DESIGN OF ACTUATOR ENDURANCE AND RELIABILITY TESTBED

Abstract

This paper presents a novel test bed devised for the testing of various types of next generation robot actuators, especially modular actuators. Requirements for actuator tests are different from motor testing because actuators for robotic application are highly unique and specialized devices with numerous parameters and conditions to be considered. To meet the high demand of a particular application, the actuator must be carefully tested using highly advanced measurement equipment. The first section introduces the 4-test bed suite for the evaluation environment of modern actuators with their purposes and measurement parameters. General information on the performance testing of actuators is also given. The hardware and software environment of the Actuator Endurance and Reliability Test Bed (AERTB) is then described in depth. Preliminary tests have been done to verify and check the proper operation of the test bed. Test results show that the developed test bed offers excellent testing capability of robot actuators with ease of use.