Hybrid Vibration Control Algorithm of a Flexible Manipulator System

Abstract

Flexible manipulator systems in specific applications such as space exploration, nuclear waste treatment, medical applications, etc., often have characteristics superior to conventional rigid manipulator systems. However, their elasticity and complex dynamics lead to difficulties encountered in control processes. Research on improving the structure of the control model plays a very important role in reducing the above limitations and achieving great benefits for the flexible manipulator system. In this study, a general method for modelling a flexible robotic manipulator is introduced. Furthermore, two control models for flexible manipulators are proposed. The first model uses two proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers, where the first one is used for position control, and the other is applied for vibration reduction. The second model is an enhanced development of the first with the addition of a fuzzy logic controller to optimise oscillation suppression. Selected experimental results are presented and compared to evaluate the performance of the proposed control mechanisms.