Control system design for robots used in simulating dynamic force and moment interaction in virtual reality applications

This dissertation presents an approach to simulating the dynamic force and moment interaction between a human and a virtual object using a robotic manipulator as the force transmitter. Accurate control of the linear and angular accelerations of the robot end effector is required in order for the correct forces and moments to be imparted on a human operating in a computer generated virtual environment. A control system has been designed which is robust in terms of stability and performance. This control system is derived from abbreviated linear and nonlinear models of the manipulator dynamics which are efficient enough for real-time implementation yet retain a sufficient level of complexity for accurate calculations. An efficient multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) pole placement scheme has also been devised which locates the pre-specified system eigenvalues. The controller gains are given as explicit functions of a desired trajectory to be followed and, thus, are time varying such that the overall closed-loop system is rendered time-invariant. Key software elements were automatically derived and output in compiler-ready form demonstrating the feasibility of automatic, computer generated control laws for complex robotic systems. Test results are given for a PUMA 560 used to impart dynamic forces on a user operating in a virtual environment

Manipulation strategies for massive space payloads

Control for the bracing strategy is being examined. It was concluded earlier that trajectory planning must be improved to best achieve the bracing motion. Very interesting results were achieved which enable the inverse dynamics of flexible arms to be calculated for linearized motion in a more efficient manner than previously published. The desired motion of the end point beginning at t=0 and ending at t=t sub f is used to calculate the required torque at the joint. The solution is separated into a causal function that is zero for t is less than 0 and an accusal function which is zero for t is greater than t sub f. A number of alternative end point trajectories were explored in terms of the peak torque required, the amount of anticipatory action, and other issues. The single link case is the immediate subject and an experimental verification of that case is being performed. Modeling with experimental verification of closed chain dynamics continues. Modeling effort has pointed out inaccuracies that result from the choice of numerical techniques used to incorporate the closed chain constraints when modeling our experimental prototype RALF (Robotic Arm Large and Flexible). Results were compared to TREETOPS, a multi body code. The experimental verification work is suggesting new ways to make comparisons with systems having structural linearity and joint and geometric nonlinearity. The generation of inertial forces was studied with a small arm that will damp the large arm's vibration