Growing a profitable robotic requires cautious choice of applied sciences. Poor decisions can result in expensive setbacks, reliability points, or future-proofing issues. Drawing from the intensive expertise of our work at OLogic, which makes a speciality of robotics and shopper electronics, listed below are 10 applied sciences to keep away from to make sure your robotic is scalable, dependable, progressive, and manufacturable.
1. Outdated microcontrollers
Outdated microcontrollers (MCUs) can restrict your robotic’s capabilities by limiting processing energy and power effectivity. With robotics more and more demanding edge computing and AI options, utilizing out of date MCUs reduces flexibility and flexibility. Superior choices like NVIDIA Jetson or MediaTek’s AIoT platform provide the mandatory processing energy for contemporary robots​.
2. Proprietary software program ecosystems
Whereas proprietary software program platforms can look like a safe alternative on account of their complete assist, they usually impose limitations on flexibility and scalability. Open-source software program ecosystems, such because the Robotic Working System (ROS), enable for higher customization and integration with different methods. Sooner or later it can give your robotics product extra room to evolve​. On this record of 10 applied sciences to keep away from in robotics, this one is essential.
3. Single-function sensors
In an period the place multi-functional and sensible sensors dominate the robotics panorama, single-function sensors have gotten outdated. Superior sensors like LIDAR, depth cameras made by corporations like Intel or Orbbec, or AI-enhanced imaginative and prescient methods, provide versatility and precision in advanced environments. Keep away from the temptation to make use of single-function sensors like sonar, as they will considerably restrict your robotic’s skills​. Intel is spinning off its RealSense division as a standalone firm.
The Intel RealSense D421 Depth Module. | Credit score: Intel
4. Legacy Communication Protocols
Robots more and more depend on quick, safe, and scalable communication methods, particularly in IoT environments. Outdated protocols like Zigbee or previous Bluetooth variations could seem cost-effective, however they will’t match the pace or reliability of newer requirements like Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.0, or 5G. Sticking to legacy communication methods can hinder your robotic’s skill to function effectively, particularly in advanced environments with excessive community calls for​.
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5. USB connections
Whereas USB is usually used for connectivity, it’s a dangerous alternative in robotics functions on account of its instability in environments with fixed motion and vibration. USB connectors are liable to points like re-enumeration or system hanging, usually triggered by the movement of a robotic. For vital methods, contemplate extra secure and rugged options like Ethernet or GMSL and ruggedized connectors to forestall random disconnections throughout operations​. That is one other vital merchandise in our record of 10 applied sciences to keep away from in robotics.
6. Non-locking connectors
In shifting robotics functions, non-locking connectors are a frequent level of failure. Commonplace shopper grade connectors are likely to loosen or disconnect on account of fixed vibration and motion, inflicting unpredictable efficiency points. Locking connectors, corresponding to these utilized in industrial and automotive functions, guarantee a safe and dependable connection even in difficult environments​. Keep away from utilizing non-locking connectors in any software the place stability is essential and use locking ones from corporations like Molex or JST.
7. Low-bandwidth knowledge processing
Robotics functions usually contain the processing of enormous quantities of sensor knowledge in real-time. Choosing low-bandwidth knowledge processing methods can create bottlenecks, slowing down decision-making and impacting the robotic’s efficiency in dynamic environments. Utilizing high-bandwidth, edge computing options allows sooner and extra correct knowledge processing, which is crucial for duties like impediment detection, navigation, and manipulation​. Simply having a WiFi connection to the robotic is normally not sufficient. Accessing a 4G or 5G community in parallel is crucial to uninterrupted connectivity.
8. Low cost wiring harnesses or tin connectors
Low cost wiring harnesses and tin-plated connectors may look like a solution to minimize prices, however they will result in important reliability points, particularly in robotics functions the place sturdiness and constant connectivity are essential. Tin connectors, particularly, are liable to oxidation over time, which can lead to poor conductivity and even full system failures. Low cost wiring harnesses can endure from poor insulation or weak connections, resulting in intermittent electrical failures, sign loss, and even quick circuits. Go for high-quality supplies, corresponding to gold-plated connectors and sturdy wiring.
9. Non-modular mechanical designs
A non-modular design locks your robotic into a set configuration, making future upgrades or customizations troublesome. Modular mechanical designs present the pliability to simply swap elements, alter to new applied sciences, and accommodate future expansions. That is notably vital in industries the place robotics functions should evolve quickly to fulfill new challenges. Robotic serviceability is vital with fielded merchandise. Make sure that your mechanical engineering is optimized for deployment at scale.
10. Battery applied sciences with poor power density
Robots depend on environment friendly energy administration to carry out for prolonged durations, particularly in cell functions. Choosing batteries with poor power density limits working time and will increase downtime for recharging. Out-dated battery applied sciences like sealed-lead-acid (SLA) or older prismatic lithium batteries. As an alternative, concentrate on superior battery applied sciences like lithium-iron-phosphate, which provide increased power density and longer operational lifespans​.
Conclusion
Within the sophisticated, multi-disciplined area of robotics, it’s essential to make knowledgeable choices about which applied sciences to embrace and which to keep away from. This record can undoubtedly aid you in your subsequent mission. By steering away from outdated microcontrollers, non-locking connectors, USB in unstable environments, and different applied sciences talked about above, you may construct a robotic that’s extra dependable, scalable, and prepared for future calls for.
With steering from skilled corporations like OLogic, your product improvement will keep forward of the curve.
Editor’s Be aware: This text was republished with permission from OLogic.
In regards to the Writer
Ted Larson is the CEO of OLogic, a analysis and improvement outsourcing firm with a concentrate on robotics. OLogic has labored on merchandise for corporations corresponding to Hasbro, Fb, Google, Motorola, HP, and Amazon. Larson is pc software program and electronics skilled with 30+ years of expertise designing and constructing industrial merchandise.
Previous to OLogic, he based an web software program firm referred to as the Urbanite Community, an online server content material publishing platform for media clients, and grew the corporate to over 70 staff, and raised over $10 million in non-public fairness and enterprise capital. Previous to Urbanite, Larson held positions at Hewlett-Packard, Iomega, and the Los Alamos Nationwide Laboratory. He has each a BS and MS in pc science from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo.
