This paper presents in detail how to model, identify, and control a 3-DOF prismatics-revolute-spherical parallel manipulator in terms of relevant parameters. A reduced model based on a set of relevant parameters is obtained following a novel approach that considers a simplified dynamic model with a physically feasible set of parameters. The proposed control system is compared with the response of a model-based control that considers the complete identification of the rigid-body dynamic parameters, friction at joints, and the inertia of the actuators. The control systems are implemented on a virtual and an actual prototype. The results show that the control scheme based on the reduced model improves the trajectory tracking precision when comparing with the control scheme based on the complete set of dynamic parameters. Moreover, the reduced model shows a significant reduction in the computational burden, allowing real-time control.

SUMMARY: This paper presents the design, kinematics, dynamics and control of a low-cost parallel rehabilitation robot developed at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia. Several position and force controllers have been tested to ensure accurate tracking performances. An orthopedic boot, equipped with a force sensor, has been placed over the platform of the parallel robot to perform exercises for injured ankles. Passive, active-assistive and active-resistive exercises have been implemented to train dorsi/plantar flexion, inversion and eversion ankle movements. In order to implement the controllers, the component-based middleware Orocos has been used with the advantage over other solutions that the whole scheme control can be implemented modularly. These modules are independent and can be configured and reconfigured in both configuration and runtime. This means that no specific knowledge is needed by medical staff, for example, to carry out rehabilitation exercises using this low-cost parallel robot. The integration between Orocos and ROS, with a CAD model displaying the actual position of the rehabilitation robot in real time, makes it possible to develop a teleoperation application. In addition, a teleoperated rehabilitation exercise can be performed by a specialist using a Wiimote (or any other Bluetooth device).

This paper proposes a two translational and two rotational (2T2R) four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) parallel kinematic mechanism (PKM) designed as a knee rehabilitation and diagnosis mechatronics system. First, we establish why rehabilitation devices with 2T2R motion are required, and then, we review previously proposed parallel mechanisms with this type of motion. After that, we develop a novel proposal based on the analysis of each kinematic chain and the Grübler–Kutzbach criterion. Consequently, the proposal consists of a central limb with revolute-prismatic-universal (RPU) joints and three external limbs with universal-prismatic-spherical (UPS) joints. The Screw theory analysis verifies the required mobility of the mechanism. Also, closed-loop equations enable us to put forward the closed-form solution for the inverse-displacement model, and a numerical solution for the forward-displacement model. A comparison of the numerical results from five test trajectories and the solution obtained using a virtual prototype built in msc-adams shows that the kinematic model represents the mechanism's motion. The analysis of the forward-displacement problem highlights the fact that the limbs of the mechanism should be arranged asymmetrically. Moreover, the Screw theory makes it possible to obtain the Jacobian matrix which provides insights into the analysis of the mechanism's workspace. The results show that the proposed PKM can cope with the required diagnosis and rehabilitation task. The results provide the guidelines to build a first prototype of the mechanism which enables us to perform initial tests on the robot.