. . . a. O...O~...*..I.~..rrlr.r.,..........~.~~~~~~b~...~.~~~*.~*.~~*~~~*.~.~~~~~~.~~8~b#~~*M~906~*~ “Hyper-redundant” manipulators have a very large number of actuatable degrees of freedom. The benefits of hyper-redundant robots include the ability to avaoid obstacles, increased robustness with respect to mechanical failure, and the ability to perform new forms of robot locomotion and graspin...

This paper utilizes recent optimization algorithm called Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) for optimal design of skeletal structures. The ALO is based on the hunting mechanism of Antlions in nature. The random walk of ants, building traps, entrapment of ants in traps, catching preys, and re-building traps are main steps for this algorithm. The new algorithm is examined by designing three truss and frame...

Incorporating User Design Preferences into Multi-Objective Roof Truss Optimization. (May 2006) Breanna Michelle Weir Bailey, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Anne Raich Automated systems for large-span roof truss optimization provide engineers with the flexibility to consider multiple alternatives during conceptual design...