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This paper presents a novel method for point-to-point path control for a hydraulic knuckle boom crane. The developed path control algorithm differs from previous solutions by operating in the actuator space instead of the joint space or Cartesian space of the crane. By operating in actuator space, almost all the parameters and constraints of the system become either linear or constant, which greatly reduces the complexity of both the control algorithm and path generator. For a given starting point and endpoint, the motion for each actuator is minimized compared to other methods. This ensures that any change in direction of motion is avoided, thereby greatly minimizing fatigue, jerky motion, and energy consumption. However, where other methods may move the tool-point in a straight line from start to end, the method in actuator space will not. In addition, when working in actuator space in combination with pressure-compensated control valves, there is no need for linearization of the system or feedback linearization due to the linear relationship between the control signal and the actuator velocities. The proposed solution has been tested on a physical system and shows good setpoint tracking and minimal oscillations.

This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental verification of adaptive feedforward motion control for a hydraulic differential cylinder. The proposed solution is implemented on a hydraulic loader crane. Based on common adaptation methods, a typical electro-hydraulic motion control system has been extended with a novel adaptive feedforward controller that has two separate feedforward states, i.e, one for each direction of motion. Simulations show convergence of the feedforward states, as well as 23% reduction in root mean square (RMS) cylinder position error compared to a fixed gain feedforward controller. The experiments show an even more pronounced advantage of the proposed controller, with an 80% reduction in RMS cylinder position error, and that the separate feedforward states are able to adapt to model uncertainties in both directions of motion.

Self-contained hydraulic cylinders have gained popularity in the recent years but have not been implemented for high power articulated hydraulic manipulators. This paper presents a novel concept for an electro-hydrostatic actuator applicable to large hydraulic manipulators. The actuator is designed and analyzed to comply with requirements such as load holding, overload handling, and differential flow compensation. The system is analyzed during four quadrant operation to investigate energy efficiency and regenerative capabilities. Numerical simulation is carried out using path control and 2DOF anti-swing of a hydraulic crane as a load case to illustrate a real world scenario. A comparison with traditional valve-controlled actuators is conducted, showing significantly improved efficiency and with similar dynamic response, as well as the possibility for regenerating energy.

Design, control, and performance of a ball-throwing robot are examined in this paper. The objective of this project is to provide an interactive ball-throwing robotic arm for illustrating the roles of engineers and computer scientists in the design and usage of such a system to high school or pre-engineering students. Activities in particle dynamics and trajectory calculation will provide basic hands on engineering experience and the opportunity to interact with the robot. In order to effectively provide this activity, the robot must consistently throw the ball from a known point with a desired velocity. This requires a minimum of a two-link manipulator with control strategies sufficient to converge two joint positions and velocities simultaneously. Due to limited micro-controller computational resources, feed-forward torques are calculated offline based on 3 rd order cubic spline trajectories. Feedback compensation for position and velocity error is then examined and compared for ball throwing accuracy and precision to a technique supplementing the previous controller with acceleration error compensation. Experimental results are presented that illustrate the improved accuracy and reduced repeatability the later technique.Gripper design providing consistent hold on the ball and rapid release is also examined.

In this paper, 3D anti-swing control for a hydraulic loader crane is presented. The difference between hydraulic and electric cranes are discussed to show the challenges associated with hydraulic actuation. The hanging load dynamics and relevant kinematics of the crane are derived to model the system and create the 3D anti-swing controller. The anti-swing controller generates a set of tool point velocities which are added to the electro-hydraulic motion controller via feedforward. A dynamic simulation model of the crane is made, and the control system is evaluated in simulations with a path controller in actuator space. Simulation results show significant reduction in the load swing angles during motion using the proposed anti-swing controller in addition to pressure feedback. Experiments are carried out to verify the performance of the anti-swing controller. Results show that the implemented pressure feedback is crucial for reaching stability, and with it the control system yields good suppression of the swing angles in practice.

The deflection compensation of a hydraulically actuated loader crane is presented. Measurement data from the laboratory are used to design a neural network deflection estimator. Kinematic expressions are derived and used with the deflection estimator in a feedforward topology to compensate for the static deflection. A dynamic deflection compensator is implemented, using pressure feedback and an adaptive bandpass filter. Simulations are conducted to verify the performance of the control system. Experimental results showcase the effectiveness of both the static and dynamic deflection compensator while running closed-loop motion control, with a 90% decrease in static deflection.