Abstract
To realize a visual servo control of slender manipulators, two problems to be solved are analysed. The stability problem on so-called noncolocation control and the infinite order problem of the real Jacobian matrix caused by the elastic deformation are discussed. By considering the dynamic relations between rigid and elastic modes, a Jacobian operator is derived and the physical meaning is also explained. Then, for practical control, a simple control scheme using an approximate Jacobian is proposed and its stable conditions are proven by means of the $L_$2$ stability theory. The scheme is structurally similar to the conventional PD control laws, but external sensors(e. g. visual sensor) are used for positioning and internal sensors for damping. A good performance is obtained via control experiments of a slender two link manipulator.
