A parallel mechanism-based virtual biomechanical shoulder robot model: Mechanism design optimization and motion planning

This paper presents the design and optimization process of a Virtual Biomechanical Shoulder Robot Model (VBSRM) based on a 6-4 parallel mechanism. To address the challenges posed by parallel manipulators and the specific biomechanical constraints of the shoulder joint, a comprehensive design analysis is conducted. First, a kinematic model of the VBSRM is developed, followed by an investigation of its geometric model. To obtain an optimal VBSRM design, performance objectives such as condition number, norm of actuator force, and stiffness are identified and optimized. Initially, only condition number of the robot mechanism is optimized using Genetic Algorithm and performance objectives from the optimal design are analyzed. Later, the three objectives are grouped to form a single function and a single objective-based optimization is also conducted. However, further investigation revealed the conflicting nature of the objectives and hence these were simultaneously optimized using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II). The results obtained from various optimization routines are compared and it is found that the results from the NSGA II provide a better tradeoff between the performance objectives. The motion trajectories from the optimal design of the VBSRM are later analyzed vis-à-vis human shoulder motions for its intended use as a robotic model of the human shoulder joint in various applications.