Energy Optimization of Functionally Redundant Robots through Motion Design

This work proposes to exploit functional redundancy as a tool to enhance the energy efficiency of a robotic system. In a functionally redundant system, i.e., one in which the number of degrees of freedom required to complete the task is smaller than the number of available degrees of freedom, the motion of the extra degrees of freedom can be tailored to enhance a performance metric. This work showcases a method that can be used to effectively enhance the energy efficiency through motion design, using a detailed dynamic model of the UR5 serial robot arm. The method is based on an optimization of the motion profile, using a parametrized description of the end-effector orientation: the results showcase an increased efficiency that allows energy savings up to 20.8%, according to the energy consumption results according to the electro-mechanical dynamic model of the robot.