Abstract
This paper describes the development of Windshield Cleaning Robot System : WSC. This system is intended to be used for Boeing 747, commonly called jumbo jet, parked at airports prior to service. The objects to be cleaned are spots on windshields caused by collision with dusts, insects, and birds during takeoff and landing. The intention of this new system is that one operator would perform the whole work in 10 minutes. So the system consists of the manipulator (the arm and the cleaning device), the installation unit, the control unit, and the operation unit. A position and force control method is applied to this system. The target position of the arm tip is modified using the signals from the force sensor and the joystick. In accordance with this control method, the pressure force is kept constant and the tip is moved so as to follow the shape of the windshields. The various safety features provided include interference limit to limit the area of movement. System experiments were carried out and the effectivity applying lightweight manipulator with long arms to this work was confirmed.
