Application of the Taguchi method to the design of a robot sensor

This paper considers the use of the Taguchi method as a means to identify the optimum design of a robot sensor. The sensor is modelled by a complex set of equations which makes optimisation using traditional calculusbased methods difficult. The Taguchi method is employed as a systematic method to understand the performance of the sensor whilst using a limited number of model evaluations. The Taguchi method is based on the experimental design technique and the results of using a full factorial design, 1/2 and 1/4 fractional factorial designs are compared. The advantage of using the Taguchi method over traditional experimental techniques is also discussed.