Inverse Kinematics of Discretely-Actuated Manipulators Within a Bounded Grid Element

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Discretely-actuated manipulators are defined in this paper as serial planar chains of many links and are an alternative to traditional robotic manipulators, where continuously variable actuators are replaced with discrete, or digital actuators. Benefits include reduced weight and complexity, and predictable manipulation at lower cost. Challenges to using digital manipulators are the discrete end-effector positions which make the inverse kinematics problem difficult to solve. Furthermore, for a specific application position in the manipulator workspace, there may not be an actual end-effector position. This research has relaxed the inverse kinematics problem around this challenge making each application position an element of a grid in which the end effector must reach. There may be many possible end-effector positions that would reach the element goal, the solution uses the first one that is found. The inverse kinematics solution assumes the assembly configuration of the digital manipulator is already solved specifically for the application grid. The Jacobian function, normally used to solve joint velocities, can be used to identify the exact shift vectors that are used for the inverse kinematics. Three methods to solve this problem are discussed and the third method was implemented as a four-part solution that is a directed and manipulated search for the inverse kinematics solution where all four solutions may be needed. A discussion of forward kinematics and the Jacobian function in relation to digital manipulators is also presented.