A Decentralized Autonomous Control on Highly Redundant Robot Manipulators

The control method of highly redundant robot manipulators is introduced. A decentralized autonomous control scheme is used to guide the movement of robot manipulators so that the work done by manipulators is minimized. The method of computing pseudoinverse which needs too many complicated calculation can be avoided. Then the calculation and control of robots are simplified. At the same time system robustness/fault tolerance is achieved.

Kinematic Sensitivity Analysis and Dimensional Synthesis of a Redundantly Actuated Parallel Robot for Friction Stir Welding

Friction stir welding(FSW)has been widely applied in many fields as an alternative to traditional fusion welding.Although serial robots can provide the orientation capability required to weld along curved surfaces,they cannot adequately support the huge axial downward forces that FSW generates.Available parallel mechanism architectures,particularly redundantly actuated architectures for FSW,are still very limited.In this paper,a redundantly actuated 2 UPR-2 RPU parallel robot for FSW is proposed,where U denotes a universal joint,R denotes a revolute joint and P denotes a prismatic pair.First,its semi-symmetric structure is described.Next,inverse kinematics analysis involving an analytical representation of rotational axes is implemented.Velocity analysis is also conducted,which leads to the formation of a Jacobian matrix.Sensitivity performance is evaluated utilizing level set and convex optimization methods,where the local sensitivity indices are unit consistent,coordinate free,and of definite physical significance.Furthermore,global and hierarchical sensitivity indices are proposed for the design process.Finally,dimension synthesis is conducted based on the sensitivity indices and the optimal link parameters of the parallel robot are obtained.In summary,this paper proposes a dimensional synthesis method for a redundantly actuated parallel robot for FSW based on sensitivity indices.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF FAULT-TOLERANT PROPERTIES OF REDUNDANT ROBOTS

When a redundant robot performs a fault-tolerant operation for locked joint failures, its fault tolerant properties should include dexterity and sudden change of joint velocity at the moment of locking failed joints and the dexterity during the post-failure. Firstly three fault-tolerant indexes, reduced condition number, sudden change of relative joint velocity and centrality are proposed, which can comprehensively evaluate the kinematical performance of a redundant robot during its entire fault-tolerant operations. Then, the influence of the initial postures of robot＇s end-effector on these fault-tolerant indexes is analyzed with a planar robot and a spatial robot. Simulation results show that for a given task the joint trajectory with the best comprehensive effect of fault tolerance can be determined by optimizing the initial posture of a robot.

OPTIMAL CONTROL OF REDUNDANT ROBOTS WITH LOCAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM

A kinematically redundant robot, with more degrees of freedom than re-quired to complete a desired task, can be usefu1 because of its inherent kinematics flexibili-ty and dynamic performance. lt is very difficu1t, however, to implement optimal redun-dancy control, while simultaneously taking into account hath kinematics and dynamics.To realize dua1-optimization control, a new redundant robot mechanism with local degreesof freedom is introduced, and its kinematics and dynamics features are investigated. Simu-lation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proPosed method.

Probabilistic Analysis of a Robot System with Redundant Safety Units and Common-Cause Failures

This paper presents reliability and availability analyses of a model representing a system having one robot and n-redundant safety units with common-cause failures. At least k safety units must function successfully for the robot system success. The robot and other failure rates and the partially failed system repair rates are assumed constant and the failed robot-safety system repair time is assumed arbitrarily distributed. Markov and supplementary variable methods were used to perform mathematical analysis of this model. Generalized expressions for state probabilities, system availabilities, reliability, mean time to failure, and variance of time to failure are developed. Plots of some resulting expressions are shown.

