Trajectory Planning for Automatic Machines and Robots - Practical

In this review of Trajectory Planning for Automatic Machines and Robots, the bottom line is clear: this book is a focused, technical resource for engineers and researchers who need a rigorous treatment of motion law and trajectory design for electrically driven machines and robots. The authors present material that is directly relevant to avoiding vibrations, reducing mechanical stress and choosing actuators, making it especially useful for designers moving from mechanical cams to electronic cam concepts. For practitioners who require a concentrated, application-aware reference, this book delivers practical approaches rather than broad introductory material.

Key Features

• Trajectory design focus: Presents practical methods for planning motion laws that reduce vibrations and potential damage to mechanical structures.
• Actuator sizing insight: Discusses how chosen trajectories affect the sizing and selection of electric drives and actuators during design.
• Electronic cam perspective: Addresses modern design choices by replacing classical mechanical cams with electronic cam strategies in automatic machines.
• Application relevance: Emphasizes problems and solutions that arise in real automatic machines and robotic systems rather than only abstract theory.
• Design-phase utility: Offers guidance that is useful during both the design and the operational phases of machine development.

Who It's For

Trajectory Planning for Automatic Machines and Robots is aimed at control engineers, robotics designers, and graduate students who already have a grounding in dynamics and control and need a text that links trajectory choices to mechanical and actuation outcomes. Practitioners developing or retrofitting automated equipment with electric drives will find the material directly applicable.

It is less suited for absolute beginners or general readers seeking a high-level survey of robotics; those audiences should look for an introductory textbook. The book assumes some familiarity with machine design concepts and does not spend time on basic control theory tutorials.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concentrated coverage of motion law planning helps reduce vibrations and mechanical wear in real machines.
• Clear linkage between trajectory choice and actuator sizing supports practical design decisions.
• Contemporary discussion of electronic cams makes the book relevant to modern automatic machine design.

Cons

• Not a beginner textbook; readers without prior technical background may find it dense.

Specifications

Title	Trajectory Planning for Automatic Machines and Robots
Authors	Luigi Biagiotti, Claudio Melchiorri
Subject focus	Motion laws, trajectory planning for electric drives and robots
Intended readers	Engineers, designers, graduate students in automation and robotics
Key application	Avoiding vibrations and sizing actuators in automatic machines
Design perspective	Electronic cams replacing mechanical cams in machine design

Our Verdict

This book is a solid, application-oriented reference for professionals and advanced students concerned with the impact of trajectory selection on machine dynamics and actuator requirements. It is good value for readers who need targeted guidance on replacing mechanical cams with electronic approaches and on preventing vibration-related issues through careful trajectory planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover electronic cam concepts?
Yes. The authors discuss how electronic cams have replaced classical mechanical cams and examine implications for machine design.

Is this suitable for beginners in robotics?
No. The book assumes technical background and is best for engineers and graduate students rather than novices.

Will it help with actuator selection?
Yes. Trajectory choices and their direct effects on actuator sizing and selection are a core part of the discussion.