Sub-workspace design of binary manipulators using active and passive joints

Abstract

This paper is concerned with an efficient continuous variable optimization method for determining an optimal configuration of passive and active joints of a binary manipulator when it operates within a desired sub-workspace. When joints are passive, their states, either stretched or contracted, are also determined by the developed method. Manipulator operations in a sub-workspace can avoid unnecessary actuations, resulting in energy saving. A technique to increase the sub-workspace concentration degree for a given maximum number of allowable active joints is also suggested.