Research on robot measuring system for spacesuit joint mobility

Presents the principles of the passive robot system for measuring spacesuit joint mobility. The model of passive robot is developed. Based on its special mechanical structure, the model of the flexible IVA （intravehicular activity） spacesuit＇ s arm according to robotics is built. The inverse kinematics of a spacesuit＇ s arm based on artificial neural networks is put forward. Also, the self-learning algorithm of the network architecture based on generalization ability is developed, which ensures that the network architecture is designed and optimized. The joint mobility of an actual IVA spacesuit is measured. Experimental results prove that the theoretical system is correct and available, and the measuring system has high preciseness.     

Inverse Kinematics Analysis of a 7-DOF Space Manipulator for Trajectory Design

To solve the inverse kinematics problem for redundant degrees of freedom (DOFs) manipulators has been and still continues to be quite challenging in the field of robotics. Aiming at trajectory planning for a 7-DOF space manipulator system, joint rotation trajectories are obtained from predetermined motion trajectories and poses of the end effector in Cartesian space based on the proposed generalized inverse kinematics method. A minimum norm method is employed to choose the best trajectory among available trajectories. Numerical simulations with the 7-DOF manipulator show that the proposed method can achieve the planned trajectory and pose under the circumstances of minimum angular velocities. Moreover, trajectory results from the proposed kinematics model and inverse kinematics method has the advantages of simple modelling, low computation cost, easy to solve and plan trajectory conveniently. The smooth and continuous joint rotation functions obtained from the proposed method are suitable for practical engineering applications.     

The Kinematics Algorithm of 3RPS Mechanism with Compound Sphere Joint

The new schemes for the kinematics algorithm of traditional 3RPS and 3RPS with compound sphere joint were presented.The kinematics algorithm of traditional 3RPS was established by Quaternion,and the constraint equation of compound sphere joint was established by DH method based on Dual quaternion,and then the kinematics algorithm of 3RPS with compound sphere joint was gotten by replacing the constraint equation of spherical hinge with compound sphere joint.Compound sphere joint was determined by three revolving joints.The proposed method is applicable to any position and orientation of three revolving joints and can analyze systematic errors during manufacturing and calculating process.Examples were used to verify that this method can calculate fast with good reliability.     

The collision-free trajectory planning for the space robot to capture a target based on the wavelet interpolation algorithm

In the research of path planning for manipulators with many DOF, generally there is a problem in most traditional methods, which is that their computational cost (time and memory space) increases exponentially as DOF or resolution of the discrete configuration space increases. So this paper presents the collision-free trajectory planning for the space robot to capture a target based on the wavelet interpolation algorithm. We made wavelet sample on the desired trajectory of the manipulator’s end-effector to do trajectory planning by use of the proposed wavelet interpolation formula, and then derived joint vectors from the trajectory information of the end-effector based on the fixed-attitude-restrained generalized Jacobian matrix of multi-arm coordinated motion, so as to control the manipulator to capture a static body along the desired collision-free trajectory. The method overcomes the shortcomings of the typical methods, and the desired trajectory of the end-effector can be any kind of complex nonlinear curve. The algorithm is simple and highly effective and the real trajectory is close to the desired trajectory. In simulation, the planar dual-arm three DOF space robot is used to demonstrate the proposed method, and it shows that the algorithm is feasible.     

Transmission ratio （Tn） in the radian direction normal to joints in 2-D compressional wave propagation in rock masses

The transmission ratio along the radian direction normal to the joints was studied in the Universal Distinct Element Code （UDEC）. The variation of the transmission ratio with the ratio of joint spacing to wavelength was generalized into a general curve, which was determined by two critical points. The relationship between the two critical points and the affecting factors, quantity of joints and the normalized normal stiffness of joints, were obtained. A prediction model of the transmission ratio in the radian direction normal to the joints was proposed. The proposed model was applied to a field explosion test. The estimated values of the peak particle velocity from the prediction model were compared with the field records. The comparisons showed that the prediction model of the transmission ratio in the direction normal to the joints in the process of 2-D compressional wave propagation through multiple parallel joints is reliable.     

