Please note that the course information below corresponds to the course of ‘21/’22. This course is currently being updated for the MSc Robotics programme and therefore changes in course content might occur.

This course gives insight in the conceptual design of precision mechanisms used in products, tools and equipment. Characteristic to all precision systems is the high level of determinacy required. Predictable and reproducible behavior are key-qualities that can only be achieved when mechanics and control systems (if present) are carefully designed and robust to disturbances. Their mechanical design is the subject of this course. The insight in precision mechanisms enables the student to recognize problem areas, generate design alternatives and make the appropriate choices. Considerable attention will be paid to details, because these can be crucial and decisive for the quality of the design. Important principles for precision mechanism design which will be focused on during the course are: Designing for light and stiff mechanisms, exact kinematic constraint design, design of low-hysteresis mechanisms and designing precision manipulators.
 
Key terms
Design for stiffness, prevention of play and backlash, design of elastic mechanisms, degrees-of-freedom, freedom and constraint topology, beam constraint theory, manipulation, friction, hysteresis and micro-slip, mechanisms based on rolling, belts and cables, energy management, special mechanisms, balancing.

Assessment
The written exam and the group assignment both count for 50% of the final grade. The written exam needs to be equal or more than 4.5, and the group assignment needs to be equal or more than 5.5. If the grade for the group assignment is between 4.5 and 5.5, an addition assignment will be assessed to improve the group assignment to a 5.5.