Decentralized Control of Redundant Manipulator Based on the Analogy of Heat and Wave Equations

Abstract

Based on the analogy of heat and wave equations, novel decentralized control methods of a redundant manipulator are proposed. Because these control methods are based on real physical phenomena, physical sense of control parameters can be understood intuitively. Some traditional control methods can be reconstructed from the viewpoint of proposed methods. Furthermore, stable characteristics of the heat conduction imply stability of the control method. As case studies, three subjects are discussed: position control of the end-effector of manipulator, obstacle avoidance, grasping behavior. Some numerical results are shown to illustrate capabilities of proposed control methods.