Revista de informática y biología de sistemas

Manipulator Arms by Using Infrared Collision Avoidance System to Replace Human Interface for an Automated Prescription Dispensing System

Abstract

Rafie Hamidpour, Sina Pourjabar, Roxanna Hamidpour and Sam Hamidpour

A collision avoidance system for a manipulator arm such as a robot arm includes a plurality of infrared sources and sensors distributed about the periphery of a mounting block coupled with the assembly. Baffles prevent the sensors from receiving infrared light directly from the sources. The sensors are operable to produce sensor signals, received from an object in the field of view of the sensors, representative of source-derived reflected infrared light impinging thereon. A controller coupled with the sensors determines whether the sensor signals exceed a predetermined level indicative of an object in the field of view of the corresponding sensor and prevents movement toward the object in order to avoid a collision. It has been noted that today’s pharmacist is required to spend more time counseling customers as opposed to filling prescriptions. To offset this increase in consultation time, a technician is usually hired to reduce some of the pharmacist’s tasks. This is likely to result in higher prescription drug prices for the consumer. There is, however, another option – automation! Automation equipment can reduce the pharmacist’s work load, consequently freeing up time for counseling.