M-TRAN III(2005 - )
MTRAN-III is our current model of M-TRAN series. We demonstrated MTRAN III at EXPO 2005.
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| M-TRAN III module | Single module motion |
Mechanical parts of a module
Electronics
Connection mechanism
As M-TRAN I & II used permanent magnets and SMA actuators for their connection mechanism (details), it was time and energy consuming to control module connection. In order
for faster and more power-effective consuming connection, a mechanical
connector was newly designed.
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| Phantom view of connection mechanism | Cross section around a hook |
Computer & controller system
Each M-TRAN module has four microcomputers, one master and three slaves.
All the master computers of the connected modules are connected by CAN
bus, by which they communicate, synchronize their motions, and cooperate.
Metamorphosis
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| 4 module walker to a line | 8 module walker to a line |
| movie | |
Camera module
A cubic camera module has been developed, three surfaces of which are connectable
to an M-TRAN module.
Former prototypes