Robotics has evolved as a general term describing any automated system which can be programmed to perform a specific task. A specific and narrow problem and proposed solution is important in constructing an efficient robot. Motion control is one of the most basic of robotic considerations and is the main aspect addressed in the project entitled Speech Controlled Remote Manipulator (SCOREMAN).

Industrial robots of all types are mainly computer controlled with little direct person to robot interaction. The goal of SCOREMAN is to incorporate robotics with voice recognition in order to facilitate the ease of person to robot interaction and control. SCOREMAN is to respond and perform useful functions solely using the voice commands of the human user.

The decision of the engineering group to tackle such a complex endeavor evolved from a desire to incorporate many aspects as possible of the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science disciplines. The mechanical engineering aspect of the project commenced as the following: The preliminary design process of the robotic arm was a cylindrical coordinate arm consisting of all x-y-z axes and a gripper. The X and Y motions (rotation and in-out) employ stepper motors which are inherently digital and easy to computer interface. The Z and gripper motions were best achieved employing two pneumatic cylinders. The electrical engineering aspect surfaced in the computer to robot interface. Two circuits have been designed to drive each stepper motor. Two opto-couplers interface the computer to the pneumatic cylinders’ solenoid valves. Finally, a program was written in C++ by the engineering group’s computer programmer. The computer program effectively interfaces the human user to the computer which in turn controls the robot.

The voice recognition portion of the project has proved the most difficult and complex. After evaluating and testing several voice recognition algorithms written in C++, the prospect of instant and easy voice recognition diminished. Although relatively primitive, SCOREMAN does operate to some degree using voice recognition. With the available knowledge and resources SCOREMAN utilizes the best possible voice recognition that is software-based. Besides a Sound Blaster audio card, no hardware has been utilized to facilitate voice recognition.

As much has been accomplished as learned by the engineers of SCOREMAN who effectively machined and built every aspect of the robot as well as every circuit and all software. SCOREMAN is a resounding success as it helps illustrate the complexity of robotic systems and the viability of voice recognition. The engineering team has proposed a multitude of applications for the coupling of voice recognition in robotic systems. Someday such specific robots could be used to help aid the handicapped where voice commands are most comfortable and effective.