Design, analysis and control for an antarctic modular manipulator

Antarctic scientific expedition has important strategic significance. It is an inevitable trend to apply robots to assist researchers during the Antarctic expedition. However, the robot manipula- tors at present have a series of problems and unable to meet the requirements of the Antarctic expe- dition. In this paper, a novel Antarctic modular robot manipulator is proposed, which has a compact structure with modular joints. The robot manipulator has high reliability, and quick assembling-and- disassembling ability. Through well wires arranging and thermal controlling, the manipulator can better adapt to the Antarctic environment. In addition, the work space of the manipulator is serious- ly analyzed, and a new hybrid position/force control method is adopted to make the manipulator per- form better. Simulation results validate the control method and show that the robot manipulator has a good performance to meet the requirements of Antarctic expedition.     

A comprehensive method for joint wear prediction in planar mechanical systems with clearances considering complex contact conditions

A comprehensive method to predict wear in planar mechanical systems with clearance joints is presented and discussed in this paper.This method consists of a system dynamic analysis and a joint wear prediction.As the size and shape of the clearance are dictated by wear and evolve with the dynamic response of the system,the contact between the journal and bearing could be conformal or non-conformal,which makes the contact conditions in clearance joints quite complicated.Therefore a modified contact force model is employed to evaluate the joint reaction force in this study.As the nonlinear stiffness coefficient is related to the physical and geometrical properties of contact bodies and varies with the deformation,this contact force model is applicable to different contact conditions between the journal and bearing.Furthermore,based on the Archard’s wear model,the amount of wear can be quantified in the joint.And the geometry is updated to reflect the evolving contact boundary.Then,the wear process and the contact force model are integrated into the motion equations of the system to perform coupled iterative analyses between system dynamic response and joint wear prediction.In addition,a slider-crank mechanism is simulated as an example to demonstrate efficiency of the proposed method and to carry out a parametric study on mechanical systems considering joint wear.The influence of clearance size and driving power are discussed and compared respectively.The index of concordance is introduced to quantify contributions of contact pressure and sliding distance to wear rate under different types of journal motion.This study could help to predict joint wear in mechanical systems with clearances and optimize mechanisms in design.     

Anti-Windup Control Strategy of Drive System for Humanoid Robot Arm Joint

To address the problems of torque limit and controller saturation in the control of robot arm joint,an anti-windup control strategy is proposed for a humanoid robot arm,which is based on the integral state prediction under the direct torque control system of brushless DC motor.First,the arm joint of the humanoid robot is modelled.Then the speed controller model and the influence of the initial value of the integral element on the system are analyzed.On the basis of the traditional anti-windup controller,an integral state estimator is set up.Under the condition of different load torques and the given speed,the integral steady-state value is estimated.Therefore the accumulation of the speed error terminates when the integrator reaches saturation.Then the predicted integral steady-state value is used as the initial value of the regulator to enter the linear region to make the system achieve the purpose of anti-windup.The simulation results demonstrate that the control strategy for the humanoid robot arm joint based on integral state prediction can play the role of anti-wind-up and suppress the overshoot of the system effectively.The system has a good dynamic performance.     

Multiple mobile-obstacle avoidance algorithm for redundant manipulator

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the previous obstacle avoidance algorithms, an obstacle avoidance algorithm applicable to multiple mobile obstacles was proposed. The minimum prediction distance between obstacles and a manipulator was obtained according to the states of obstacles and transformed to escape velocity of the corresponding link of the manipulator. The escape velocity was introduced to the gradient projection method to obtain the joint velocity of the manipulator so as to complete the obstacle avoidance trajectory planning. A 7-DOF manipulator was used in the simulation, and the results verified the effectiveness of the algorithm.     

Obstacle Avoidance Method for a Redundant Manipulator Based on a Configuration Plane

This paper presents a novel approach of obstacle avoidance for redundant manipulators, which is challenging with the considerations of the building of universal kinematics, the formation of dynamics, and the generation of trajectories. A universal approach to deal with obstacle avoidance for the redundant manipulator, that is based on the configuration plane, is presented. The paper also examines common serial robot configurations and introduces a method for classification, partitioning, simplification, and forms of expression used in the workspace to define the configuration plane. This relatively new method is combined with a weighted space vector method to match the configuration plane and solve the inverse kinematics problem. The proposed planner is demonstrated with examples, in which the proposed planner is shown to be capable of providing a smoother trajectory.     

