This dissertation covers the process of modelling and subsequently developing a flight dynamics controller for a quad–rotor unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a theoretical study that focusses on the selection of a controller type by first analysing the problem on a system level and then on a technical level. The craft is modelled using the Newton– Euler model, accounting for multiple reference frames to account for the interpretation of orientation as seen by on–board sensors. The quad–rotor model and selected controllers are characterized and compared. The model is verified through simulation by comparison to a validated model. A series of generic control loops are derived and used as reference for the implementation of the controllers. A Simulator is developed and used to do a comparative study of the various controller types and the control approach. Finally a full simulation is done to demonstrate the interaction between the controllers. / Thesis (MIng (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This dissertation covers the process of modelling and subsequently developing a flight dynamics controller for a quad–rotor unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a theoretical study that focusses on the selection of a controller type by first analysing the problem on a system level and then on a technical level. The craft is modelled using the Newton– Euler model, accounting for multiple reference frames to account for the interpretation of orientation as seen by on–board sensors. The quad–rotor model and selected controllers are characterized and compared. The model is verified through simulation by comparison to a validated model. A series of generic control loops are derived and used as reference for the implementation of the controllers. A Simulator is developed and used to do a comparative study of the various controller types and the control approach. Finally a full simulation is done to demonstrate the interaction between the controllers. / Thesis (MIng (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

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Dans ce travail de thèse, nous nous sommes consacrés au développement d’un système robotique permettant de reproduire en laboratoire l’ensemble des perturbations subies par un sujet humain dans un transport en commun afin d’analyser et de comprendre le mécanisme de son équilibre postural. La reproduction en laboratoire des perturbations nécessitent la conception d’une plateforme dynamique non contrainte dans son déplacement. L’analyse de l’équilibre humain nécessite également le développement d’un modèle du pendule inversé de l’homme afin de définir des indices quantitatifs d’équilibre et de procéder à des analyses statistiques et comparatives. Grâce aux objectifs fixés par ce travail de recherche, nous avons réalisé une plateforme mobile omnidirectionnelle compacte pouvant supporter un sujet pesant 120kg. Cette plateforme confère au sujet placé dessus une meilleure perception de confort et de sécurité. Ses performances en termes de poursuite de trajectoire et de commande des accélérations ont été effectuées et évaluées. Ces performances sont très satisfaisantes par rapport aux expérimentations menées dans le métro puisque les accélérations réalisées sont supérieures aux valeurs exigées par ce moyen de transport. Ainsi, la plateforme est capable de reproduire une perturbation compatible avec le métro. Nous avons proposé deux méthodes d’analyse basées sur des accéléromètres triaxiaux connectés et synchronisés à la plateforme pour l’évaluation des paramètres de couple et de position articulaires de la cheville, du genou et de la hanche du sujet. Les résultats obtenus sont comparables à ceux obtenus par un système plus couteux de capture de mouvement avec logiciel biomécanique. De nouveaux indices d’équilibre ont été proposés à partir des paramètres biomécaniques de 22 sujets. Ces indices peuvent être exploités par les thérapeutes pour analyser et prévoir la capacité de maintien de l’équilibre d’un passager dans le métro ou plus généralement dans les transports en commun. / In this thesis, we achieved the development of a robotic system to reproduce in laboratory all the disturbances undergone by a human subject in public transport in order to make an analysis of postural balance. Reproductive simulated disturbances in laboratory require developing a dynamic platform unconstrained in its movement. Analysis of postural balance also requires the development of an inverted pendulum model to define quantitative indices of stability and to make comparative and statistical analysis. According the objectives of this research work, we realized a compact omnidirectional mobile platform capable of supporting a weight of about 120kg. This platform gives the subject placed on it a better perception of comfort and safety. Its performances in terms of trajectory tracking and acceleration control are carried out and evaluated. These performances are very satisfactory compared to experiments in the subway since the produced accelerations are higher than the values required by this means of transport. Thus, the platform is able to reproduce the perturbation compatible with the subway. We proposed two methods of analysis based on triaxial accelerometers connected and synchronized platform for evaluating torque and joint position of the ankle, knee and hip of the subject. The results obtained are comparable to those obtained by more expensive motion capture system with biomechanical software. New postural balance indices have been proposed from the biomechanical parameters of 22 subjects. These indices can be used by therapists to analyze and predict the ability of maintaining the balance of a passenger in the subway or more generally in public transport.

