Path-constrained robot control with limited torques-experimental evaluation

Fast motion along a predefined path is important in many robot applications, and requires utilization of the maximum allowable torque range. If the torque is at the limit, there is no margin to cope with disturbances or modeling errors, which may result in deviation from the path. A path velocity controller for modification of the velocity along the path when the torques saturate can improve path tracking. The path velocity controller acts as an outer feedback loop outside the ordinary robot controller, and modifies a nominal velocity profile, computed by minimum time optimization using available methods. An experimental evaluation of such a controller is presented. The experiments are done on an industrial robot, where the original robot control system has been replaced by a VME-based computer system. The experimental results demonstrate that the path velocity controller can adjust a nominal minimum time velocity profile, such that the result is good path following and good utilization of the available torque range. It is also demonstrated how the path velocity controller is able to compensate for time variations in the robot dynamics