QUTIE - MODULAR METHODS FOR BUILDING COMPLEX MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT This article introduces a modular mechatronic device construction method, based on the Atomi concept and Property Service Architecture. The Atomi concept is based on an “embedded- object” based architecture, which applies the common object oriented methods used in the software of combined software and hardware entities called Atomis. The Property Service is software architecture for fast and ease intersystem control and communication. It provides a generic interface for easy, dynamic interfacing to any device over a network, enabling easy modular control of a system consisting of systems. These are generalised methods, suitable for creating any kind of robots or systems through high modularity in mechanics, electronics, and control software architecture. As a test case, the development of Qutie, an interactive mobile robot, has been described.