-physical-limits\/","title":{"rendered":"Robotic systems &#8211; exploit the physical limits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robots are everywhere! <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Machine Learning and A.I. move more and more into the mainstream of engineering. Scalable electronic control systems of today can handle a multitude of sensors and input data to perform ever more complex tasks. Therefore trends like collaborative robots and fully autonomous systems are becoming the norm &#8211; from shop floors to nursing homes. In this blog, I\u2019d like to put emphasis on the engineering toolchain. How can we push those systems to their physical limits, while ensuring durability and safety? Simulation of robotic systems helps bringing them to their physical limits. Especially, let&#8217;s look at automation of production and industrial processes, where time is money. Let\u2019s take the example of this pick and place operation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/PickAndPlaceRobot.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption>pick and place operation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multi Body Simulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kinematics are the first thing to assess, e.g. avoiding collision with other objects. But in addition, what defines the forces acting on the structural components? How can those can be designed and sized accordingly? One way to look at this is Multi Body Dynamics. The animation above shows the result of a simulation. Each component of the machine is represented by its mass and inertia. The model takes into account gravity, external forces (like the weight of the box) and the kinematic degrees of freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-1024x338.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-1024x338.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-600x198.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-768x254.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-1536x507.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot-1110x367.png 1110w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/MBD_Robot.png 1662w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Multi Body Dynamics model of a robot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While this is a big step forward, we can increase fidelity further in order to get full information. The forces on the components increase, when we perform the movement faster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How fast can this movement actually be performed in the simulation? I am glad you asked. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, the bandwidth of the actuators and the control logic of the robot define this limit. With co-simulation, the MBD model \u201ccooperates\u201d with a controlled Multiphysics model of the actuation. At simulation run-time two (or more) solvers exchange information. For example: The MDB solver gives positions and accelerations to the controller\/actuation, while the Multi-Physics solver responds with corresponding forces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, performing the operation faster leads to more dynamic or abrupt movements. Components will start to deform or vibrate. These effects can be considered in the MDB model as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-1024x449.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-1024x449.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-600x263.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-768x337.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-1536x674.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot-1110x487.png 1110w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot.png 1965w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>MBD model of a robot incl. controls and flexible components<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Such a simulation model gives valuable insights into the loads and operational conditions at every location of every component of the robot in order to optimize the structure and ensure durability.&nbsp;Take the example of controller failure below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/controllerFailure.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption>operation with controller failure<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related use cases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The same principals apply for many systems, e.g. the dynamics of controlled + actuated flight simulator plattforms. In the following video E2M, a Siemens customer, sheds light on how they use Simcenter 3D and other Siemens tools for various analyses of their plattforms, e.g. the assessment of movement under actuator constraints to prevent collisions or the stress analyses of components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"E2M Technologies | How to add agility to a highly advanced motion simulator | Simcenter 3D\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_DuCF_9FePc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>E2M Technologies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So far so good &#8211; for stationary systems in a defined environments.  A previous blog covered, how Aucma built an <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/nx-design\/intelligent-disinfection-robots-made-with-nx-help-fight-the-virus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Intelligent disinfection robots made with NX help fight the virus<\/a>. It is crucial to reflect on the tasks a robot is designed for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot-1024x481.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot-1024x481.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot-600x282.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot-1110x521.png 1110w, https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/desinfecting_robot.png 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>desinfection robot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating virtual models representing real operational conditions helps to do just that. So while the disinfection robot operates on level building floors, other robot drones might encounter different terrains, like a rescue drone: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/trackedRobot.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption>rescue drone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever <strong><em>your<\/em><\/strong> robot might be up to: Simulation models of the dynamic system help to ensure safe and lasting operation, taking into account all relevant aspects. There are of course more challenges to robotics engineering, take energy efficiency or actuator sizing. It is the combination of simulation and engineering disciplines, which in their sum constitutes to a Holistic Digital Twin. See my colleague&#8217;s blog for more on System Simulation for Robotics: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/robotics-engineering\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/robotics-engineering\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Simulating robot performance: model the complexity | SNIPPET Simcenter 3D #HowToSimcenter3D\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/w8yKaawAnA4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Join our free robotics webinar on Oct. 29<sup>th<\/sup>. Many additional aspects will be discussed:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plm.automation.siemens.com\/global\/en\/webinar\/robotics-engineering\/88189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.plm.automation.siemens.com\/global\/en\/webinar\/robotics-engineering\/88189<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is one last thing. Do you know why your caged robots tremble and how to overcome it? You can read the following blog,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/when-robot-control-gets-difficult\/\" target=\"_blank\">which highlights vibration troubleshooting and characterizing unwanted resonance<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This blog shows an engineering toolchain based on simulation to bring robotic systems to their physical limits, while ensuring durability and safe operation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":47282,"featured_media":20034,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spanish_translation":"","french_translation":"","german_translation":"","italian_translation":"","polish_translation":"","japanese_translation":"","chinese_translation":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[5,243,82,572],"industry":[],"product":[428,577],"coauthors":[8313],"class_list":["post-19777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-cae-simulation","tag-computer-aided-engineering-cae","tag-digital-twin","tag-durability","product-nx","product-simcenter-3d"],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/mechatronics_Robot.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/47282"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19777"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27539,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19777\/revisions\/27539"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19777"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=19777"},{"taxonomy":"product","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product?post=19777"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.stage.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=19777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}