Austin Robotics Research Group, University of Texas
Austin’s Robotics Research Group at the University of Texas is part of the university’s Engineering Department, was founded in 1985, and dedicates itself to the advancement of open architecture intelligent machine technology, focusing primarily on robotics. Since the time that it was established, the group has acquired a 16,000 square foot office and laboratory inside the Microelectronics Research Building located at the university’s J.J. Pickle Research campus.
Because the aim of the group is to perform basic and applied research in the area of open architecture mechanical systems, they have developed three major researches. First is the development of high-performing modular actuators or intelligent actuators. Another is the development of high dexterity and precision robotic manipulators and their associated software, or OSCAR. Lastly is the development of integrated work cells and software architecture for work cell integration and operation.
The group is being spear-headed by Professor Delbert Tesar, Dr. Pradeep Ashok, and Ms. Betty Wilson, and is being divided into four teams, namely the Actuator Intelligence and Software, Actuator Components and Design, System Software Design and Operation, and the Application and Manufacturing Systems.
THRC, DOE, ONR, DARPA, THECB, and NASA are among the many government agencies and industries that have been actively supporting this research group from Austin. The group’s primary areas of application include De-commissioning and Dismantlement, Glove box Automation, Space Robotics, All Bectic Ship, Aircraft Bevators, and Aircraft Actuators, among others.
