Modeling and nonlinear control of a flexible-link manipulator

The problem of modeling and controlling the tip position of a one-link flexible manipulator is considered. The proposed model has been used to investigate the effect of the open-loop control torque profile, and the payload. The control strategy is based on the nonlinear State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) design method in the context of application to robotics and manufacturing systems. In this paper, an experimental test-bed was developed to demonstrate the concept of end-point position feedback on a single-link elastic manipulator, and the control strategy for a single-link flexible manipulator. The controller is designed based on the nonlinear SDRE developed by the authors and applied to a flexible manipulator. The experimental results are compared with conventional PD controller strategy. The results reveal that the nonlinear SDRE controller is near optimal and robustly; and its performance is improved comparing to the PD control scheme.