Development of the Agricultural Robot in Synecoculture^TM Environment

—6th Report, Linear Motion Mechanism with High Expansion and Contraction Ratio Using Convex—

Abstract

In this paper, a compact telescopic mechanism with a high extension and retraction ratio is fabricated for use in the work arm of an agricultural robot that works on crops in densely vegetated areas. We confirmed that a high extension and retraction ratio can be achieved in a compact form by utilizing the deformation of a thin metal plate in the shape of a rain gutter, which is also the mechanism of a metal measuring tape. By using the attraction force of a magnet to bundle multiple pieces, high rigidity against compressive and bending deformations was verified.