A framework for the control of nonholonomic mobile manipulators

We propose a general framework for the feedback control of nonholonomic mobile manipulators. The control laws derived with this approach allow to simultaneously execute a manipulation task and monitor the situation (position and orientation) of the nonholonomic platform on which the manipulator is mounted. The active monitoring of the platform's situation significantly augments the manipulation capabilities of the system. For instance, the manipulation objective is still achievable when it compels the platform to move backward or perform manoeuvres. This monitoring is also instrumental for the avoidance of the manipulator's joint limits

End-effector vibrations reduction in trajectory tracking for mobile manipulator

A method of motion planning for a mobile manipulator taking into account damping the end-effector vibrations is presented. The primary task of the robot is to trace a given end-effector trajectory. The redundant degrees of freedom are used to fulfil secondary objectives such as minimisation of platform kinetic energy and maximisation of holonomic manipulability measure, which leads to reduction of the end-effector vibrations. The method is based on Jacobian pseudo inverse at the acceleration level. Nonholonomic constraints in a Pfaffian form are explicitly incorporated to the control algorithm. A computer example involving a mobile manipulator consisting of a nonholonomic platform (2, 0) class and SCARA-type holonomic manipulator operating in two-dimensional task space is also presented

Mobile manipulators collision-free trajectory planning with regard to end-effector vibrations elimination

A sub-optimal point-to-point trajectory planning method for mobile manipulators operating in the workspace including obstacles taking into account the damping of the end-effector vibrations is presented. The proposed solution is based on extended Jacobian approach and redundancy resolution at the acceleration level. Fulfilment of the condition stopping the mobile manipulator at the destination point is guaranteed, which leads to elimination of the end-effector vibrations and significantly increases positioning accuracy. The effectiveness of the presented method is shown and compared to the classical Jacobian pseudo inverse approach. A computer example involving a mobile manipulator consisting of a nonholonomic platform (2, 0) class and SCARA-type holonomic manipulator operating in two-dimensional task space including obstacle is also presented

Modeling, Analysis, and Control of a Mobile Robot for \u3ci\u3eIn Vivo\u3c/i\u3e Fluoroscopy of Human Joints during Natural Movements

In this dissertation, the modeling, analysis and control of a multi-degree of freedom (mdof) robotic fluoroscope was investigated. A prototype robotic fluoroscope exists, and consists of a 3 dof mobile platform with two 2 dof Cartesian manipulators mounted symmetrically on opposite sides of the platform. One Cartesian manipulator positions the x-ray generator and the other Cartesian manipulator positions the x-ray imaging device. The robotic fluoroscope is used to x-ray skeletal joints of interest of human subjects performing natural movement activities. In order to collect the data, the Cartesian manipulators must keep the x-ray generation and imaging devices accurately aligned while dynamically tracking the desired skeletal joint of interest. In addition to the joint tracking, this also requires the robotic platform to move along with the subject, allowing the manipulators to operate within their ranges of motion. A comprehensive dynamic model of the robotic fluoroscope prototype was created, incorporating the dynamic coupling of the system. Empirical data collected from an RGB-D camera were used to create a human kinematic model that can be used to simulate the joint of interest target dynamics. This model was incorporated into a computer simulation that was validated by comparing the simulation results with actual prototype experiments using the same human kinematic model inputs. The computer simulation was used in a comprehensive dynamic analysis of the prototype and in the development and evaluation of sensing, control, and signal processing approaches that optimize the subject and joint tracking performance characteristics. The modeling and simulation results were used to develop real-time control strategies, including decoupling techniques that reduce tracking error on the prototype. For a normal walking activity, the joint tracking error was less than 20 mm, and the subject tracking error was less than 140 mm

Enchaînements dynamiques de tâches pour des manipulateurs mobiles à roues

La nature des missions qui sont aujourd'hui envisagées en Robotique suppose de plus en plus un espace de travail étendu du robot. Cette extension va de pair avec la combinaison de moyens de manipulation et de moyens de locomotion et c'est la raison d'être des manipulateurs mobiles. Parmi ces systèmes, qui prennent des formes diverses, nous distinguons les manipulateurs mobiles à roues qui sont la combinaison d'une plateforme à roues et d'un bras manipulateur. Ce mémoire présente notre contribution à l'étude de leur commande coordonnée (le système est vu comme un tout) au niveau opérationnel et plus particulièrement en vue de missions complexes qui nécessitent l'enchaînement dynamique de tâches de natures différentes : suivi de trajectoire, contrˆole d'effort. En nous basant sur la forme générique des modèles cinématiques de ces systèmes, nous avons développé un modèle dynamique unifié, directement exploitable pour les techniques de commande à couple calculé. Afin de tenir compte des contraintes secondaires intrinsèques à tout système robotique mais aussi des contraintes imposées par l'environnement (obstacles par exemple), nous proposons une structure de commande qui permet l'intégration des lois de commande opérationnelle tout en assurant, notamment grâce à l'exploitation de la redondance du système, le respect des différentes contraintes. Cette structure gère l'enchaînement dynamique des tâches à réaliser et permet, qu'elles soient planifiées ou générés en temps réel, l'adaptation des consignes pour la gestion des incertitudes sur la connaissance de l'environnement mais aussi sur le déroulement de la mission. L'approche proposée a été validée en simulation et expérimentalement sur le robot H2Bis+GT6A de l'équipe RIA du LAAS. ABSTRACT : Nowadays, robotics missions induce large workspaces of the robots. This extension explains the growing usage of mobile manipulators which are systems combining a mobile platform and means of manipulation. Among those systems that can take various shapes, we distinguish wheeled mobile manipulators which are systems combining a wheeled mobile platform and a manipulator arm. This PhD thesis report presents our contribution to the coordinated control of this kind of system, at an operational level, within the framework of complex missions execution based on the dynamic sequencing of tasks whose natures are different : motion, force. Using generic kinematics models of these systems, we have developed a unified dynamic model which can be used for control purpose (computed torque). We also propose a structure allowing the integration of operational control laws and ensuring the respect of secondary constraints inherent to the system or induced by the environment (obstacles for example). This structure manages the tasks sequencing and permits the reactive adaptation of the desired trajectories (that are planned or generated in real time) in order to handle uncertainties. This approach was validated in simulation but also using robot H2Bis+GT6A of the LAAS laboratory in Toulouse