Ball and plate balancing control systems are commonly studied due to the complex dynamics associated with the instability of the system in open-loop. For simplicity, mathematical models describing the ball and plate dynamics are often linearized and the effects of complex motion are assumed to be negligible. These assumptions are rarely backed with evidence or explanations validating the simplified form of the dynamical equations of motion. This thesis focuses on developing a nonlinear model that more accurately defines the dynamics of the system, in order to quantify the error of linear and nonlinear models when compared to a Simscape physical system model. To develop the nonlinear model, this thesis considers both Newton-Euler and Lagrangian modeling methods and applies the method best suited for the ball and plate system. A linear state-feedback controller is developed to compare the stable responses of each system model. The response of each plant model in open-loop and closed-loop configurations subject to different inputs, initial conditions, and disturbances are simulated in the Simulink environment. When compared to the physical system, there was less error from the nonlinear model than from the linear model for both initial condition and disturbance responses. The differences in error were as high as 2% compared to 10% for the nonlinear and linear models, respectively. These results show that there are significant differences associated with model simplification. To optimize the performance, it may be advantageous to utilize a nonlinear model, however, the linearized model is still valid to be used in certain applications due to its stable response behavior.

Este trabalho trata do estudo de robôs de arquitetura paralela, focando na modelagem e otimização dos mesmos. Não foi construído nenhum tipo de protótipo físico, contudo os modelos virtuais poderão, no futuro, habilitar tal façanha. Após uma busca por uma aplicação que se beneficie do uso de um robô de arquitetura paralela, fez-se uma pesquisa por arquiteturas viáveis já existentes ou relatadas na literatura. Escolheu-se a mais apta e prosseguiu-se com os estudos e modelagem cinemática e dinâmica, dando uma maior ênfase na cinemática e dinâmica inversa, esta última utilizando a formulação de Newton - Euler. Foi construído um simulador virtual em ambiente MATLAB 6.5, dotado de várias capacidades como interpolação linear e circular, avanço e uso de múltiplos eixos coordenados. Seu propósito principal é o de demonstrar a funcionalidade e eficácia dos métodos utilizados. Depois foi incorporado ao simulador um algoritmo de cálculo do volume de trabalho da máquina que utiliza alguns dados do usuário para calcular o volume, que pode ser aquele atrelado a uma postura em particular ou o volume de trabalho de orientação total. Algoritmos para medir o desempenho da máquina quanto à uniformidade e utilização da força dos atuadores foram construídos e também incorporados ao simulador, que consegue mostrar o elipsóide de forças ao longo de quaisquer movimentos executados pela plataforma móvel. Quanto à otimização, parte do ferramental previamente construído foi utilizado para que se pudesse chegar a um modelo de uma máquina que respeitasse restrições mínimas quanto ao tamanho e forma de seu volume de trabalho, mas ainda mantendo o melhor desempenho possível dentro deste volume. / This work is about the study of parallel architecture robots, focusing in modeling and optimization. No physical prototypes were built, although the virtual models can help those willing to do so. After searching for an application that could benefit from the use of a parallel robot, another search was made, this time for the right architecture type. After selecting the architecture, the next step was the kinematics and dynamics analysis. The dynamics model is developed using the Newton ? Euler method. A virtual simulator was also developed in MATLAB 6.5 environment. The simulator?s main purpose was to demonstrate that the methods applied were correct and efficient, so it has several features such as linear and circular interpolations, capacity to use multiple coordinate systems and others. After finishing the simulator, an algorithm to calculate the machine workspace was added. The algorithm receives as input some desired requirements regarding the manipulator pose and then calculates the workspace, taking into consideration imposed constraints. Lastly, algorithms capable to measure the manipulator?s performance regarding to its actuator and end-effector force relationship were also incorporated into the simulator that calculates the machine?s force ellipsoid during any movement, for each desired workspace point. For the optimization procedures, some previously developed tools were used, so that the resulting model was capable to respect some workspace constraints regarding size and shape, but also maintaining the best performance possible inside this volume.

