Аңдатпа
Automating the pushing of bulk materials deposited through the hatch of a transport and packaging container (TPC) requires the development of a specialized robot equipped with an end effector capable of displacing material within a spatially constrained environment. This paper proposes a Cartesian robot design featuring a cellular end effector—comprising a grid of rectangular compartments—and a control system that enables the pushing of bulk material batches loaded via the hatch. This work presents experimental results regarding robotic workcell performance as a function of its end effector immersion depth and the material’s moisture content. Finite element modeling (FEM) of the end effector is detailed, determining the resistance forces encountered during movement at various immersion depths within the bulk material. Furthermore, an analysis of the container’s design was conducted to determine the final layer thickness of the bulk material after leveling five consecutive loaded portions. Newton–Euler equations are formulated to describe the movement dynamics of the end effector, considering variables such as immersion depth and material moisture. Additionally, a motion control algorithm was developed to accommodate varying displacements of the conical heap’s apex relative to the hatch center, integrated within the overall Cartesian robot control system. The derived results and recommendations facilitate the effective pushing and redistribution of loaded material batches within the container. Finally, finite element analysis and experimental validation confirm the structural strength and rigidity of the Cartesian robotic workcell, ensuring that the maximum elastic deflection of the end effector under peak dynamic load remains ≈ 1 mm.