Directional Stiffness Modulation of Parallel Robots With Kinematic Redundancy and Variable Stiffness Joints

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L. Orekhov ◽  
Nabil Simaan

Parallel robots have been primarily investigated as potential mechanisms with stiffness modulation capabilities through the use of actuation redundancy to change internal preload. This paper investigates real-time stiffness modulation through the combined use of kinematic redundancy and variable stiffness actuators. A known notion of directional stiffness is used to guide the real-time geometric reconfiguration of a parallel robot and command changes in joint-level stiffness. A weighted gradient-projection redundancy resolution approach is demonstrated for resolving kinematic redundancy while satisfying the desired directional stiffness and avoiding singularity and collision between the legs of a Gough/Stewart parallel robot with movable anchor points at its base and with variable stiffness actuators. A simulation study is carried out to delineate the effects of using kinematic redundancy with or without the use of variable stiffness actuators. In addition, modulation of the entire stiffness matrix is demonstrated as an extension of the approach for modulating directional stiffness.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naser Mostashiri ◽  
Jaspreet Dhupia ◽  
Alexander Verl ◽  
John Bronlund ◽  
Weiliang Xu

Abstract Inverse dynamics solution of redundantly actuated parallel robots (RAPRs) requires redundancy resolution methods. In this paper, the Lagrange’s equations of the second kind are used to derive governing equations of a chewing RAPR. Jacobian analysis of the RAPR is presented. As redundancy resolutions, two different optimization cost functions corresponding to specific neuromuscular objectives, which are minimization of effort of the muscles of mastication and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) loads, are used to find the RAPR’s optimized actuation torque distributions. The actuation torques under the influence of experimentally determined dynamic chewing forces on molar teeth reproduced from a separate chewing experiment are calculated for realistic in vitro simulation of typical human chewing. These actuation torques are applied to the RAPR with a distributed-computed-torque proportional-derivative control scheme, allowing the RAPR’s mandible to follow a human subject’s chewing trajectory. TMJs loads are measured by force sensors, which are comparable with the computed loads from theoretical formulation. The TMJs loads for the two optimization cost functions are measured while the RAPR is chewing 3 g of peanuts on its left molars. Maximum and mean of the recorded loads on the left TMJ were higher in both cases. Moreover, the maximum and mean of the recorded loads on both TMJs were smaller for the cost function minimizing the TMJs loads. These results demonstrate validity of the model, suggesting the RAPR as a potential TMJ loads measurement tool to study the chewing characteristics of patients suffering from pain in TMJs.


Author(s):  
Tahir Rasheed ◽  
Philip Long ◽  
David Marquez-Gamez ◽  
Stéphane Caro

Mobile Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (MCDPRs) are special type of Reconfigurable Cable Driven Parallel Robots (RCDPRs) with the ability of undergoing an autonomous change in their geometric architecture. MCDPRs consists of a classical Cable-Driven Parallel Robot (CDPR) carried by multiple Mobile Bases (MBs). Generally MCDPRs are kinematically redundant due to the additional mobilities generated by the motion of the MBs. As a consequence, this paper introduces a methodology that aims to determine the best kinematic redundancy scheme of Planar MCDPRs (PMCDPRs) with one degree of kinematic redundancy for pick-and-place operations. This paper also discusses the Static Equilibrium (SE) constraints of the PMCDPR MBs that are needed to be respected during the task. A case study of a PMCDPR with two MBs, four cables and a three degree-of-freedom (DoF) Moving Platform (MP) is considered.


Robotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Carpio Alemán ◽  
Roque Saltaren ◽  
Alejandro Rodriguez ◽  
Gerardo Portilla ◽  
Juan Placencia

Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (CDPR) operate over a large positional workspace and a relatively large orientation workspace. In the present work, the expansion of the orientation Wrench Feasible Workspace (WFW) in a planar four-cable passive reconfigurable parallel robot with three degrees of freedom was determined. To this end, we proposed a circular-geometry effector mechanism, whose structure allows automatic mobility of the two anchor points of the cables supporting the End Effector (EE). The WFW of the proposed circular structure robot was compared with that of a traditional robot with a rectangular geometry and fixed anchor points. Considering the feasible geometric and tension forces on the cables, the generated workspace volume of the robot was demonstrated in an analysis-by-intervals. The results were validated by simulating the orientation movements of the robot in ADAMS software and a real experimental test was developed for a hypothetical case. The proposed design significantly expanded the orientation workspace of the robot. The remaining limitation is the segment of the travel space in which the mobile connection points can slide. Overcoming this limitation would enable the maximum rotation of the EE.


