High-speed parallel robots with integrated vibration-suppression for handling and assembly

Automation of handling and assembly, which are complex technological processes, requires qualified solutions. The longterm development goals are decreasing cycle-times and increasing quality of processing. These goals can be achieved by means of innovative concepts based on parallel kinematics which enable higher velocity and acceleration while maintaining at least the same accuracy as compared to conventional systems. Principally, parallel kinematics are better suited for high accelerations than serial structures because the drive units can be mounted on the frame without the need to move their high masses. Additionally, parallel structures are stiffer than their serial counterparts. Two key features of the innovative concepts introduced in the paper are lightweight structural components which allow to reach even higher accelerations and integrated smart actuators and sensors to control the vibrations induced by the high accelerations. This paper discusses modelling of parallel kinematics, control-strategies for the vibration suppression, and design-criteria for active rods. These active rods have built-in piezoceramic stacks serving as both sensors and actuators that provide the means to supresss the vibrations. A two-degree-of-freedom parallel structure with active rods is used as test-case and experimental results confirming the potential of smart parallel kinematics are shown. An outlook to the ongoing research in the field of parallel robots is given.