Wang, Yuemin.

During the manufacture of industrial robots, differences between actual and nominal linkage parameters occur. Thus, when a robot system attempts to perform a desired task using nominal parameter based planning schemes, it usually performs the task quite differently from the desired one. A method for automatically determining the differences between nominal and actual parameter models, namely calibration, is presented in this thesis. The method features a simple and efficient measurement scheme using an instrumented articulated linkage. The basis of parameter identification approach is similar to that of closed-loop mechanism syntheses. Jacobian formulation using a vector cross product method with mixed choices of kinematic model for coordinate system representation is adopted. Effectiveness of this method and factors affecting the calibration are examined using simulation. A complete design of the measurement device, both electrical and mechanical, is also presented.