Acrome blog

SMD Blockly is a visual programming tool by Acrome that lets users control motors and motion devices without writing code. Built on drag-and-drop blocks, it simplifies complex motion control tasks for beginners, educators, and professionals. With features like error-free logic, real-time execution, and open-source flexibility, SMD Blockly makes motion control fast, intuitive, and accessible.

Teleoperation, or remote robot control, enables human operators to manage robotic systems from a distance using various control interfaces such as mobile applications, keyboards, and joysticks. Unlike autonomous robots, teleoperated systems require real-time human input, providing greater precision and adaptability. This technology is widely used in industries like healthcare, defense, space exploration, and manufacturing. Acrome SMD robots offer multiple teleoperation methods, including mobile app-based, keyboard-controlled, and joystick-driven interfaces, allowing users to achieve flexible and accurate robotic motion control.

ACROME Robotics integrates Groq AI with SMD motion devices to enable AI-powered mobile robot control with real-time decision-making and natural language command processing. The system consists of SMD RED motors, Raspberry Pi (Flask API), ultrasonic sensors, and a battery system, while the Flutter-based Android app provides user interaction. Groq AI processes voice or text commands, translating them into precise robot movements, optimizing navigation, and analyzing sensor data for predictive maintenance. Additionally, the system leverages LLama 3.3-70B Versatile for enhanced AI-driven responses, improving real-time adaptability, automation, and cloud integration, making it ideal for robotics applications in education, industry, and smart automation.

This article highlights the Delta Robot's potential in educational settings while examining its use as a teaching aid for students studying automation. It addresses a number of subjects:1. Overview of Delta Robots: A small parallel robotic arm called a Delta Robot is perfect for teaching motion and kinematics concepts.2. Kinematic Equations: Its ability to precisely control its movements is made possible by its forward and inverse kinematics.3. Conveyor Application: To demonstrate object recognition and accurate handling, the Delta Robot is integrated with a conveyor system.4. Pixel to Real-World Conversion: An approach that converts camera-captured pixels to actual coordinates, which is essential for placing objects.5. Shape Detection Algorithm: The robot recognizes shapes like squares and circles using image processing, modifying its behavior accordingly.

The Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) is an essential feature for precise motion control in robotic applications. Integrating VPP capabilities with Stewart Platforms enables the easier development of complex systems.

In this project, we investigate the application of PID control and Q-learning algorithms to the Ball Balancing Table (BBT) in order to solve a maze. An open-source tool called the BBT makes it possible to experiment with control systems directly. The device can guide a ball through a maze by adjusting the tilt of the table, imparting important knowledge about reinforcement learning, control theory, and feedback systems. The table's orientation is adjusted by using a PID controller in response to real-time feedback from the ball's position. A matrix of 0s and 1s with open paths and walls, respectively, is used to depict the maze. The system associates movements with the Q-learning reinforcement learning algorithm to learn how to move the ball through the maze.

This project used an LLM (Large Language Model) to control a robot made with SMD (Smart Motion Devices) components by interpreting natural language commands and converting them into precise robot actions. The sequence is as follows: 1) Command Processing: The LLM interprets user commands 2) Function Calling: Maps commands to robot functions 3) Action Sequencing: Organizes and executes complex tasks 4) Robot's Motion: Executed via Smart Motion Devices high-level APIs. A Raspberry Pi manages the robot’s control, and a user interface created with Streamlit allows for natural language command input.

The goal of this project is to use a Flask API to control a robot that was constructed using Smart Motion Devices (SMD) from ACROME. The Raspberry Pi-based solution enables remote robot control via a web interface or mobile device by using Flask to parse HTTP requests and translate them into motor control commands. SMD offers accurate motor control, and Flask makes it possible for a thin and effective control interface. Three main commands are rotation, radial movement, and linear movement. The API is RESTful and communicates via common HTTP methods like POST. Applications such as smart homes, robotics research, and industrial automation can benefit from the system. Future developments might include improved security for crucial use cases and AI integration for autonomy.

This article explores the significance of AI object tracking and highlights the potential of an open-source mobile robot project using MobileNet-SSD library and ACROME SMD products. The integration of AI and SMD products exemplifies the revolutionary impact of AI-supported object tracking in robotics.

This blog delves into the world of stepper motors. It covers information about their operation, types, and the details of the stepper motor drivers. Acrome's SMD driver modules for step motor control are highlighted in the context.

This blog post describes the basics of the 5-bar parallel robots -aka- five bar linkage and how to build one using ACROME's Smart Motion Devices and DC brushed motors. Sample Python codes are provided.

