Automatic testing of optical sight adjustment screws by a robotic arm

Abstract: In this thesis the automation of an optical sight validation process was studied. The goal was to find a solution for controlling the position of a red dot in a red dot sight. A red dot sight is a non-magnifying reflector sight in which the user sees a red dot instead of a reticle. The movement of the dot was performed by fastening and unfastening adjustment screws on the sight. A side goal was to maintain the ability to find faulty sights, a task done by operators today. Two possible solutions were investigated, one using a controllable screwdriver with torque measurements, and one using a collaborative robotic arm. A tool-fitting strategy using force feedback was developed for the robotic arm. The torque reading and the red dot movement control was successful for both the screwdriver and the robot. The tool-fitting strategy performed very well for certain positions of the adjustment screw and about half of the times for the worst performing position.