Robust control of flexible joint manipulators

In this paper robotic manipulators in which the joints exhibit a certain amount of elasticity are considered. Based on a feedback linearized model, sliding mode control system is designed. In the control system design, weak joint stiffness assumption does not needed. Simulation results are presented to verify the validity of the control scheme. A robustness analysis for a feedback linearized model is also given with respect to uncertainties on the robot parameters.