Erratum to ‘A Robust Forward-Displacement Analysis of Spherical Parallel Robots’ [Mech. Mach. Theory, 2009, 44(12), pp. 2204–2216]

Design optimization on the drive train of a light-weight robotic arm

A drive train optimization method for design of light-weight robots is proposed. Optimal selections of motors and gearboxes from a limited catalog of commercially available components are done simultaneously for all joints of a robotic arm. Characteristics of the motor and gearbox, including gear ratio, gear inertia, motor inertia, and gear efficiency, are considered in the drive train modeling. A co-simulation method is developed for dynamic simulation of the arm. A design example is included to demonstrate the proposed design optimization method.

Integrated dimensional and drive-train design optimization of a light-weight anthropomorphic arm

An approach to minimize the mass of robotic manipulators is developed by integrated dimensional and drive-train optimization. The method addresses the influences of dimensions and characteristics of drive-trains in the design optimization. Constraints are formulated on the basis of kinematic performance and dynamic requirements, whereas the main objective is to minimize the total mass. Case studies are included to demonstrate the application of the optimization method in the design of assistive robots.

A robust forward-displacement analysis of spherical parallel robots

The forward-displacement analysis of spherical parallel robots (SPRs) is revisited. A robust approach, based on the input–output (I/O) equation of spherical four-bar linkages, is proposed. In this approach, the closed-loop kinematic chain of a SPR is partitioned into two four-bar spherical chains, whose I/O equations are at the core of the analysis reported here. These equations lead to a trigonometric equation in the joint angles, which is solved semigraphically to obtain the joint variables for the determination of the moving plate orientation. Examples are included to demonstrate the application of the method.

odeling of Human Arm Energy Expenditure for Predicting Energy Optimal Trajectories

Human arm motion can inspire the trajectory planning of anthropomorphic robotic arms to achieve energy-efficient movements. An approach for predicting metabolic cost in the planar human arm motion by means of the biomechanical simulation is proposed in this work. Two biomechanical models, including an analytical model and a musculoskeletal model, are developed to implement the proposed approach. The analytical model is developed by modifying a human muscle expenditure model, in which the muscles are grouped as torque providers for computation efficiency. In the musculoskeletal model, the predication of metabolic cost is conducted on the basis of individual muscles. With the proposed approac…

Integrated Design Optimization of a 5-DOF Assistive Light-weight Anthropomorphic Arm

An integrated dimensional and drive train optimization method was developed for light-weight robotic arm design. The method deals with the determination of optimal link lengths and the optimal selection of motors and gearboxes from commercially available components. Constraints are formulated on the basis of kinematic performance and dynamic requirements, whereas the main objective is to minimize the weight. The design of a human-like arm, which is 10 kg in weight with a load capacity of 5 kg, is described. An integrated dimensional and drive train optimizationmethod was developed for light-weight robotic armdesign. The method deals with the determination of optimallink lengths and the opti…