Abstract
In this study, design and calculation of Cartesian trajectories for robotic manipulators are discussed with a model-based control system at the joint level. The synthetic generation of the continuous path is described and from a predetermined velocity profile and evaluated path length, the time frame of the motion is computed. In the definition of end-effector orientations, instead of using impractical Euler angles, a practical method suitable to industrial applications is given. The trajectory generation and control algorithms are applied to a computer model of a PUMA type manipulator following a three dimensional path. Open-loop joint variable torques are plotted for the given scenerio. Joint variable position and velocity errors are discussed when certain simplifications are performed on the control law for on-line control of manipulators.
