Question about closed loop with RIOS+SSC32+AL5 series arm

Lynxmotion Electronics & Software
1

Hello!

I am currently looking for a robot arm for a project. The main use is reliability testing of cable interconnects on devices that are expected to be in motion in a regular pattern (I want to use the arm to replicate the motion pattern). This is a proof of concept, so we are not ready to commit to an expensive device, but the AL5 series arm seem to be very attractive for the purpose. More so since the description on the main page says the AL5+RIOS kit can be used for closed loop applications. I do have a question: is the system really closed loop? Closed loop implies that the system knows where it is, but the arm itself doesnt have any sensors… Servos have potentiometers inside and that could be used for that purpose but from what I understand the pots arent normally connected to the output? How is the closed loop acheived?

Any help appreciated!

2

Hello,

The servo motors do have internal potentiometers that allow the motor to be adjusted so that the arm moves to the correct position. Because of this, the system does know the position of the arm since the signals it gives to the servos are absolute angles.

However, when the description talks about closed-loop control, it is more talking about the fact that the SSC-32 has four inputs (analog or digital) that can be used to connect additional sensors for a specific application.

Hope this helps!

3

Thank you, that was the info I was looking for.