Configuration Control of a Redundant Manipulator Optimizing Stiffness and Joint Torque

In this paper, we focus on a configuration control method of a redundant manipulator. The configuration of a redundant manipulator has been determined by geometry constraints and additional conditions, such as obstacle avoidance and dexterity optimization. This paper also utilizes optimization, and the additional condition (or performance index) to be optimized is stiffness of the end-effector and joints' torque. Stiffness and torque may be a natural attribute to be controlled during working and those vary as manipulator configuration does. So the optimal configuration from the viewpoint of stiffness and joint torque is studied. If the servo control mechanism of the joints Is assumed to be a...