Exerted force minimization for weak points in cooperating multiple robot arms

This paper discusses a force distribution scheme which minimizes the weighted norm of the forces/torques applied on weak points of cooperating multiple robot arms. The scheme is proposed to avoid the damage or unwanted motion of any weak point of robots or object stemming from excessive forces/torques. Since the proposed scheme can be used for either the joint torque minimization or the exerted force minimization on the object, it can be regarded as a unified force minimization method for multiple robot arms. The computational complexity in this scheme is analyzed using the properties of Jarcobian. Simulation of two identical PUMA robots held an object is carried out to illustrate the proposed scheme. By the proper choice of the weighting matrix in the performance index, we show that force minimization for a weak point can be achieved, and that the exerted force minimization on the object can be changed to the joint torque minimization.