Parallel robots with configurable platforms: Fundamental aspects of a new class of robotic architectures

This paper introduces general and fundamental aspects of a new class of parallel robots termed “parallel robots with configurable platforms”. The concept behind parallel mechanisms with configurable platforms is that the rigid link (non-configurable) end-effector is replaced by an additional closed-loop chain (the configurable platform). Some of the links of this closed loop are attached to the limbs so both the position and the configuration of the platform can be fully controlled from the motors located on the base. They retain the advantages of classical parallel robots, i.e. that all the motors are grounded on the base, while offering mechanical grasping capabilities via multiple contact points. Despite the few studies that have been done yet on the subject, the possible range of applications for this type of architecture is promising since it would be suitable for any application requiring both controlled grasping capabilities and high dynamic performance. This paper provides some preliminary results regarding the topology, mobility, overconstraints, Jacobian matrix, singularities and type synthesis of parallel robots with configurable platforms.