A New Algorithm Based on Two Extra-Sensors for Real-Time Computation of the Actual Configuration of the Generalized Stewart-Gough Manipulator

Abstract

It is well known that the direct position analysis of fully-parallel manipulators provides more than one solution, i.e., more than one configuration of the mechanism is possible for a given set of the actuated variables of motion. Extra information is, thus, necessary to find the actual configuration of the manipulator. This paper presents a new algorithm for the real-time computation of the actual configuration of the generalized Stewart-Gough manipulator, also known as 6-6 fully-parallel manipulator with general geometry. The proposed algorithm makes use of two extra rotary sensors in addition to five out of the six sensors normally implemented in the servosystems of the manipulator. A one-to-one correspondence between the sensor measurements and the manipulator configuration is provided. With respect to other algorithms recently presented in the literature, the proposed method greatly reduces the computational burden. Finally a case study shows the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. [S1050-0472(00)01703-7]