Author(s):  
Lanqing Hu ◽  
Haibo Gao ◽  
Haibo Qu ◽  
Zhen Liu

Planar parallel robots are appealing due to their structural simplicity, high stiffness, and large payload capacity. One major problem is that workspace and singularity of non-redundant parallel robots are unchangeable. Hence, when the desired path crossed with singularity or exceeded the workspace’s boundary, the robot is incapable of finishing the task. Another one is closeness to singularity. If one can know the distance between the end manipulator and singularity or workspace’s boundary, the robot will avoid lose control or breakdown. Compared with the traditional planar parallel robot, the planar parallel robot with kinematic redundancy possesses the advantages of avoiding singularity, expanding workspace by adjusting kinematic redundancy parameter. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present an offline action-strategy of a planar robot with kinematic redundancy to measure the closeness to singularity and avoid singularity. It includes two main parts: First, before the robot moves along the desired paths, the closeness to singularity was measured based on the performance of the kinematics and dynamics so that one can know where to pause the robot. Second, an algorithm is designed to previously find the proper kinematic redundancy parameters for changing singularity and workspace. Hence, the robot can smoothly move far from the singularity to finish all paths. The results indicate that the robot can adjust its configuration to well realize the goal by the offline action-strategy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Einar Ueland ◽  
Thomas Sauder ◽  
Roger Skjetne

In real-time hybrid model testing, complex ocean structures are emulated by fusing numerical modelling with traditional hydrodynamic model testing. This is done by partitioning the ocean structure under consideration into a numerical and a physical substructure, coupled in real time via a measurement and control interface. The numerically computed load vector is applied to the physical substructure by means of multiple actuated winches so that the resulting experimental platform becomes a type of cable-driven parallel robot. In this context, the placement of the actuated winches is important to ensure that the loads can be accurately and robustly transferred to the physical substructure. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a performance measure and an associated actuator placement procedure that enables accurate force tracking and ensures that the numerically calculated loads can be actuated throughout the testing campaign. To clarify the application of the proposed procedure, it is applied to the design of a test setup for a moored barge. Overall, the paper represents a guideline for robust and beneficial actuator placement for real-time hybrid model testing using cable-driven parallel robots for load-actuation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107754632110191
Author(s):  
Farzam Tajdari ◽  
Naeim Ebrahimi Toulkani

Aiming at operating optimally minimizing error of tracking and designing control effort, this study presents a novel generalizable methodology of an optimal torque control for a 6-degree-of-freedom Stewart platform with rotary actuators. In the proposed approach, a linear quadratic integral regulator with the least sensitivity to controller parameter choices is designed, associated with an online artificial neural network gain tuning. The nonlinear system is implemented in ADAMS, and the controller is formulated in MATLAB to minimize the real-time tracking error robustly. To validate the controller performance, MATLAB and ADAMS are linked together and the performance of the controller on the simulated system is validated as real time. Practically, the Stewart robot is fabricated and the proposed controller is implemented. The method is assessed by simulation experiments, exhibiting the viability of the developed methodology and highlighting an improvement of 45% averagely, from the optimum and zero-error convergence points of view. Consequently, the experiment results allow demonstrating the robustness of the controller method, in the presence of the motor torque saturation, the uncertainties, and unknown disturbances such as intrinsic properties of the real test bed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 8519-8524
Author(s):  
G. Hassan ◽  
A. Chemori ◽  
L. Chikh ◽  
P.E. Hervé ◽  
M. El Rafei ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. 105-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
VELJKO POTKONJAK

Handwriting has always been considered an important human task, and accordingly it has attracted the attention of researchers working in biomechanics, physiology, and related fields. There exist a number of studies on this area. This paper considers the human–machine analogy and relates robots with handwriting. The work is two-fold: it improves the knowledge in biomechanics of handwriting, and introduces some new concepts in robot control. The idea is to find the biomechanical principles humans apply when resolving kinematic redundancy, express the principles by means of appropriate mathematical models, and then implement them in robots. This is a step forward in the generation of human-like motion of robots. Two approaches to redundancy resolution are described: (i) "Distributed Positioning" (DP) which is based on a model to represent arm motion in the absence of fatigue, and (ii) the "Robot Fatigue" approach, where robot movements similar to the movements of a human arm under muscle fatigue are generated. Both approaches are applied to a redundant anthropomorphic robot arm performing handwriting. The simulation study includes the issues of legibility and inclination of handwriting. The results demonstrate the suitability and effectiveness of both approaches.


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