Latest Papers

ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics

  • Dual Quaternions Representation of Lagrange's Dynamic Equations
    on June 5, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractThis paper introduces for the first time, the Lagrange's dynamic equations in dual number quaternion form. Additionally, Rayleigh's dissipation function in dual quaternion form is introduced here allowing for the accounting of dissipative (non-conservative) forces such as motion through a viscous fluid, friction, and spring damping force. As an example, dual quaternions are used here to derive the Lagrange dynamic equations of a robot manipulator.

  • Geometric Error Calibration of XYZ -3RPS Hybrid Kinematic Machine via Binocular Vision
    on June 5, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractTo improve the motion accuracy of an XYZ-3RPS hybrid kinematic machine (HKM), a geometric error calibration method via binocular vision measurement is studied. First, to separately calibrate the series kinematic mechanisms (SKMs) and parallel kinematic mechanisms (PKMs), the geometric error identification equations (GEIEs) of the XYZ SKM and 3RPS PKM are derived, respectively. By analyzing the different influence principles of the geometric errors on the position and attitude of the 3RPS PKM, a constraint function is added to the GEIE of the PKM to improve the calculation accuracy. Moreover, the geometric error compensation strategy is based on the structural characteristics of the XYZ-3RPS HKM. In addition, based on the principle of binocular vision measurement, two calibration plates, called dynamic and static calibration plates, are designed as markers to define the coordinate systems, enabling the acquisition of full positions and attitudes. Furthermore, a marker transformation method and an in-situ adjustment method are designed to determine the positions and attitudes of the HKM required for calibration such that the marker is always at the center of the field of view of the camera to improve measurement accuracy. Finally, the effectiveness of the calibration method is verified through prototype experiments.

  • Design of Position Estimator for Rope Driven Micromanipulator of Surgical Robot Based on Parameter Autonomous Selection Model
    on June 5, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractAs the micromanipulator of surgical robots works in a narrow space, it is difficult to install any position sensors at the end, so the position control and position detection cannot be accurately performed. A position estimator based on the parameter autonomous selection model is proposed to estimate the end position indirectly. First, a single joint principle prototype and a position estimator model are established through the 4DOF driving scheme of the micromanipulator and the cable-driven model. Second, the proposed parameter change model is combined with the parameter selection method to form a parameter autonomous selection model. Finally, a position estimator based on the parameter autonomous selection model is established. The experimental results show the maximum estimation error of the position estimator is 0.1928 deg. Compared with other position estimation methods, the position estimator proposed in this paper has higher accuracy and better robustness, which lays a foundation for the full closed-loop control of micromanipulator position.

  • Kinematic Modeling and Open-Loop Control of a Twisted String Actuator-Driven Soft Robotic Manipulator
    on June 5, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractRealizing high-performance soft robots is challenging because many existing soft or compliant actuators exhibit limitations like fabrication complexity, high power requirement, slow actuation, and low force generation. Due to their high-force output and power efficiency, compactness, and simplicity in fabrication, twisted string actuators (TSAs) have exhibited strong potential in mechatronic and robotic applications. However, they have had limited uses in soft robotics. Consequently, modeling and control of TSA-driven soft robots have not been sufficiently studied. This article presents the first study on the modeling and control of a TSA-driven soft robotic manipulator. A physics-based model was developed to predict the manipulator’s kinematic motion. An inverse model was derived to realize open-loop control. Models that describe the behavior of TSAs were utilized in a novel way to develop the proposed kinematic and inverse models of the soft robot. The proposed modeling and control approaches were experimentally verified to be effective. For example, the modeling and control errors of the bending angle were 1.60 deg (3.11%) and 2.11 deg (3.68%), respectively.

Robust Multilegged Walking Robots for Interactions With Different Terrains

Abstract

This paper explores the kinematic synthesis, design, and pilot experimental testing of a six-legged walking robotic platform able to traverse through different terrains. We aim to develop a structured approach to designing the limb morphology using a relaxed kinematic task with incorporated conditions on foot-environments interaction, specifically contact force direction and curvature constraints, related to maintaining contact. The design approach builds up incrementally starting with studying the basic human leg walking trajectory and then defining a “relaxed” kinematic task. The “relaxed” kinematic task consists only of two contact locations (toe-off and heel-strike) with higher-order motion task specifications compatible with foot-terrain(s) contact and curvature constraints in the vicinity of the two contacts. As the next step, an eight-bar leg image is created based on the “relaxed” kinematic task and incorporated within a six-legged walking robot. Pilot experimental tests explore if the proposed approach results in an adaptable behavior which allows the platform to incorporate different walking foot trajectories and gait styles coupled to each environment. The results suggest that the proposed “relaxed” higher-order motion task combined with the leg morphological properties and feet material allowed the platform to walk stably on the different terrains. Here we would like to note that one of the main advantages of the proposed method in comparison with other existing walking platforms is that the proposed robotic platform has carefully designed limb morphology with incorporated conditions on foot-environment interaction. Additionally, while most of the existing multilegged platforms incorporate one actuator per leg, or per joint, our goal is to explore the possibility of using a single actuator to drive all six legs of the platform. This is a critical step which opens the door for the development of future transformative technology that is largely independent of human control and able to learn about the environment through their own sensory systems.

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