Improvement, Optimization, and Prototyping of a Three Translational Degree of Freedom Parallel Robot

Abstract

This paper presents an evolutionarily design change for the Delta parallel robot. The proposed design change increases the useful workspace of the robot and aids in permanently avoiding singularities on the workspace. This is accomplished by means of a new intermediate parallel link. This also simultaneously increases the total workspace volume and the stiffness at the outer limits of the workspace. The design is analyzed and the inverse kinematics, stiffness and dexterity relations are formulated. Subsequently, an optimization problem is formulated that aims at taking advantage of the new attributes and illustrate its benefits to the robotic design. The results are clearly illustrated by comparing the robot with the new link to an equivalent robot without it. Lastly, the developed design is 3D modeled to test and verify functionality.