Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by Manuel Santos Silva

2016

Design and Development of a Biological Inspired Flying Robot

Authors
Vieira, MTL; Silva, MF; Ferreira, FJ;

Publication
ROBOT 2015: SECOND IBERIAN ROBOTICS CONFERENCE: ADVANCES IN ROBOTICS, VOL 1

Abstract
This paper describes the design and development of a biologically inspired flying robot prototype (a machine able to fly by beating its wings, as birds do). For its implementation, the flight of biological beings was analysed, as well as the techniques involved in ornithopter's construction. Some parameters adopted by biological beings to maintain a stable flight were studied, and the prototype was designed based on these values. To conclude the project, an ornithopter was built, aiming to perform a stabilized flight and some preliminary experiments were performed to check if its behaviour meets the design expectations.

2015

A Robot in the Classroom

Authors
Silva, MF; Curto, B; Moreno, V;

Publication
THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TECHNOLOGICAL ECOSYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING MULTICULTURALITY, PROCEEDINGS TEEM'15

Abstract
Following the successful results obtained in the previous editions of the TEEM Conference, a new edition of this event was held at ISEP/IPP - School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto -, on October 7-9, 2015. The TEEM Conference was organized in thematic tracks, being one of them devoted to the topic of "Robotics in Education". This topic tries to strengthen different skills for future engineers/scientists by the means of the design, construction and programming of robots. These skills are related to various fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Also, and equally important, the introduction of the robot in the classroom, both at school and college and even as extracurricular activity, promotes a host of outcomes such as technological fluency, creativity, participation, support, collaboration and cooperation. The purpose of the track "A Robot in the Classroom" was to bring together researchers, teachers and practitioners interested in the Robotics in Education. This track emphasized the exchange of experiences, methodologies and materials to motivate students about science and technology.

2014

Neural Control of an Autonomous Robot

Authors
Pinto, AB; Barbosa, RS; Silva, MF;

Publication
2014 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SYSTEMS AND COMPETITIONS (ICARSC)

Abstract
This article aims to apply the concepts associated with artificial neural networks (ANN) in the control of an autonomous robot system that is intended to be used in competitions of robots. The robot was tested in several arbitrary paths in order to verify its effectiveness. The results show that the robot performed the tasks with success. Moreover, in the case of arbitrary paths the ANN control outperforms other methodologies, such as fuzzy logic control (FLC).

2013

An Industrial Robotics Course Based on a Graphical Simulation Package

Authors
Silva, MF;

Publication
2013 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE PORTUGUESE SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION (CISPEE)

Abstract
In recent years there has been an increasing introduction of industrial robots in the manufacturing industry, with several studies that predict the increased dissemination of robots in industrial and service sectors. On the other hand, there is often the lack of people able to plan the introduction of these equipments in manufacturing environments and to operate it after its inception. This leads to the need to train undergraduates in the operation and programming of industrial robots. Due to the Portuguese economic situation, there is a lack of funding for the higher schools, leading to the need of finding innovative ways to teach these subjects. Bearing in mind these ideas, in this paper is described a course on industrial robotics, which is based in the achievement of the practical training using commercial off-theshelf robot simulation software for off-line programming.

2017

Designing a robotic welding cell for bus body frame using a sustainable way

Authors
Castro, AF; Silva, MF; Silva, FJG;

Publication
27TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING, FAIM2017

Abstract
The implementation of automatic systems to execute tasks on the automotive industry brings many advantages when compared to humans. The quality, reliability and safety emerge as important advantages in the use of automatic systems. Vehicles such as buses, ambulances and garbage trucks, among others, are produced by smaller companies that are specialised in a certain genre of vehicles. The small quantities of the production series and the high rate of customization per client make it impossible to use fully automated production lines. This study aimed to determine the advantages of using a robotic welding cell to produce bus body structures and to follow its implementation in the production process. In order to make a reliable data comparison, it was chosen a part from the bus's luggage to execute all necessary tests which will be welded using an out of service robot already owned by the company. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2014

Optimization of quadruped robot locomotion gaits through a genetic algorithm

Authors
Silva, MF;

Publication
Mathematical Methods in Engineering

Abstract
During the last years research and development on legged robots has grown steadily. Leggedsystems present major advantages when compared with “traditional” vehicles, allowinglocomotion in terrain inaccessible to vehicles with wheels and tracks. However, its energy consumption still lag being these vehicles, existing several aspects that need to be improvedand optimized.One of them regards the parameters values that these machines should adopt to minimize the energy consumption. Due to the large number of parameters involved in this optimization process one way to achieve meaningful results is using evolutionary strategies. Genetic Algorithms are away to “imitate nature”replicating the process that nature designed forthe generation and evolutionof species. The objective of this paper is to present a genetic algorithm, running over a simulationapplication oflegged robots, which allows the optimization of several parameters of a quadrupedrobot model, for distinct locomotion gaits. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014.

  • 7
  • 33