Edwin Christian Dertien

Dynamic walking with Dribbel

This paper describes the design and construction of Dribbel, a passivity-based walking robot. Dribbel has been designed and built at the Control Engineering group of the University of Twente. This paper focuses on the practical side: the design approach, construction, electronics, and software design. After a short introduction of dynamic walking, the design process, starting with simulation, is discussed

Design of a robot for in-pipe inspection using omnidirectional wheels and active stabilization

This paper discusses the design of a vehicle for in-pipe inspection using omnidirectional wheels and active stabilizing control. A novel propulsion mechanism is discussed using omnidirectional wheels (or omni-wheels) is presented which allows direct control of the orientation in the pipe. This paper will show the development and evaluation of a prototype model. Rapid prototyping techniques have been used in this proof-of-principle.

Basic maneuvers for an inspection robot for small diameter gas distribution mains

This video shows the design of a mechanical structure of a miniature pipe inspection robot (MPR) capable of moving trough very small pipes (up to 41 mm inner diameter) as well as a wide range of diameters (63 to 125 mm outer diameter). The requirement to negotiate bends, T-joints and steep inclinations pose another set of strict design constraints. In this video the controlled robot is shown in action.

AWElectric: That Gave Me Goosebumps, Did You Feel It Too?

Awe is a powerful, visceral sensation described as a sudden chill or shudder accompanied by goosebumps. People feel awe in the face of extraordinary experiences: the sublimity of nature, the beauty of art and music, the adrenaline rush of fear. Awe is healthy, both physically and mentally. It can be shared by people who are witnessing the same phenomenon, but traditionally it cannot be communicated remotely across time or distance: to feel awe involves real time experience, and explaining the experience that gave rise to it does not always induce the feeling of awe itself. We want to make this sensation something that can be transmitted, and therefore present AWElectric, a wearable interface that can detect awe, enhance it, and create it in another person. Our shared goosebump design embeds inflatable biometric displays in 3D print fabric.The AudioTactile fabric transmits an awe-inducing sound frequency to the partner that physically manifests the tingles, chills, and goosebumps that awe provokes.

Making a toy educative using electronics

We present building blocks equipped with electronics for educational purposes. The blocks have changeable colors, a simple LED screen, and a mechanism for decentralized communication between blocks that touch each other. Using these simple elements, we introduced functionality to implicitly support the development of prenumerical skills of preschool children without detracting from the primary value of the toys: building towers and structures of blocks.

TEI 2015 Studio Interactive Inflatables: Amplifying Human Behaviors

In the Interactive Inflatables studio, participants will create bio-responsive inflatable structures to amplify human behaviors. Methods to concept and craft unique expansive designs will be taught. The interactive inflatable structures will respond to special and biological sensors. The studio is organized in stages and will involve and introduction of materials and media, concept generation, hands on making within partners, and a display of new tangible embedded and embodied interfaces.

Highlights in Mechatronic Design Approaches

In the recent years a major change in the engineering process of mechatronics and robotics has taken place. In various design oriented laboratories around the world a shift can be recognised from a focus on analysis, simulation and modelling combined with outsourcing hardware design to the use of digital fabrication tools (laser cutter, 3D printer) allowing a cyclic (iterative) design process inside in the lab. This chapter aims to give an overview of the impact of this change, using many examples from various projects, and will share some insights and lessons learned for facilitating and implementing this process.