Intelligent Robust Control of Redundant Smart Robotic Arm Pt I: Soft Computing KB Optimizer - Deep Machine Learning IT

Redundant robotic arm models as a control object discussed.Background of computational intelligence IT on soft computing optimizer of knowledge base in smart robotic manipulators introduced.Soft computing optimizer is the sophisticated computational intelligence toolkit of deep machine learning SW platform with optimal fuzzy neural network structure.The methods for development and design technology of control systems based on soft computing introduced in this Part 1 allow one to implement the principle of design an optimal intelligent control systems with a maximum reliability and controllability level of a complex control object under conditions of uncertainty in the source data,and in the presence of stochastic noises of various physical and statistical characters.The knowledge bases formed with the application of soft computing optimizer produce robust control laws for the schedule of time dependent coefficient gains of conventional PID controllers for a wide range of external perturbations and are maximally insensitive to random variations of the structure of control object.The robustness is achieved by application a vector fitness function for genetic algorithm,whose one component describes the physical principle of minimum production of generalized entropy both in the control object and the control system,and the other components describe conventional control objective functionals such as minimum control error,etc.The application of soft computing technologies(Part I)for the development a robust intelligent control system that solving the problem of precision positioning redundant(3DOF and 7 DOF)manipulators considered.Application of quantum soft computing in robust intelligent control of smart manipulators in Part II described.

Design and Kinematics Study on Space Hyper-Redundant Robot

The design of space hyper-redundant robot with high dexterity is problem with great complexity. Taking the aim at robot product seriation and combination design, the combination design method of space hyper-redundant robot based on the omnidirectional unit arm of 3 degrees of freedom (d.o.f) is proposed in this paper. The kinematics model of this kind of robot is established through the equivalent mechanism model. On the basis of successful research on 3-d.o.f unit arm, the 7-d.o.f bionics arm redundant robot with double unit arm has been developed further.The content discussed in this paper is very important to the robot technology in future space station, nuclear industry andunderwater work on the sea floor.

Two optimization algorithms for solving robotics inverse kinematics with redundancy

The kinematic redundancy in a robot leads to an infinite number of solutions for inverse kinematics, which implies the possibility to select a 'best' solution according to an optimization criterion. In this paper, two optimization objective functions are proposed, aiming at either minimizing extra degrees of freedom (DOFs) or minimizing the total potential energy of a multilink redundant robot. Physical constraints of either equality or inequality types are taken into consideration in the objective functions. Since the closed-form solutions do not exist in general for highly nonlinear and constrained optimization problems, we adopt and develop two numerical methods, which are verified to be effective and precise in solving the two optimization problems associated with the redundant inverse kinematics. We first verify that the well established trajectory following method can precisely solve the two optimization problems, but is computation intensive. To reduce the computation time, a sequential approach that combines the sequential quadratic programming and iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm is developed. A 4-DOF Fujitsu Hoap-1 humanoid robot arm is used as a prototype to validate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization solutions.

Kinematics of a Trinal-Branch Space Robotic Manipulator with Redundancy

This paper presents a trinal-branch space robotic manipulator with redundancy, due to hash application environments, such as in the station. One end-effector of the manipulator can be attached to the base, and other two be controlled to accomplish tasks. The manipulator permits operation of science payload, during periods when astronauts may not be present. In order to provide theoretic basis for kinematics optimization, dynamics optimization and fault-tolerant control, its inverse kinematics is analyzed by using screw theory, and its unified formulation is established. Base on closed-form resolution of spherical wrist, a simplified inverse kinematics is proposed. Computer simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed inverse kinematics.

Multi-Objective Redundancy Optimization of Continuous-Point Robot Milling Path in Shipbuilding

The 6-DOF manipulator provides a new option for traditional shipbuilding for its advantages of vast working space,low power consumption,and excellent flexibility.However,the rotation of the end effector along the tool axis is functionally redundant when using a robotic arm for five-axis machining.In the process of ship construction,the performance of the parts’protective coating needs to bemachined tomeet the Performance Standard of Protective Coatings(PSPC).The arbitrary redundancy configuration in path planning will result in drastic fluctuations in the robot joint angle,greatly reducing machining quality and efficiency.There have been some studies on singleobjective optimization of redundant variables,However,the quality and efficiency of milling are not affected by a single factor,it is usually influenced by several factors,such as the manipulator stiffness,the joint motion smoothness,and the energy consumption.To solve this problem,this paper proposed a new path optimization method for the industrial robot when it is used for five-axis machining.The path smoothness performance index and the energy consumption index are established based on the joint acceleration and the joint velocity,respectively.The path planning issue is formulated as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem by taking into account the constraints of joint limits and singularity avoidance.Then,the path is split into multiple segments for optimization to avoid the slow convergence rate caused by the high dimension.An algorithm combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm(NSGA-II)and the differential evolution(DE)algorithm is employed to solve the above optimization problem.The simulations validate the effectiveness of the algorithm,showing the improvement of smoothness and the reduction of energy consumption.

