Time-optimal path tracking for robots a numerical integration-like approach combined with an iterative learning algorithm

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a precise time-optimal path tracking approach for robots under kinematic and dynamic constraints to improve the work efficiency of robots and guarantee tracking accuracy. Design/methodology/approach: In the proposed approach, the robot path is expressed by a scalar path coordinate and discretized into N points. The motion between two neighbouring points is assumed to be uniformly accelerated motion, so the time-optimal trajectory that satisfies constraints is obtained by using equations of uniformly accelerated motion instead of numerical integration. To improve dynamic model accuracy, the Coulomb and viscous friction are taken into account (while most publications neglect these effects). Furthermore, an iterative learning algorithm is designed to correct model-plant mismatch by adding an iterative compensation item into the dynamic model at each discrete point before trajectory planning. Findings: An experiment shows that compared with the sequential convex log barrier method, the proposed numerical integration-like (NI-like) approach has less computation time and a smoother planning trajectory. Compared with the experimental results before iteration, the torque deviation, tracking error and trajectory execution time are reduced after 10 iterations. Originality/value: As the proposed approach not only yields a time-optimal solution but also improves tracking performance, this approach can be used for any repetitive robot tasks that require more rapidity and less tracking error, such as assembly.