Multi-objective optimal design of flexible-joint parallel robot

Purpose - This paper aims to present the optimal design procedure of a symmetrical 2-DOF parallel planar robot with flexible joints by considering several performance criteria based on the workspace size, dynamic dexterity and energy of the control. Design/methodology/approach - Consequently, the optimal design consists in determining the dimensional parameters to maximize the size of the workspace, maximize the dynamic dexterity and minimize the energy of the control action. The design criteria are derived from the kinematics, dynamics, elastodynamics and the position control law of the robot. The analysis of the design criteria is performed by means of the design space and atlases. Findings - Finally, the multi-objective design optimization derived from the optimal design procedure is solved by using multi-objective genetic algorithms, and the results are analyzed to assess the validity of the proposed approach. Originality/value - An alternative approach to the design of a planar parallel robot with flexible joints that permits determining the structural parameters by considering kinematic, dynamic and control operational performance.