3D terrain model approach by an industrial robot

In this paper a 3D terrain model machine by a 6-DOF robot is developed to build an exact replica of the geographic area in breathtaking detail and brilliant color including 3D terrain model machining and 3D full color printer. The data and image process approaches are introduced in the detail including the adaptive NURBS interpolating algorithm for the 3D terrain model machining which transforms the digital elevation model (DEM) to the data for robot control. Finally, the experiment results show the feasibility and performance of the system.