This article provides information on building a 4-DoF robotic arm in a do-it-yourself fashion. The bill of materials information and links to CAD files of the linkage and mounting parts are given. The article recommends using Smart Motion Devices for controlling the actuators, as this will make things easier and cleaner in cabling.

This blog post is an introduction on building Autonomous Mobile Robots. Acrome's Autonomus Mobile Robot is given as an example system with its bill of materials (BOM) list, example code and further development topics of SLAM, AI and ROS.

An introductory article about robotic manipulators. The article focuses on robotic manipulators, especially the serial robotic arms, and provides information on how to build such a robotic arm with a high-level list of requirements.

Blog document explains a sample project of for synchronizing 2 different DC motor types of Linear Motors, brushed DC motors using ACROME's SMD products. Source code, 3D print files and Bill of Materials of the project is provided along with the possible real-life application examples.

In this article we provide information about the components and design decisions of building mobile robots. We also provide an insight into the different types of powertrain, actuators, sensors and motor drivers and discuss their effects on the robot's performance.

A Getting Started article for ACROME's Stewart Platform. Includes brief information about the product's development history, its physical aspects and capabilities, deliverables, getting started items and use-case details.

The article discusses the applications of Brushed DC motors, particularly when paired with ACROME's Smart Motion Devices (SMDs). SMDs are designed to control these motors with high precision and efficiency. They come with built-in safety features and a PID controller for more precise control. They also support daisy-chaining, which allows multiple SMDs to be connected together, reducing wire clutter and making projects more manageable.

The Ball Balancing Table is described as a versatile platform with various software options, allowing users to experiment with different control strategies. Bode diagrams are highlighted for their role in observing system stability, assessing performance, designing controllers, and troubleshooting. The document emphasizes the practical applications of these tools in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications in control systems engineering.

Brushed DC Motor Drivers are essential in the field of robotics and automation. They convert low-voltage control signals into a high power signal suitable for driving a motor. This process allows for controlling the speed and direction of motors. They are commonly used in robotics, automation systems, and electric vehicles. Acrome's Smart Motion Devices (SMD) - Brushed DC Motor Version is a standout product with features like Python API, Arduino Library, RS-485 protocol for efficient control of multiple motors, and an Auto-Tuner for optimal performance.

Executing a custom motion pattern, whether a single motion axis or with multiple axes is a special topic of mechatronics and robotics as well. In this blog, we explain how ACROME's Hexapod Positioner (aka Stewart Platform) can be used to generate custom motions in 6 DoF space.

Explore the differences and applications of shake tables and Stewart platforms, as well as their unique advantages in motion control and simulation for various industries. Learn how Stewart platforms can be used as an alternative to shake tables in certain applications.

Explore how Prof. Claudia Yaşar utilizes Acrome products in her teaching approach to enhance hands-on engineering learning experiences and prepare students for real-world success.

Discover the world of actuators with our comprehensive guide, actuators are categorized based on motion range and energy source, their applications in various industries, and advantages and disadvantages. Boost your understanding of actuators world!

Using a flight joystick to control a Stewart platform provides intuitive and precise movements, resulting in a more immersive experience. Customizing the joystick's settings is key to achieving desired control levels.

This blog will focus on the importance of ABET accreditation and discuss the role of laboratory experiment systems in the accreditation process.

Explore the implementation of a PID controller on the STM32 platform to achieve optimal performance in controlling the position of a ball on a balancing table.

One of the key real-life applications of using oscillation movement in a Stewart platform is in the field of flight or sea state simulation.

Flying is a movement that human beings cannot do under natural conditions, but they can do with the tools they have invented. Vehicles such as helicopters, and airplanes, are produced for such situations. Although it may seem easy to move at first glance, there are too many factors to be controlled by the pilot to operate/fly these vehicles.

First of all, what is a hexapod? Hexapod is a Latin word that means “six feet”. That means a hexapod robot will consist of 6 actuators that can either be formed like a parallel arm Stewart Platform or legs like the Spider robots.

This article explains how to use PID controllers to solve a real-world balance problem. We need to calculate PID gains to do so. Let’s examine real-life balance problems with ACROME's Ball Balancing Table and Ball and Beam.

Control engineering is a branch of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering that deals with the design and application of control systems. The control engineering department has bachelor's programs (generally 4-year education) as well as master's and Ph.D. programs as well. As an engineering discipline, the graduates are titled as Control Engineers.

ACROME’s educational Delta Robot is now open-source thanks to native Python support!

Stewart Pro Platform has 2 new hardware features. These features help the platform to be more durable and more precise!

Robotics labs are educational environments that support the growth of experienced professionals who will operate in this industry as well as environments where robotics research can advance to improve our quality of life.