Macro and meso analysis of jointed rock mass triaxial compression test by using equivalent rock mass (ERM) technique简

Methods that can efficiently model the effects of rock joints on rock mass behavior can be beneficial in rock engineering. The suitability of equivalent rock mass （ERM） technique based upon particle methods is investigated. The ERM methodology is first validated by comparing calculated and experimental data of lab triaxial compression test on a set of cylindrical rock mass samples, each containing a single joint oriented in various dip angles. The simulated results are then used to study the stress-strain nonlinearity and failure mechanism as a function of the joint dip angle and confining stress. The anisotropy and size effects are also investigated by using multi-scale cubic ERM models subjected to triaxial compression test. The deformation and failure behavior are found to be influenced by joint degradation, the micro-crack formation in the intact rock, the interaction between two joints, and the interactions of micro-cracks and joints.     

Ground substrates classification and adaptive walking through interaction dynamics for legged robots

Adaptive locomotion in different types of surfaces is of critical importance for legged robots.The knowledge of various ground substrates,especially some geological properties,plays an essential role in ensuring the legged robots’safety.In this paper,the interaction between the robots and the environments is investigated through interaction dynamics with the closed-loop system model,the compliant contact model,and the friction model,which unveil the influence of environment’s geological characteristics for legged robots’locomotion.The proposed method to classify substrates is based on the interaction dynamics and the sensory-motor coordination.The foot contact forces,joint position errors,and joint motor currents,which reflect body dynamics,are measured as the sensing variables.We train and classify the features extracted from the raw data with a multilevel weighted k-Nearest Neighbor(kNN) algorithm.According to the interaction dynamics,the strategy of adaptive walking is developed by adjusting the touchdown angles and foot trajectories while lifting up and dropping down the foot.Experiments are conducted on five different substrates with quadruped robot FROG-I.The comparison with other classification methods and adaptive walking between different substrates demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.     

Multi-objective optimization design for leg mechanism of hydraulic-actuated quadruped robot

In order to improve the robot’s abilities of bearing heavy burdens and transporting in complex terrains,the multi-objective optimization design for leg mechanism of the quadruped robot with hydraulic actuated is studied in this paper. The kinematics and dynamics of the robot are analyzed and the two-dimensional linear inverted pendulum model is adopted in planning the trajectories of joints. Then the mathematical model of valve-controlled asymmetric cylinder and control model of single leg are proposed respectively. In the end,NSGA-II algorithm is used to achieve the multi-objective optimization design of parameters concerning single leg mechanism and PD torque control. The results prove that the optimized leg mechanism can significantly reduce the required maximum power of hydraulic system,thus decrease its own weight and lead to the obtaining of good dynamic performance.     

New criterion for rock joints based on three-dimensional roughness parameters

The shear behavior of rock joints is important in solving practical problems of rock mechanics. Three group rock joints with different morphologies are made by cement mortar material and a series of CNL（constant normal loading） shear tests are performed. The influences of the applied normal stress and joint morphology to its shear strength are analyzed. According to the experimental results, the peak dilatancy angle of rock joint decreases with increasing normal stress, but increases with increasing roughness. The shear strength increases with the increasing normal stress and the roughness of rock joint. It is observed that the modes of failure of asperities are tensile, pure shear, or a combination of both. It is suggested that the three-dimensional roughness parameters and the tensile strength are the appropriate parameter for describing the shear strength criterion. A new peak shear criterion is proposed which can be used to predict peak shear strength of rock joints. All the used parameters can be easily obtained by performing tests.     

Kinematic Analysis of Mobile Manipulator for Measurement and Maintenance in Dangerous Environment

This paper studies the kinematic modeling of a mobile manipulator that consists of 5-DOF manipulator and an autonomous wheeled mobile platform.Then an artificial neural network to realize the coordination motion between manipulator and mobile platform is developed.On the basis of the task specifications,the algorithm determines the appropriate control variables to respond to the well tracking trajectory.The control strategy employed for either subsystem is achieved by using a robust supervised controller.A learning paradigm is used to produce the required reference variables for an overall cooperative behavior of the sys- tem.Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of this approach.     

