3D Motion Planning (Robotics)

Project Overview

This research project focused on 3D motion planning for robotics. It was funded by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and ran from 1997 to 2001.

Funding Details

• Funding Agency: AICTE
• Duration: 1997-2001
• Amount: Rs. 7.5 Lakhs

Research Leadership

• Principal Investigator: Dr. Manohara Pai M.M.

Technical Implementation

This early robotics research project focused on developing:

• Path Planning Algorithms for obstacle avoidance in 3D environments
• Trajectory Optimization for efficient robotic movement
• Collision Detection Methods for safe operation
• Computational Geometry Techniques for spatial reasoning

Algorithmic Innovations

The project delivered several foundational approaches for robotic motion planning.

Research Outcomes

This pioneering work in robotics delivered significant achievements:

• Algorithmic Development: Created novel approaches for 3D motion planning
• Computational Efficiency: Reduced planning time by 60% over contemporary methods
• Laboratory Implementation: Successfully tested algorithms on robotic manipulators
• Publications: Generated 8 research papers in international journals and conferences
• Academic Impact: Formed the basis for multiple PhD and Master's theses

Legacy Impact

This early robotics research project established important foundations:

• Educational Innovation: Integrated results into robotics and automation curriculum
• Future Research: Established methodologies used in subsequent projects
• Industrial Applications: Techniques adapted for manufacturing automation
• Knowledge Transfer: Created a generation of trained researchers in robotics
• Contemporary Relevance: Core principles continue to influence modern trajectory planning

This AICTE-funded project represents one of Dr. Pai's earliest major research initiatives, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to technological innovation and establishing expertise that would later be applied to more complex industrial and automation challenges.