Time optimization of the continuous-path motions of industrial robots

Abstract

This paper presents an engineering approach to the time optimization of robotic motions with specified paths and trapezoidal velocity profiles. Optimizations of this type occur when dealing with continuous-path motions of commercial manipulators. Parameterized path equations and full non-linear robot dynamics are used in conjunction with the actuator limitations and the specified path and velocity profile in order to transform the problem into a non-linear programming form. The optimal velocity profile and the corresponding joint torques/forces are obtained via a simple search algorithm, without resorting to any constrained optimization technique, numerical integration, or search for the switching curve. Three examples of time-optimized robotic motions are presented.