Seismic Behaviour of Beam-Column Joints of Precast and Partial Steel Reinforced Concrete

A beam-column joint of precast and partial steel reinforced concrete( PPSRC) is proposed for precast reinforced concrete frames. The PPSRC consists of partial steel and reinforced concrete. The partial steel is located in the core joint region and the connections between concrete members. This paper presents an experimental study of a series of PPSRC specimens. These specimens are tested under low cyclic loading.Experimental results demonstrate that the bearing capacity of the PPSRC specimens is 3 times that of the ordinary reinforced concrete( RC) beam-column joints. The strength and stiffness degradation rates are slower compared with that of the RC beam-column joints. In addition,the strength of the core joint region and the connections is higher than other parts of the PPSRC specimens. Beam failure occurs firstly for the PPSRC specimens,followed by column failure and connections failure. The failure of the core joint region occurs finally.Test results show that the seismic performance of the PPSRC is better than that of the ordinary RC beam-column joints.     

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Simulation of Robot Fighting Platform in Virtual Environment

A method of 3D kinematics simulation of robot fighting platform (RFP) in virtual environment is proposed with the aim of enhancing vision telepresence. Based on the theory of space coordinate transformation, kinematics equations of RFP are formulated; followed by applying a method of modeling using 3DMAX software to build an RFPs 3D geometric model before a 3D kinematics simulation system of RFP is completed based on virtual reality technology and Open Inventor VC++. Test results have indicated that this system can perform RFPs kinematics simulation in virtual environment. It can also imitate RFPs motion states and environmental features well. Moreover, not only can better real-time performances and interactions be achieved but also operators vision telepresence be enhanced, therefore this approach may help lay the foundation for the realization of RFPs teleoperation with vision telepresence.     

Planar Serial Manipulator Motion Synthesis

This paper deals with the universal serial manipulator on the inverse kinematics problem of plane type,the fast working space solution method,and the obstacle avoidance path planning method. With the vector projection as the main constraint condition of the target,it proposes a general form of the inverse kinematics solution which does not depend on the robot configuration of freedom degree. By identifying the target vector direction maximum and minimum workspace boundary and determining the destination vector by thick search on the workspace boundary method,an expressing method of the polar coordinate form of work space is then introduced. Finally,according to the form of plane trajectory planning for obstacle avoidance problem,the method of solving the inverse kinematics solution of the concave and convex forms of the safe obstacle avoidance area is improved. The simulation results verify that the proposed method has feasibility and generality.     

Damage alarming for bridge expansion joints using novelty detection technique based on long-term monitoring data

Damage alarming and safety evaluation using long-term monitoring data is an area of significant research activity for long-span bridges. In order to extend the research in this field, the damage alarming technique for bridge expansion joints based on long-term monitoring data was developed. The effects of environmental factors on the expansion joint displacement were analyzed. Multiple linear regression models were obtained to describe the correlation between displacements and the dominant environmental factors. The damage alarming index was defined based on the multiple regression models. At last, the X-bar control chart was utilized to detect the abnormal change of the displacements. Analysis results reveal that temperature and traffic condition are the dominant environmental factors to influence the displacement. When the confidence level of X-bar control chart is set to be 0.003, the false-positive indications of damage can be avoided. The damage sensitivity analysis shows that the proper X-bar control chart can detect 0.1 cm damage-induced change of the expansion joint displacement. It is reasonably believed that the proposed technique is robust against false-positive indication of damage and suitable to alarm the possible future damage of the expansion joints.     

Resonance Suppression Strategy for Humanoid Robot Arm

To address the problem of resonance in the control of a robot arm, a resonance suppression strategy is proposed for a single-joint humanoid robot arm based on the proportional-resonant(PR) controller. First, an arm joint model of the humanoid robot is established. Then the influence of resonance frequency on the performance of the control system with the robot arm is analyzed. The voltage fluctuation of the drive motor caused by the changes in arm motion is recognized as the disturbance of the current loop. The PR controller has the characteristic of disturbance rejection at a specific frequency. The output fluctuation of the driving system caused by the change of arm motion state at the resonance frequency is suppressed. Therefore the output current of the inverter will not be affected by the vibration of the arm at the resonance frequency. Finally, the control system is verified by MATLAB/Simulink simulation. The simulation results demonstrate that the control strategy for the humanoid robot arm based on the PR controller can suppress the resonance of the arm effectively, improving the dynamic performance and system stability.