Comparative study of various machine learning algorithms and Denavit–Hartenberg approach for the inverse kinematic solutions in a 3- PP SS parallel manipulator

Purpose This paper aims to use different machine learning (ML) algorithms for the prediction of inverse kinematic solutions in parallel manipulators (PMs) to overcome the computational difficulties and approximations involved with the analytical methods. The results obtained from the ML algorithms and the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) approach are compared with the experimental results to evaluate their performances. The study is performed on a novel 6-degree of freedom (DoF) PM that offers precise motions with a large workspace for the end effector. Design/methodology/approach The kinematic model for the proposed 3- PP SS PM is obtained using the modified DH approach and its inverse kinematic solutions are determined using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Various prediction algorithms such as the multiple linear regression, multi-variate polynomial regression, support vector, decision tree, random forest regression and multi-layer perceptron networks are applied to predict the inverse kinematic solutions for the manipulator. The data set required to train the network is generated experimentally by recording the poses of the end effector for different instantaneous positions of the slider using the concept of ArUco markers. Findings This paper fully demonstrates the possibility to use artificial intelligence for the prediction of inverse kinematic solutions especially for complex geometries. Originality/value As the analytical models derived from the geometrical method, Screw theory or numerical techniques involve approximations and needs more computational power, it is not advisable for real-time control of the manipulator. In addition, the data set obtained from the derived inverse kinematic equations to train the network may lead to inaccuracies in the predicted results. This error may generate significant deviations in the end-effector position from the desired position. The present work attempts to resolve this issue by proposing a camera-based approach that uses ArUco library and ML algorithms to create the data set experimentally and predict the inverse kinematic solutions accurately.