Michael Bailey-Van Kuren

Surface feature identification using a vision-based manifold for robotic demanufacturing

Robotic demanufacturing requires efficient operation on complex product surfaces from a diverse product stream. A new vision-based approach for surface identification is proposed. Vision-based information defines a surface manifold utilizing structured lighting. The surface manifold model is integrated with a surface estimation model to relate information back to the robot work space. A technique for developing surface patches related to surface objects detected in machine vision images is shown. Case study results from a scrap keyboard are presented and discussed. It is shown that the method iteratively generates a complete surface patch for any viewable surface object.

A lean framework for prototyping demanufacturing work cell automation

Electronics manufacturers face a unique challenge in attempting to manage a stream of used goods of different value to meet uncertain demands for reused products or recycled materials. In current systems, items are processed and stored manually and high inventories are often maintained. High volumes of used goods necessitate automated solutions to the sorting and dismantling tasks. A new approach is presented for prototyping demanufacturing cell automation using lean principles. Prototyping of the automation is based on value definition, used good value stream mapping, flow, pull, and continuous improvement. Therefore, the demanufacturing cell automation is optimized to provide the demanufacturer the maximum value in the least amount of time from a used product stream. A prototype demanufacturing cell is proposed based on the comparison of feasible automation strategies for demanufacturing strategy includes the specification of configuration of manipulators, sensors, and material handling devices in the work cell as well as a processing method such as partially destructive disassembly. The prototyping methodology is illustrated with a case study for demanufacturing cell phones. Conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the prototyping methodology are presented and areas for future investigation are identified.

Open-Cup Drinking Development: A Review of the Literature

To date, a lack of published research studies exist that systematically analyze the factors involved with the progression of open-cup drinking in typically developing infants and toddlers. As a result, clinicians who are working with children that have delays in open-cup drinking development have a limited framework from which to base clinical decisions. The purpose of this review is to collate works from disparate and related fields to provide a brief review of the literature of pertinent sensorimotor and cognitive components necessary for successful open-cup drinking development.

Correction to: A Comparison of Measurements of a Pediatric Supplement

The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes.

The role of mechatronics in a pediatric training cup design process

This paper applies new experimental systems to support research for children with swallowing disorders. Specifically, the transition to cup drinking will be explored. A user centered approach is utilized to determine a foundation for the design criteria. Further criteria are established using a novel experimental set up. Experimental equipment and methods are presented. Flow rate and suction pressure results for state of practice training cups are presented and show a wide degree of variability. The concept for an adjustable cup designed for transition to open cup drinking is presented.

A demanufacturing projector-vision system for combined manual and automated processing of used electronics

In order to process the growing quantities of used electronics, efficient demanufacturing methods are needed. The industry utilizes manual methods for dismantling products. A demanufacturing projector-vision system is proposed to create a more efficient demanufacturing work cell that combines manual and automated processing methods. To facilitate the demanufacturing process, the projection-vision system identifies the used products, displays real time product dispositions to the operator, displays tailored work instructions for the operator, and identifies the product surface for robotic processing. A prototype of the work cell was implemented. The system facilitates proper processing of used goods to meet current product or material demand. The projector-vision-based system was integrated into an existing modeling framework for robotic processing. The application of projector-vision technology improves the accuracy of recovered material databases, improves the integrity of used material streams, and helps maintain accurate demanufacturing process plan information.