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.