Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms

Introduction: We study optimization methods for poses and movements of chained Stewart platforms (SPs) that we call an “Assembler” Robot. These chained SPs are parallel mechanisms that are stronger, stiffer, and more precise, on average, than their serial counterparts at the cost of a smaller range...

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Main Authors: Benjamin Beach, William Chapin, Samantha Chapin, Robert Hildebrand, Erik Komendera
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-11-01
Series:Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2023.1225828/full
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author Benjamin Beach
William Chapin
Samantha Chapin
Robert Hildebrand
Erik Komendera
author_facet Benjamin Beach
William Chapin
Samantha Chapin
Robert Hildebrand
Erik Komendera
author_sort Benjamin Beach
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: We study optimization methods for poses and movements of chained Stewart platforms (SPs) that we call an “Assembler” Robot. These chained SPs are parallel mechanisms that are stronger, stiffer, and more precise, on average, than their serial counterparts at the cost of a smaller range of motion. By linking these units in a series, their individual limitations are overcome while maintaining truss-like rigidity. This opens up potential uses in various applications, especially in complex space missions in conjunction with other robots.Methods: To enhance the efficiency and longevity of the Assembler Robot, we developed algorithms and optimization models. The main goal of these methodologies is to efficiently decide on favorable positions and movements that reduce force loads on the robot, consequently minimizing wear.Results: The optimized maneuvers of the interior plates of the Assembler result in more evenly distributed load forces through the legs of each constituent SP. This optimization allows for a larger workspace and a greater overall payload capacity. Our computations primarily focus on assemblers with four chained SPs.Discussion: Although our study primarily revolves around assemblers with four chained SPs, our methods are versatile and can be applied to an arbitrary number of SPs. Furthermore, these methodologies can be extended to general over-actuated truss-like robot architectures. The Assembler, designed to function collaboratively with several other robots, holds promise for a variety of space missions.
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spelling doaj.art-80410c85f3d4487ba3c9e6b1d88572a52023-11-24T09:20:46ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering2297-30792023-11-01910.3389/fmech.2023.12258281225828Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platformsBenjamin Beach0William Chapin1Samantha Chapin2Robert Hildebrand3Erik Komendera4Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United StatesFASER Lab, Virginia Tech, Mechanical Engineering, Blacksburg, VA, United StatesFASER Lab, Virginia Tech, Mechanical Engineering, Blacksburg, VA, United StatesGrado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United StatesFASER Lab, Virginia Tech, Mechanical Engineering, Blacksburg, VA, United StatesIntroduction: We study optimization methods for poses and movements of chained Stewart platforms (SPs) that we call an “Assembler” Robot. These chained SPs are parallel mechanisms that are stronger, stiffer, and more precise, on average, than their serial counterparts at the cost of a smaller range of motion. By linking these units in a series, their individual limitations are overcome while maintaining truss-like rigidity. This opens up potential uses in various applications, especially in complex space missions in conjunction with other robots.Methods: To enhance the efficiency and longevity of the Assembler Robot, we developed algorithms and optimization models. The main goal of these methodologies is to efficiently decide on favorable positions and movements that reduce force loads on the robot, consequently minimizing wear.Results: The optimized maneuvers of the interior plates of the Assembler result in more evenly distributed load forces through the legs of each constituent SP. This optimization allows for a larger workspace and a greater overall payload capacity. Our computations primarily focus on assemblers with four chained SPs.Discussion: Although our study primarily revolves around assemblers with four chained SPs, our methods are versatile and can be applied to an arbitrary number of SPs. Furthermore, these methodologies can be extended to general over-actuated truss-like robot architectures. The Assembler, designed to function collaboratively with several other robots, holds promise for a variety of space missions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2023.1225828/fulloptimizationnonlinear programmingroboticskinematicsStewart platformmodular
spellingShingle Benjamin Beach
William Chapin
Samantha Chapin
Robert Hildebrand
Erik Komendera
Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering
optimization
nonlinear programming
robotics
kinematics
Stewart platform
modular
title Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
title_full Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
title_fullStr Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
title_full_unstemmed Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
title_short Force-controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained Stewart platforms
title_sort force controlled pose optimization and trajectory planning for chained stewart platforms
topic optimization
nonlinear programming
robotics
kinematics
Stewart platform
modular
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmech.2023.1225828/full
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