The Development of Research Models for Automatic Excavation

Lancaster University has recently begun research into construction robotics and initial concentration is on excavation plant. This paper describes the building of computer and small-scale models to facilitate research and development into hardware and control strategies. The emphasis is on maintaining flexibility to allow the research the widest possible scope. For this reason a modular system for the models was devised so that compatible components can built-up in various ways. A selection of these modules is described.