Robotically controlled sloshing suppression in point-to-point liquid container transfer

Abstract

This paper studies the sloshing suppression problem in point-to-point liquid container transfer via a Prismatic–Prismatic–Revolute robot. A multi-mass–spring model is introduced for the characterization of the most prominent liquid-sloshing modes. The control inputs are two forces and a torque applied to the prismatic joints and the revolute joint, respectively. The control objective is to control the robot end-effector movement while suppressing the sloshing modes. A nonlinear mathematical model that reflects all of these specifications is first derived. Then, a Lyapunov-based nonlinear feedback controller is designed to achieve the control objective. Finally, a simulation example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller.