CT ARM-I: coupled tendon-driven manipulator model I-design and basic experiments

Abstract

A nine-degree-of-freedom multijoint manipulator called the CT ARM-I has been developed. The CT ATM-I is based on the concept of coupled drive and the connected differential mechanism, and thus the force for lifting a payload does not concentrate on one actuator but is distributed among all actuators. This manipulator has a specific tendon traction force transmission mechanism in which a pair of tendons for driving a joint are pulled from base actuators via pulleys mounted on the base-side joints. The mechanism uses the coupled drive function of the tendon traction forces and thus enables the lightweight manipulator to exhibit high payload capability. Through the experimental study, it was demonstrated that the CT ARM-I has an active compliance arm and offers payload capability far superior to conventional designs.