In this paper, a novel approach for parallel kinematic machine control relying on a fast exteroceptive measure is implemented and validated on the Orthoglide robot. This approach begins with rewriting the robot models as a function of the only end-effector pose. It is shown that such an operation reduces the model complexity. Then, this approach uses a classical Cartesian space computed torque control with a fast exteroceptive measure, reducing the control schemes complexity. Simulation results are given to show the expected performance improvements and experiments prove the practical feasibility of the approach.

In this paper we present four methods for the identification of the inertial parameters of the load of a manipulator. The knowledge of the values of these parameters can be used to tune the control law parameters in order to improve the dynamic accuracy of the robot. They can also be exploited to verify the load transported by the robot. The methods presented have been validated using Staubli RX 90 robot. The experimentation has been carried out using data collected from the industrial control system (version CS8) of the manufacturer. This version allows to have access to joint positions, velocities and torques. The methods presented are based on solving linear system of equations using weighted least squares solution.

This paper presents the experimental identification of the dynamic parameters of the Orthoglide, a 3-DOF parallel mechanism. The dynamic identification model is based on the inverse dynamic model, which is linear in the parameters. The model is computed in a closed form in terms of the Cartesian dynamic model elements of the legs and of the Newton-Euler equation of the platform. The base inertial parameters of the robot, which constitute the identifiable parameters, are given.

The goal of the GOFER project is to control the operation of many mobile robots in an indoor environment in order to automate a variety of tasks. This project raises many research issues: man-robot and robot-robot communication systems and protocols, implementation of non-conflicting sensor systems, task-adapted strategy in the use of sensors, sensor fusion, contingency-tolerant motion control, multi-robot motion planning, multi-robot task planning and scheduling. The purpose of the paper is to focus on the integration of software dealing with various aspects of the overall problem. The paper presents a general simulation tool designed to package such software, and to evaluate and compare methods that solve some of the specific problems mentioned above in an unpredictable environment.>