Method for optimizing manipulator’s geometrical parameters and selecting reducers

A geometrical parameters optimization and reducers selection method was proposed for robotic manipulators design. The Lagrangian approach was employed in deriving the dynamic model of a two-DOF manipulator. The flexibility of links and joints was taken into account in the mechanical structure dimensions optimization and reducers selection, in which Timoshenko model was used to discretize the hollow links. Two criteria, i.e. maximization of fundamental frequency and minimization of self-mass/load ratio, were utilized to optimize the manipulators. The NSGA-II (fast elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithms) was employed to solve the multi-objective optimization problem. How the joints flexibility affects the manipulators design was analyzed and shown in the numerical analysis example. The results indicate that simultaneous consideration of the joints and the links flexibility is very necessary for manipulators optimal design. Finally, several optimal combinations were provided. The effectiveness of the optimization method was proved by comparing with ADAMS simulation results. The self-mass/load ratio error of the two methods is within 10%. The maximum error of the natural frequency by the two methods is 23.74%. The method proposed in this work provides a fast and effective pathway for manipulator design and reducers selection.