Error estimation and sensitivity analysis of the 3-UPU translational parallel robot due to design parameter uncertainties

This work deals with the estimation and the sensitivity analysis of the 3-UPU parallel robot error. Based on the Newton-Euler formalism, the robot dynamic model is given in a closed form. This model is validated by the software ADAMS. Using the interval analysis method, a new algorithm is proposed, which estimates the errors in the motion of the end-effector and the errors in the actuator forces as a function of the design parameters uncertainties. The obtained results show that the kinematic errors are minimal at the workspace center. Moreover, these errors increase as the platform moves along the vertical axis. It is also shown that kinematic errors in the actuator joints are the most influential parameters on the manipulator accuracy. Therefore, using actuators with a higher accuracy can highly reduce the errors in motion of the platform.