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The dual quaternion plays an advantageous role in the field of robotic kinematics and dynamics due to its compact expression. It is well known that quaternion can be easily implemented as algebraic operations on vectors through matrix operators. Similarly, the dual matrix operators can convert dual quaternion operations to matrix operations. However, it has not received adequate attention, and thus there are very few applications at present. With the dual matrix operators of dual quaternion, this paper re-verifies the equivalency between the conjugate formula of unit dual quaternion and dual Euler–Rodrigues formula. To combine this equivalence with the homomorphic mapping of Lie groups, a theoretical correlation of the current hand-eye calibration methods is established. Motivated by the attempt to establish a more complete scheme for hand-eye calibration, a new simultaneous method based on the conjugate formula of dual quaternion is proposed. The method verifies that the rotation problem can be extended to the rigid-body transformation problem via the dual algebra. Finally, the simulation and experimental validations for the hand–eye calibration method are given. • The conjugate formula of unit dual quaternion is re-verified via the dual operations. • A new simultaneous method is defined for hand-eye calibration. • The theoretical correlation with the existing methods is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An algebraic synthesis method is proposed to form novel multi-loop linkages for rotation scaling. • Multi-loop planar, spherical, and spatial linkages can be constructed using the proposed method. • The generated linkages can exactly transmit angular motion with prescribed transmission ratios. • Exact angular motion transmission between parallel, intersecting, or skew axes is achieved. • Transmission characteristics of the multi-loop linkages are proved by kinematics analysis. This paper deals with the algebraic synthesis and input-output analysis of one degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) multi-loop planar, spherical, and spatial linkages for increasing or decreasing angular motion with a desired constant transmission ratio between two adjacent parallel, intersecting, and skew axes respectively. Based on the rotation scaling model and motion polynomials over dual quaternions, an algebraic synthesis method including three procedures is proposed to exactly construct novel multi-loop linkages owning arbitrarily prescribed constant transmission ratios and input/output axes. To illustrate this method, several 1-DOF multi-loop planar, spherical, and spatial linkages for rotation scaling are synthesized by designating various input and output axes as well as transmission ratios. Taking some multi-loop planar, spherical, and spatial linkages as examples, input-output analysis is carried out to verify their transmission characteristics. The results demonstrate that the generated 1-DOF multi-loop linkages can indeed transmit motion with prescribed constant transmission ratios and input/output axes. This work provides a framework for further investigation on mechanisms performing specified tasks for motion transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avoidance of singularities is critical to design and control of parallel robots. This paper aims at efficient determination of the maximal singularity-free joint space and workspace of a class of six-DOF parallel robots with six kinematic chains of same type. We represent the singularity-free joint space by a 6-cube and determine it firstly. The singularity-free workspace is generated by continuous motion of all active joints in the singularity-free joint space. As a result, the boundary of the workspace can be obtained with simultaneous consideration of position and orientation of the mobile platform. The size relation between the maximal singularity-free joint space and workspace is discussed. To efficiently determine the singularity-free joint space and workspace, we propose dual quaternion-based Jacobian matrices and construct an efficient algorithm. The algorithm detects singularities in a given joint space and simultaneously calculates its corresponding workspace. The computational costs of the proposed algorithm and the traditional one are compared using a 6-U P S parallel robot, leading to 9 seconds and 458 seconds respectively. Finally, both the maximal singularity-free joint space and workspace of a 6- P US parallel robot are determined to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forward kinematics is the basis of the design and control of the parallel robots. This paper aims to provide an efficient solution to the forward kinematics of a class of six-degrees-of-freedom parallel robots for real-time applications. With a unit dual quaternion used as the generalized coordinates of the robot system, the forward kinematic equations are derived to be a set of quadratic ones. An efficient algorithm is proposed to get the actual solution to them. The convergence and singularity problems of the new algorithm have been discussed. We have provided a convergence strategy and revealed the internal relation of the singularity with that of the parallel robot, proving the feasibility of the algorithm and giving the working condition in the practical applications. The new algorithm have been compared to the Newton's method for an 8-U P S parallel robot, resulting in the time consumptions of 0.2187 milliseconds and 14.25 milliseconds respectively. And then we perform a simulation of the state-feedback control for an 8- P US parallel robot. The two examples present the applications of the new algorithm and demonstrate its