The Fuzzy Neural Network Control Scheme With H∞ Tracking Characteristic of Space Robot System With Dual-arm After Capturing a Spin Spacecraft

In this paper,the dynamic evolution for a dualarm space robot capturing a spacecraft is studied,the impact effect and the coordinated stabilization control problem for postimpact closed chain system are discussed.At first,the pre-impact dynamic equations of open chain dual-arm space robot are established by Lagrangian approach,and the dynamic equations of a spacecraft are obtained by Newton-Euler method.Based on the results,with the process of integral and simplify,the response of the dual-arm space robot impacted by the spacecraft is analyzed by momentum conservation law and force transfer law.The closed chain system is formed in the post-impact phase.Closed chain constraint equations are obtained by the constraints of closed-loop geometry and kinematics.With the closed chain constraint equations,the composite system dynamic equations are derived.Secondly,the recurrent fuzzy neural network control scheme is designed for calm motion of unstable closed chain system with uncertain system parameter.In order to overcome the effects of uncertain system inertial parameters,the recurrent fuzzy neural network is used to approximate the unknown part,the control method with H∞tracking characteristic.According to the Lyapunov theory,the global stability is demonstrated.Meanwhile,the weighted minimum-norm theory is introduced to distribute torques guarantee that cooperative operation between manipulators.At last,numerical examples simulate the response of the collision,and the efficiency of the control scheme is verified by the simulation results.

RESEARCH ON KINEMATIC DEXTERITY OF REDUNDANT MANIPULATORS

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DUAL NUMBER TRANSFORMATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO ROBOT WITH REDUNDANCY

This paper presents the application of dual-number matrix to the formulation of Jacobian equations of robot with redundancy, the analytical technique that is based on the dual-number matrices, a 3 × 3 matrix with dualnumber elements, and the dual-number transformation method. Dual-number matrices make possible a concise representation of joint parameters. In particular, the method can effectively be used for direct determination of Jacobian matrices. It is shown that the proposed procedure contributes a simplified approach to the formulation of robotic kinematics, dynamics and control system modelling.

Motion planning for redundant prismatic-jointed manipulators in the free-floating mode

This paper investigates the motion planning of redundant free-floating manipulators with seven prismatic joints. On the earth, prismatic-jointed manipulators could only position their end-effectors in a desired way. However, in space, the end-effectors of free-floating manipulators can achieve both the desired orientation and desired position due to the dynamical coupling between manipulator and satellite movement, which is formally expressed by linear and angular momentum conservation laws. In this study, a tractable algorithm particle swarm optimization combined with differential evolution （PSODE） is provided to deal with the motion planning of redundant free-floating prismatic-jointed manipulators, which could avoid the pseudo inverse of the Jacobian matrix. The polynomial functions, as argument in sine functions are used to specify the joint paths. The co- efficients of the polynomials are optimized to achieve the desired end-effector orientation and position, and simulta- neously minimize the unit-mass-kinetic energy using the redundancy. Relevant simulations prove that this method pro- vides satisfactory smooth paths for redundant free-floating prismatic-jointed manipulators. This study could help to recognize the advantages of redundant prismatic-jointed space manipulators.

Singular perturbation composite control of a free-floating flexible dual-arm space robot

The Free-floating Flexible Dual-arm Space Robot is a highly nonlinear and coupled dynamics system. In this paper, the dynamic model is derived of a Free-floating Flexible Dual-arm Space Robot holding a rigid payload. Furthermore, according to the singular perturbation method, the system is separated into a slow subsystem representing rigid body motion of the robot and a fast subsystem representing the flexible link dynamics. For the slow subsystem, based on the second method of Lyapunov, using simple quantitative bounds on the model uncertainties, a robust tracking controller design is used during the trajectory tracking phase. The optimal control method is designed in the fast subsystem to guarantee the exponential stability. With the combination of the two above, the system can track the expected trajectory accurately, even though with uncertainty in model parameters, and its flexible vibration gets suppressed, too. Finally, some simulation tests have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Adaptive neural network control for coordinated motion of a dual-arm space robot system with uncertain parameters