Este trabalho trata do estudo de robôs de arquitetura paralela, focando na modelagem e otimização dos mesmos. Não foi construído nenhum tipo de protótipo físico, contudo os modelos virtuais poderão, no futuro, habilitar tal façanha. Após uma busca por uma aplicação que se beneficie do uso de um robô de arquitetura paralela, fez-se uma pesquisa por arquiteturas viáveis já existentes ou relatadas na literatura. Escolheu-se a mais apta e prosseguiu-se com os estudos e modelagem cinemática e dinâmica, dando uma maior ênfase na cinemática e dinâmica inversa, esta última utilizando a formulação de Newton - Euler. Foi construído um simulador virtual em ambiente MATLAB 6.5, dotado de várias capacidades como interpolação linear e circular, avanço e uso de múltiplos eixos coordenados. Seu propósito principal é o de demonstrar a funcionalidade e eficácia dos métodos utilizados. Depois foi incorporado ao simulador um algoritmo de cálculo do volume de trabalho da máquina que utiliza alguns dados do usuário para calcular o volume, que pode ser aquele atrelado a uma postura em particular ou o volume de trabalho de orientação total. Algoritmos para medir o desempenho da máquina quanto à uniformidade e utilização da força dos atuadores foram construídos e também incorporados ao simulador, que consegue mostrar o elipsóide de forças ao longo de quaisquer movimentos executados pela plataforma móvel. Quanto à otimização, parte do ferramental previamente construído foi utilizado para que se pudesse chegar a um modelo de uma máquina que respeitasse restrições mínimas quanto ao tamanho e forma de seu volume de trabalho, mas ainda mantendo o melhor desempenho possível dentro deste volume. / This work is about the study of parallel architecture robots, focusing in modeling and optimization. No physical prototypes were built, although the virtual models can help those willing to do so. After searching for an application that could benefit from the use of a parallel robot, another search was made, this time for the right architecture type. After selecting the architecture, the next step was the kinematics and dynamics analysis. The dynamics model is developed using the Newton ? Euler method. A virtual simulator was also developed in MATLAB 6.5 environment. The simulator?s main purpose was to demonstrate that the methods applied were correct and efficient, so it has several features such as linear and circular interpolations, capacity to use multiple coordinate systems and others. After finishing the simulator, an algorithm to calculate the machine workspace was added. The algorithm receives as input some desired requirements regarding the manipulator pose and then calculates the workspace, taking into consideration imposed constraints. Lastly, algorithms capable to measure the manipulator?s performance regarding to its actuator and end-effector force relationship were also incorporated into the simulator that calculates the machine?s force ellipsoid during any movement, for each desired workspace point. For the optimization procedures, some previously developed tools were used, so that the resulting model was capable to respect some workspace constraints regarding size and shape, but also maintaining the best performance possible inside this volume.