validity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new forward kinematic algorithm based on dual quaternion for a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) general Stewart Platform is proposed. The algorithm is established after taking into account the pose parameters of joints and the D–H parameters of each branch chain, which yields a precise mathematic model with a total of 174 geometric parameters. The validity of the algorithm is tested using an inverse kinematic algorithm of a general serial manipulator. The forward kinematic algorithms for the 6-6R and 6-2RP3R mechanisms can be expressed by a unified mathematic model. The proposed algorithm can solve the difficult problem of forward kinematics for the unsolved 6-6R parallel manipulator and can also be applied to error analysis, error synthesis, kinematic calibration, stiffness analysis and the accurate kinematic simulation by analysing the effect of geometric parameters on the platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we consider a special kind of overconstrained 6R closed linkage which we call angle-symmetric 6R linkage. These are linkages with the property that the rotation angles are equal for each of the three pairs of opposite joints. We give a classification of these linkages. It turns out that there are three types. First, we have the linkages with line symmetry. The second type is new. The third type is related to cubic motion polynomials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A line symmetric motion is the motion obtained by reflecting a rigid body in the successive generator lines of a ruled surface. In this work we review the dual quaternion approach to rigid body displacements, in particular the representation of the group SE(3) by the Study quadric. Then some classical work on reflections in lines or half-turns is reviewed. Next two new characterisations of line symmetric motions are presented. These are used to study a number of examples one of which is a novel line symmetric motion given by a rational degree five curve in the Study quadric. The rest of the paper investigates the connection between sets of half-turns and linear subspaces of the Study quadric. Line symmetric motions produced by some degenerate ruled surfaces are shown to be restricted to certain 2-planes in the Study quadric. Reflections in the lines of a linear line complex lie in the intersection of the Study quadric with a 4-plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An algebraic method is proposed to synthesize multi-mode Bennett-based mechanisms. • Several mechanisms with different number of joints are constructed. • Explicit poses of joint axes of the generated mechanisms are obtained. • Multimode characteristics of the generated mechanisms are demonstrated. • 7R Bennett-based mechanisms could have four motion modes comparing to two modes in general. This paper systematically deals with the synthesis of multi-mode single-loop 6R, 7R and 8R Bennett-based mechanisms from an algebraic viewpoint. Based on the factorization of motion polynomials over dual quaternions, an algebraic method is proposed to synthesize multi-mode single-loop 6R, 7R and 8R Bennett-based mechanisms. Using this method, several multi-mode single-loop Bennett-based mechanisms with different number of joints are constructed depending on explicit poses of joint axes. Then motion mode analysis of the 7R mechanism is carried out by formulating and solving a set of kinematic loop equations using tools from algebraic geometry. The analysis demonstrates that this multi-mode 7R mechanism has four motion modes, including a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) double Bennett mode, a 2-DOF hybrid mode, a 1-DOF rotation mode and a 1-DOF spatial 7R mode. Meanwhile, multimode characteristics of the single-loop 6R and 8R mechanisms also are concisely demonstrated in light of reconfiguration analysis. This work provides an algebraic representation framework for further investigation on multi-mode mechanisms that composed of two or more single-loop overconstraint mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide an efficient way for analyzing operation modes and revealing corresponding motion characteristics of lower-mobility parallel mechanisms (LMPMs) using unit dual quaternions. Unit dual quaternions are first classified into 132 cases corresponding to 132 elementary operation modes based on the number of constant zero components. Meanwhile, the kinematic interpretation of these cases is presented in detail. Then a general method for analyzing operation modes and revealing motion characteristics of LMPMs is proposed according to unit dual quaternions and geometrical constraints. By this means, operation modes of LMPMs with complicated constraint conditions can also be analyzed, where a prime decomposition of the ideal corresponding to constraint equations in this condition is infeasible. Taken a 3-RSR LMPM and a 3-RPS LMPM as examples, the operation modes and motion characteristics can be obtained by the proposed approach. It is shown that the former LMPM has seven operation modes including two elementary operation modes and five extra operation modes. Under certain operation modes, the zero-torsion motion of the 3-RSR LMPM can not even be achieved. On the other hand, the latter has two operation modes in which the parasitic motion exists. To gain a deeper insight into the physical meaning of the operation modes, axodes are analyzed and drawn by mean of the velocity operator. It is demonstrated that the 3-RSR LMPM can realize an equal-diameter spherical pure rolling movement with variable diameters and the 3-RPS LMPM can achieve a rolling movement accompanied by sliding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]