Abstract-To address the challenges with real-time accurate modeling of multi-segment continuum manipulators in presence of significant external and body loads, we introduce a novel series solution for variable-curvature Cosserat rod static and Lagrangian dynamic method. By combining a modified Lagrange polynomial series solution, based on experimental observations, with Ritz and Ritz-Galerkin methods, the infinite modeling state space of a continuum manipulator is minimized to geometrical position of a handful of physical points (in our case two). As a result, a unified easy to implement vector formalism is proposed for nonlinear impedance and configuration control. We showed that by considering the mechanical effects of axial highly elastic deformation, the model accuracy is increased by up to 6%. The proposed model predicts experimental results with 6-8% (4-6 [mm]) mean error for the Ritz-Galerkin method in static cases and 16-20% (12-14 [mm]) mean error for the Ritz method in dynamic cases, in planar and general 3D motions. Comparing to five different models in the literature, our approximate solution showed to be more accurate with the smallest possible number of modeling states and suitable for real-time modeling, observation and control applications.

A reliable, accurate, and yet simple dynamic model is important to analyzing, designing, and controlling hybrid rigid–continuum robots. Such models should be fast, as simple as possible, and user-friendly to be widely accepted by the ever-growing robotics research community. In this study, we introduce two new modeling methods for continuum manipulators: a general reduced-order model (ROM) and a discretized model with absolute states and Euler–Bernoulli beam segments (EBA). In addition, a new formulation is presented for a recently introduced discretized model based on Euler–Bernoulli beam segments and relative states (EBR). We implement these models in a Matlab software package, named TMTDyn, to develop a modeling tool for hybrid rigid–continuum systems. The package features a new high-level language (HLL) text-based interface, a CAD-file import module, automatic formation of the system equation of motion (EOM) for different modeling and control tasks, implementing Matlab C-mex functionality for improved performance, and modules for static and linear modal analysis of a hybrid system. The underlying theory and software package are validated for modeling experimental results for (i) dynamics of a continuum appendage, and (ii) general deformation of a fabric sleeve worn by a rigid link pendulum. A comparison shows higher simulation accuracy (8–14% normalized error) and numerical robustness of the ROM model for a system with a small number of states, and computational efficiency of the EBA model with near real-time performances that makes it suitable for large systems. The challenges and necessary modules to further automate the design and analysis of hybrid systems with a large number of states are briefly discussed.

Abstract.: Investigations on control and optimization of continuum manipulators have resulted in a number of kinematic and dynamic modeling approaches each having their own advantages and limitations in various applications. In this paper, a comparative study of five main methods in the literature for kinematic, static and dynamic modeling of continuum manipulators is presented in a unified mathematical framework. The five widely used methods of Lumped system dynamic model, Constant curvature, two-step modified constant curvature, variable curvature Cosserat rod and beam theory approach, and series solution identification are re-viewed here with derivation details in order to clarify their methodological differences. A comparison between computer simulations and experimental results using a STIFF-FLOP continuum manipulator is presented to study the advantages of each modeling method.

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