A modular manipulator in serial-chain structure usually consists of a series of modularized revolute joint and link modules. The geometric shapes of these modules affect the number of possible configurations of modular manipulator after assembly. Therefore, it is important to design the geometry of the joint and link modules that allow various configurations of the manipulators with minimal set of modules. In this paper, a new 1-DoF(degree of freedom) joint module and simple link modules are designed based on a methodology of joint configurations using a series of Rotational(type-R) and Twist(type-T) joints. Two of the joint modules can be directly connected so that two types of 2-DoFs joints could be assembled without a link module between them. The proposed geometries of joint and link modules expand the possible configurations of assembled modular manipulators compared to existing ones. Modular manipulator system of this research can be a cornerstone of user-centered markets with various solution but low-cost, compared to conventional manipulators of fixed-configurations determined by the provider.

In this study, we have developed the humanoid joint modules which provide a variety of service while living with people in the future home life. The most important requirement is ensuring the safety for humans of the robot system for collaboration with people and providing physical service in dynamic changing environment. Therefore we should construct the mechanism and control system that each joint of the robot should response sensitively and rapidly to fulfill that. In this study, we have analyzed the characteristic of the joint which based on the target constituting the humanoid motion, developed the optimal actuator system which can be controlled based on each joint characteristic, and developed the control system which can control an multi-joint system at a high speed. In particular, in the design of the joint, we have defined back-drivability at the safety perspective and developed an actuator unit to maximize. Therefore we establish a foundation element technology for future commercialization of intelligent service robots.

As an effort to enlarge the territory of the county, many researchers have been studying floating foundation system. The procedure to build such structure needs prestressing and the joint that unify the precast concrete modules. Most importantly, the performance of aqua-epoxy used joint between modules is a critical factor of the structure, thereby it is important to evaluate the performance of it. Hence, this study tests the performance of the joint due to the joint length and the material properties of aqua-epoxy. The result showed that the specimen of 1cm joint length using 2% silica-fume mixed aqua-epoxy has the optimum load carrying capacity.