Development of a hot-line work robot, "Phase II" and a training system for robot operators

Since 1990, Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. (KEPCO) has actively strived for development of a semi automatic hot-line work robot system, called Phase II. At this point, to expand automated tasks performed by the robot, we have developed a two-point laser measuring method based on measurements of the work object´s position and orientation. Additionally, a simplified robot language exclusively for Phase II was developed. We have also produced a training system for robot operators. Incorporating these functions in the existing Phase II made for remarkable work efficiency with the robot. With these developments, the robot system´s efficiency in terms of operation has been entirely achieved. This paper outlines these developed functions and methods.