There are a lot of methods for controlling the system manually and automatically. The most well-known automatic control methods are logic control, on-off control, and PID control. In this article, we will talk generally about automatic control systems, but especially the PID control systems.

Mechatronics, also called mechatronics engineering, which literally means "technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering" , is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer science, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.

The Delta Robot is an example of a parallel robot. It has three arms that are joined at the base by universal joints. The usage of parallelograms in the arms, which preserves the end effector's alignment, is the fundamental design element.

Mechatronics, also known as mechatronic engineering, is a multidisciplinary engineering field that focuses on the design of both electrical and mechanical systems, as well as robotics, electronics, computer systems, control, and product engineering. A Mechatronics Design Lab is a fabrication shop and classroom with equipment for creating microprocessor-controlled electromechanical systems.

At the age of technology, the usage of robotics knowledge in higher education is only to be expected. There are even initiatives launched by certain national education authorities on the issue and they aim to incorporate robotics-based projects into new curricula. These initiatives, however, are far from successful since the robotics knowledge remains peripheral to the chief study plans and continues to be apart of the extra curricular or summer activities.

Robotics labs are significant in educational settings primarily. Because of their impact on improving the exposure that fields like technology and engineering receive in school curricula. Second, robotics labs are significant in that they offer concrete and tangible experiences to students of all ages.

The Delta robot is a tool that will be useful for students and strengthen your robotics and automation labs. It is also the most productive tool for understanding parallel kinematic robotic fundamentals without barriers. As much as it looks aesthetic with delta robot design, it has already started to be used in many sectors since the technology started to develop.

The ball balancing table (BBT in short) plays a very important role in mechatronics and robotics. Also, control theory is a very important concept in many parts of technology. Many models and developments have begun to emerge based on this theory. Just as each model is based on a theory, the ball balancing table is based on control theory. Balancing the ball placed on a table in the desired position is one of the most important examples of control theory.

The ball and beam system is a popular example in control theory. This robot is a very useful tool both for students to understand systems and for studies in engineering fields. The ball-and-beam system consists of a ball that rotates back and forth on a long beam that can be tilted by a servo or electric motor. Let's look a little further, at the ball-and-beam system.

The linear inverted pendulum (or linear pendulum, lin. pen for short) is a classical physics experiment used to explain the control theory and system dynamics. Therefore, it has been used as one of the primary systems used to test and compare control strategies. In an inverted pendulum system, which is an open-loop unstable system, it is desired to stabilize the system by reciprocating motion to stabilize it. It is also used as a common method for testing control algorithms.

The device, called the Stewart Platform, was first designed in 1954 by V. Eric Gough from England. It is classified as a parallel manipulator device that is used for positioning and motion control.

A control lab is a fundamental hands-on experiment lab required for most engineering departments. Whether you are planning to purchase a new control lab equipment or to start a new control / mechatronics lab; there are 2 important topics that you will need to focus on for every purchase.

In April 2021, our partner Altair Inc. hosted a unique student contest on digital-twin concept, where they selected our Ball Balancing Table as the main subject.

At ACROME, we are working towards achieving the goal of more “accessible controls, mechatronics, and robotics education." We are also witnessing the digital transformation of the traditional education systems under the umbrella of distance education.

We talk about and highlight the importance of reporting and assessment in laboratories. We discuss why reporting is important and how it contributes to science and related education in addition to the link between remote labs and reporting. Take a look at our article!

In this article, we discuss the importance and place of repeatable experiments in science in addition to their numerous contributions to every part of our lives.

In this post, we are exploring the importance of an innovation in education. Remote labs have long existed, but they have just captured the public's attention due to the impact the pandemic has on education.

See Acrome's 6-DOF ACROBOT in action using multiple programming languages and Altair's Activate as the digital twin platform.

In this whitepaper, we are exploring Python® language support of ACROME’s educational robotic systems.

In this blog episode we'll be sharing information about Stewart Platforms (aka Hexapods) and their usages in real life and various industries.

Here is a good list that encapsulates what could be done with a decent quality ball balancer system: 6 different control lab experiments.

2018 was such a productive year for robotic developments. Different kind of industries like medical, bio, domestic and toy segments have all made brilliant advances with the help of artificial intelligence.

Control Systems in Nature and Human. Control Systems in Social Life and Information and Control Theory.

It is well known that the kids question a lot how the things are shaped and interact with each other. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.

Getting engineering courses can be seen like learning how to drive; you can study the highway code (or learn the theory) for years, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing, which is getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road.

Stepper motors are the motors that operate with very precise signals. They change the angular position step by step with the pulse signals applied to the motor input. The stepper motors, which convert digital inputs into analog rotational motion, are also known as "digital machines".