CALIBRATION OF THE 3-PRS PARALLEL MANIPULATOR USING A MOTION CAPTURE SYSTEM
In this paper, a kinematic calibration method for the 3-PRS parallel manipulator using a motion capture system is presented. Although parallel mechanisms present numerous advantages over their serial counterparts, an accurate kinematic model must be developed to facilitate their operation. Kinematic calibration is used to accurately determine the kinematic parameters of the kinematic model to improve the overall accuracy of the mechanism. The kinematic calibration of the 3-PRS parallel manipulator will be examined by identification of the manipulator's kinematic parameters, an introduction to the motion capture system used, and the presentation of die calibration method itself. For preliminary testing purposes, a virtual model of the manipulator has been generated in CAD to validate the calibration method. The calibration method initially determines the joint locations and orientations, from which the remaining kinematic parameters can be resolved. Preliminary testing using the virtual model indicates the method is valid and can accurately determine the modelled parameters. Once the physical manipulator is operational, alterations the calibration method will be required to account for manufacturing and assembly tolerances/errors, joint offsets and noise during the static captures.