An algorithm for dynamic object manipulation by a flexible link robot

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on an online closed-loop (CL) approach for performing dynamic object manipulation (DOM) by a flexible link manipulator. Design/methodology/approach – Toward above goal, a neural network and optimal control are integrated in a closed-loop structure, to achieve a robust control for online DOM applications. Additionally, an elegant novel numerical solution method will be developed which can handle the split boundary value problem resulted from DOM mission requirements for a wide range of boundary conditions. Findings – The obtained simulation results reveal the effectiveness of both proposed innovative numerical solution technique and control structure for online object manipulation purposes using flexible manipulators. Originality/value – The object manipulation problem has previously been studied, however, for the first time its accomplishment by flexible link manipulators was addressed just in offline form considering an open-loop control structure (Tarvirdizadeh and Yousefi-Koma, 2012). As an extension of Tarvirdizadeh and Yousefi-Koma (2012), the current research, consequently, focusses on a numerical solution and a CL approach for performing DOM by a flexible link manipulator.