Eastern Kentucky University

Department of Applied Engineering & Technology

AEM 352, Automated Technology Devices

Lab 2
Submitted by
Arielynn Rollins
Corey Clark
Christopher Johnson
Matthew Eades
Date Submitted: 9/30/15
Date Performed: 9/21/2015

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Introduction
With the introduction of adding programming to this lab, using the robot proved to be easier than
first imagined. Programming the robot can apply more automation, and help the robotic operator
achieve a more fluid work environment. Having programming control over the robot eliminates
the need for redundant tasks, and provides more fluid operations. Programming the robot is an
easy task, and programs can be updated at any time, allowing the use of on-the-fly debugging to
be performed, allowing the operator to eliminate trial and error runs, which can be very time
consuming. With more education, the robotic program could become more and more complex,
allowing a wider range of functionalities.

Objectives
The lab objectives are as follows:
-Using the teach pendant to program an ordered set of position points
-Teach the robot to pick up and place an object using the programed position points
-Save the program for later use and modification as needed
-Learning how robotics can be used in real life applications

Equipment and Applications Used

The hardware and software used is as follows:
-Teach Pendant
-Robotic Operating System
-Both types of lab robots
-List of Program Commands
-Tape (as an object to be picked up and moved)

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Lab Description
In this lab assignment, students were asked to program both types of robots. Students each made
a program to make a robot go to points PSAFE, P1, and P2. These points were then programmed
into the robotic program using the X, Y, and Z-axis, allowing finite control of the robot. Students
were then asked to switch robots to allow experience using both teach pendants (as seen in the
photographs in Appendix A). Students then saved the program under their own naming
convention. This provided the instructor the ability to look at certain students programs to look
for validity and quality of programming.

Discussion of Questions
In Lab 2, as listed in the Objectives, the assignment was to practice using a teach pendant to
successfully write, save, and run a basic robotic program. The task was to be completed on two
different robots, each with similar, but different teach pendants (one being button-based, with the
other being a touch-pad).
During practice of operating the robot, especially on the older model, there were only a few
problems that came up. Mainly, the problems concerned the operation of the teach pendant, and
how to navigate through the menu options correctly. The buttons are somewhat touchy, so
control over the device needs some practice. After practicing moving the robot in jog mode, and
saving the moves in a program with the correct naming procedure, the rest of the lab was pretty
straightforward. The only problem with running the servo robot program was finding the name
of the program. It was found that the program has to be named with no spaces in order to show
up correctly (4 digits). Also, The letter M on the controller interface reads as an n. That
created some confusion, but going back into the program and editing the program name quickly
resolved the problem.

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Conclusions
The major objectives of this lab (learning to use the teach pendant to program an ordered set of
position points, teaching the robot to pick up and place an object using the programed position
points, saving the program for later use and modification as needed, and learning how robotics
can be used in real life applications) gave students an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on
experience with both of the lab robot models. Although the group encountered a few challenges
in working through this lab, it was ultimately a very informative, engaging and interesting
experience.

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Appendix A: Photographs from Lab

Fig. 1 (One of the robots used to complete this lab)

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Fig. 2 (Chris, one of our group members, using the teach pendant to program one of the
robots)

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