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A robotic arm as a simple sample changer for a diffractometer with very low component costs
Author(s) -
Lian D.,
Swainson I. P.,
Cranswick L. M. D.,
Donaberger R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of applied crystallography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.429
H-Index - 162
ISSN - 1600-5767
DOI - 10.1107/s0021889809036164
Subject(s) - robotic arm , robot , simple (philosophy) , component (thermodynamics) , automation , magnet , sample (material) , computer science , diffractometer , servo , control engineering , simulation , embedded system , mechanical engineering , materials science , artificial intelligence , engineering , physics , scanning electron microscope , philosophy , epistemology , thermodynamics , composite material
Inexpensive model robots are a viable option for automation of simple, repetitive tasks and can be solutions when space restriction and funding are issues, both factors that may eliminate more advanced robots from consideration. A simple‐to‐program, inexpensive robotic arm has been integrated in a sample changer for room‐temperature experiments on a neutron powder diffractometer. In spite of the limited precision inherent in a model, servo‐controlled robot, a very reproducible overall system can be made. Simple `tricks' such as incorporating self‐centering mechanisms, e.g. mechanically self‐centering designs and magnets, can produce central forces that eliminate the need for high precision from the robot arm.