Smart components-based servo pneumatic actuation systems

Pneumatic drives are the most widely used form of industrial actuation system. However, research in relevant areas is very limited, often carried out, if at all, in isolated environments. There is a lack of strategic thinking and tools, which can enable developments to go forward in an efficient manner. In recognising the advancements in PC-technology, fieldbus systems, microprocessors and computing technologies, the authors advocate the concept of smart components-based servo pneumatic actuation systems. The paper expands on the components-based nature of pneumatic drive systems to identify design templates for smart valves, smart sensors, smart actuators, etc. The development of components-based pneumatic drive systems is considered in the context of a recently completed UK EPSRC funded research project on high speed servo-pneumatic actuation, addressing issues such as simulation tools, algorithm development, sizing, tuning, installation and commissioning. A high speed pneumatically-driven gantry pick-and-place handling system with novel design features is presented to demonstrate the capability and attributes of pneumatic drives for more sophisticated applications. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.