• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.65-72
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• 2013

This paper describes a finite element analysis (FEA) of the body frame of a subsea robot, Crabster200 (CR200). CR200 has six legs for mobility instead of screw type propellers, which distinguishes it from previous underwater robots such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Another distinguishing characteristic is the body frame, which is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). This body frame is designed as a rib cage structure in order to disperse the applied external loads and reduce the weight. The frame should be strong enough to support many devices for exploration and operation underwater. For a reasonable FEA, we carried out specimen tests. Using the obtained material properties, we performed a modal analysis and FEA for CR200 with a ready posture. Finally, this paper presents the FEA results for the CFRP body frame and the compares the characteristics of CFRP with conventional material, aluminum.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.419-425
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• 2014

This study applied finite element analysis (FEA) to the body frame of the 200-meter class multi-legged subsea walking robot known as Crabster (CR200). The body frame of the CR200 is modeled after the ribcage of a human so that it can disperse applied external loads. It is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Therefore, the frame is lighter and stronger than it would be if it were made of other conventional materials. In order to perform FEA for the CFRP body frame, we applied the material properties of the CFRP as obtained from a specimen test to an FE model of CFRP frame. Finally, we performed FEA with respect to the load conditions encountered when the robot is launched into and recovered from the sea. Also, we performed FEA for the frame, assuming that it was fabricated using a conventional material, in order to compare its characteristics with CFRP.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.743-749
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• 2015

In this paper, we describe the dynamic tumble-stability analysis of a seabed-walking robot named Crabster (CR200) in forward-incident currents. CR200 is designed to be operated in tidal-current conditions, and its body shape is also designed to minimize hydrodynamic resistances considering hydrodynamics. To analyze its tumble stability, we adopt the dynamic stability margin of a ground-legged robot and modify the definition of the margin to consider tidal-current effects. To analyze its dynamic tumble stability, we use the estimated hydrodynamic forces that act on the robot in various tidal-current conditions, and analyze the dynamic tumble-stability margin of the robot using the estimated results obtained for the various tidal-current conditions. From the analyses, we confirm the improved tumble stability of the robot according to the movement of the tumble axis caused by the supporting points of the legs.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.38 no.9
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• pp.989-997
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• 2014

In this paper, we describe a design method for the static walking algorithm of a subsea hexapod robot called Crabster (CR200). To design the gait algorithms of a hexapod robot, we propose a design method that uses a gait schedule vector and leg pair vector to secure convenience and expandability. Several walking algorithms are designed that are capable of being applied to CR200 according to the underwater environment and explorative conditions. In addition, gait transition is freely performed between algorithms by applying common control parameters to them. The gait algorithms designed using the proposed method are simulated using MATLAB and validated against the results of experiments.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.19 no.8
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• pp.709-717
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• 2013

This paper presents the development of a specialized underwater leg with a manipulator function(convertible-to-arm leg) for the seabed walking robot named CRABSTER200(CR200). The objective functions of the convertible-to-arm leg are to walk on the seabed and to work in underwater for precise seabed exploration and underwater tasks under coastal area with strong tidal current. In order to develop the leg, important design elements including the degree of freedom, dimensions, mass, motion range, joint structure/torque/angular-speed, pressure-resistance, watertight capability and cable protection are considered. The key elements of the convertible-to-arm leg are realized through concept/specific/mechanical design and implementation process with a suitable joint actuator/gear/controller selection procedure. In order to verify the performance of the manufactured convertible-to-arm leg, a 25bar pressure-resistant and watertight test using a high-pressure chamber and a joints operating test with posture control of the CR200 are performed. This paper describes the whole design, realization and verification process for implementation of the underwater convertible-to-arm leg.