Sunday, October 9, 2022 | 7:30 am–4:30 pm

Application of Robotics for Antenna Measurements

Robotic arms, often referred to as an industrial robot, are designed to emulate a human arm using multiple joints that either move along an axis or can rotate in certain directions. They can be programmed to perform a specific task quickly, efficiently, and extremely accurately. For these reasons, they are commonly used for manufacturing, fabrication, and industrial applications. However, their motion flexibility makes them highly reconfigurable and adaptable to numerous applications. In recent years, there has been much developmental work applying this technology for antenna measurements as robotic arms provide antenna positioning that would be constrained by conventional measurement systems. This year’s short course provides an introduction into this exciting new area in antenna measurement technology.

Overview

Our subject matter experts will provide a brief introduction to the world of robotics and discuss how robots might be used for electromagnetic measurements in general and antenna measurements in particular. Topics addressed during the class will include capabilities and limitations of robots; issues encountered with the integration of robots into measurement systems; instrumentation and software; and safety with regards to equipment and personnel. Examples of actual robotic measurement systems will be presented and discussed. At the conclusion of this class, the participants should be able to determine when to use or not use a robot for electromagnetic measurements. They will have a good understanding of the basic subjects required to implement a robotic measurement system. Finally, they will have an appreciation for the challenges associated with using robots in a measurement system. A Preliminary outline of topics to be presented is shown below.

This year’s AMTA Short Course topics include:

  • Introduction to Robotics
  • Electromagnetic Measurements and Robotics
  • Capabilities and Limitations
  • Integration of Robotics into Electromagnetic Measurement Systems
  • Motion Control and Data Acquisition Software
  • Safety Issues
  • Key Advantages of Using Robotic Measurement Systems
  • Examples of Robotic Measurement Systems

The cost of this 1-day short course is $570 USD, and $285 USD for Student & Retirees. Breakfast, lunch, and morning & afternoon refreshment breaks will be provided.

Questions

Contact the Short Course Coordinator (shortcourse@2022.amta.org) for more details.

Short Course Schedule

7:30 am – 8:30 am
Registration & Breakfast

8:30 am – 8:45 am
Introduction
Mr. Zhong Cheng (ETS-Lindgren), Dr. Lydell Frasch

8:45 am – 9:00 am
Why Robots in Antenna Metrology
Dr. Joshua Gordon (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

9:00 am -10:00 am
Math and Language of Robotics
Dr. Andrew Petruska (Colorado School of Mines)

10:00 am – 10:15 am
Break

10:15 am – 11:00 am
Calibration of Robot Position and Orientation
Dr. Benjamin Moser (Colorado School of Mines)

11:00 am – 11:45 am
Programming, Planning and Control
Dr. Benjamin Moser (Colorado School of Mines)

11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Considerations for Antenna Ranges
Dr. Joshua Gordon (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Safety Aspects
Mr. Greg Masters (Next Phase Measurements)

1:30 pm – 1:45 pm
Conventional Antenna Measurements (Summary)
Mr. Greg Masters (Next Phase Measurements)

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Robot-Based Antenna Measurements
Mr. Roland Moch (RWTH Aachen University)

2:30 pm -2:45 pm
Break

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
NIST Robotic Measurement System
Dr. Joshua Gordon (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Boeing Robotic Measurement System
Mr. Dennis Lewis (The Boeing Company)

3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
IHF Measurement System
Mr. Roland Moch (RWTH Aachen University)

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Conclusion
Dr. Lydell Frasch