Control of coordinated motion between the base attitude and the arm joints of a free-floating dual-arm space robot with uncertain parameters is discussed. By combining the relation of system linear momentum conversation with the Lagrangian approach, the dynamic equation of a robot is established. Based on the above results, the free-floating dual-arm space robot system is modeled with RBF neural networks, the GL matrix and its product operator. With all uncertain inertial system parameters, an adaptive RBF neural network control scheme is developed for coordinated motion between the base attitude and the arm joints. The proposed scheme does not need linear parameterization of the dynamic equation of the system and any accurate prior-knowledge of the actual inertial parameters. Also it does not need to train the neural network offline so that it would present real-time and online applications. A planar free-floating dual-arm space robot is simulated to show feasibility of the proposed scheme.

Gait Planning for a Quadruped Robot with One Faulty Actuator

Fault tolerance is essential for quadruped robots when they work in remote areas or hazardous environments. Many fault-tolerant gaits planning method proposed in the past decade constrained more degrees of freedom（DOFs） of a robot than necessary. Thus a novel method to realize the fault-tolerant walking is proposed. The mobility of the robot is analyzed first by using the screw theory. The result shows that the translation of the center of body（CoB） can be kept with one faulty actuator if the rotations of the body are controlled. Thus the DOFs of the robot body are divided into two parts： the translation of the CoB and the rotation of the body. The kinematic model of the whole robot is built, the algorithm is developed to actively control the body orientations at the velocity level so that the planned CoB trajectory can be realized in spite of the constraint of the faulty actuator. This gait has a similar generation sequence with the normal gait and can be applied to the robot at any position. Simulations and experiments of the fault-tolerant gait with one faulty actuator are carried out. The CoB errors and the body rotation angles are measured. Comparing to the traditional fault-tolerant gait they can be reduced by at least 50%. A fault-tolerant gait planning algorithm is presented, which not only realizes the walking of a quadruped robot with a faulty actuator, but also efficiently improves the walking performances by taking full advantage of the remaining operational actuators according to the results of the simulations and experiments.

Development of a continuum robot for colonoscopy

A novel continuum robot for colonoscopy is presented.The aim is to develop a robot for colonoscopywhich can provide the same functions as conventional colonoscope,but much less pain and discomfort forpatient.In contrast to traditional rigid-link robot,the robot features a continuous backbone with nojoints.The continuum robot is 300 mm in total length and 12 mm in diameter that is less than the averagediameter of human colon(20 mm).The robot has a total of 4 DOF(degrees of freedom)and is actuatedremotely by 6 hybrid step motors through super-elastic NiTi wires.Its shape can be changed with highdexterity,therefore ensuring its adaptability to the tortuous shape of human colon.The mechanical struc-ture,kinematics and DSP-based control system are discussed; prototype experiments are carried out tovalidate the kinematics model and to show the motion performances.

Introduction to the special issue on Advances in intelligent nonlinear control for robotic systems

In the last two decades, robotic systems have achieved wide applications in every aspect of human society, including industrial manufacturing, automotive production, medical devices, and social lives. With the

Stroke optimization of a novel multi-station rotary polishing robot based on workspace analysis

In order to meet the polishing requirement of faucets and other products,a novel multi-station rotary polishing robot is designed,which is a PPPR + RR type of degree of freedom( DOF) distribution structure,and is similar to dual-arm robot. Forward and inverse kinematic analysis is carried out by robot modeling. In order to make this robot structure more compact,first of all,X,Y and Z three moving degrees of freedom( DOF) limit stroke polishing need is calculated by using an artificial fish swarm algorithm,which analyzes dexterous workspace of this robot. Then,on the basis of the above analysis,the three DOF stroke is optimized. Simulation and polishing experimental results verify that this polishing robot with optimized stroke parameters can meet the polishing needs of faucets and other bathroom pieces.