In this paper, we study the dynamics of an articulated planar mobile robot for confined environment exploration. The mobile vehicle is composed of n identical modules hitched together with passive revolute joints. Each module has the structure of a four-bar parallel mechanism on a mobile platform. The dynamic model is derived using Lagrange formulation. Computer simulations illustrate the model by addressing a path following problem inside a pipe. The dynamic model presented in this paper is the basis for the design of motion control algorithms that encode energy optimization and sensor performance maximization.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Dynamics (Mechanics), Kinematics, Mobile robots, Pipes, Wheels, Robots, Vehicles, Inspection, Equations of motion

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