Cette thèse propose un cadre méthodologique général et unifié adapté à l’étude de la locomotion d'une large gamme de robots, en particulier bio-inspirés. L'objectif de cette thèse est double. Tout d'abord, elle contribue à la classification des robots locomoteurs en adoptant les outils mathématiques mis en place par l'école américaine de mécanique géométrique. Deuxièmement,en profitant de la nature récursive de la formulation de Newton-Euler, elle propose de nouveaux outils efficaces sous la forme d'algorithmes aptes à résoudre les dynamiques externe directe et interne inverse de tout robot locomoteur approximable par un système multicorps mobile. Ces outils génériques peuvent aider l’ingénieur ou le chercheur dans la conception, la commande, la planification de mouvement des robots locomoteurs ou manipulateurs comprenant un grand nombre de degrés de liberté internes. Des algorithmes effectifs sont proposés pour les robots discrets ainsi que continus. Ces outils méthodologiques sont appliqués à de nombreux exemples illustratifs empruntés à la robotique bio-inspirée tels les robots serpents, chenilles et autres snake-board… / This thesis proposes a general and unified methodological framework suitable for studying the locomotion of a wide range of robots, especially bio-inspired. The objective of this thesis is twofold. First, it contributes to the classification of locomotion robots by adopting the mathematical tools developed by the American school of geometric mechanics.Secondly, by taking advantage of the recursive nature of the Newton-Euler formulation, it proposes numerous efficient tools in the form of computational algorithms capable of solving the external direct dynamics and the internal inverse dynamics of any locomotion robot considered as a mobile multi-body system. These generic tools can help the engineers or researchers in the design, control and motion planning of manipulators as well as locomotion robots with a large number of internal degrees of freedom. The efficient algorithms are proposed for discrete and continuous robots. These methodological tools are applied to numerous illustrative examples taken from the bio-inspired robotics such as snake-like robots, caterpillars, and others like snake-board, etc.

This thesis proposes a general and unified methodological framework suitable for studying the locomotion of a wide range of robots, especially bio-inspired. The objective of this thesis is twofold. First, it contributes to the classification of locomotion robots by adopting the mathematical tools developed by the American school of geometric mechanics.Secondly, by taking advantage of the recursive nature of the Newton-Euler formulation, it proposes numerous efficient tools in the form of computational algorithms capable of solving the external direct dynamics and the internal inverse dynamics of any locomotion robot considered as a mobile multi-body system. These generic tools can help the engineers or researchers in the design, control and motion planning of manipulators as well as locomotion robots with a large number of internal degrees of freedom. The efficient algorithms are proposed for discrete and continuous robots. These methodological tools are applied to numerous illustrative examples taken from the bio-inspired robotics such as snake-like robots, caterpillars, and others like snake-board, etc.

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit est consacré à l'élaboration d'un modèle dynamique de la nage pour la commande du futur "Robot Anguille" du projet ROBEA-CNRS du même nom. Dans l'absolu, le calcul des interactions entre un corps déformable et le fluide sur lequel il s'appuie pour se déplacer, est un problème complexe nécessitant l'intégration des équations de Navier-Stokes couplées aux équations non-linéaires de la dynamique du corps soumis à des transformations finies. Poursuivant des objectifs de commande pour la robotique, la solution proposée dans ce travail est basée sur la fusion de deux théories : celle du "corps mince" issue de la mécanique des fluides et celle des "poutres Cosserat" de la mécanique du solide. La première théorie permet de remplacer l'écoulement 3-D autour du poisson par la stratification "tranche par tranche" d'écoulements plans, transverses à l'axe principal du corps de l'animal. Quant à la seconde, elle assimile le poisson à l'assemblage continu de sections rigides modélisant ses vertèbres ou, dans un contexte plus technologique, les plate-formes parallèles de notre robot bio-mimétique. Sur la base de cette modélisation, le travail présenté a pour but d'établir les dynamiques de la tête et des vertèbres du poisson afin d'élaborer in fine un algorithme de simulation numérique basé sur le "formalisme de Newton-Euler" de la robotique, ici étendu aux robots locomoteurs continus. Finalement, le modèle élaboré réalise une généralisation du modèle de Lighthill au cas de la nage tridimensionnelle d'un corps élancé autopropulsé. Outre ce résultat purement analytique, le simulateur qui en résulte nous a permis de mettre au point des allures jamais étudiées jusqu'alors. Qui plus est, il tourne en "temps réel", tout en maintenant un bon niveau de précision (i.e. inférieur à 10%) comparé à la référence basée sur la résolution numérique des équations de Navier-Stokes.