The Maximal Singularity-Free Workspace of the Gough–Stewart Platform for a Given Orientation

Abstract

The maximal singularity-free workspace of parallel mechanisms is a desirable criterion in robot design. However, for a 6DOF parallel mechanism, it is very difficult to find an analytic method to determine the maximal singularity-free workspace around a prescribed point for a given orientation. Hence, a numerical algorithm is presented in this paper to compute the maximal singularity-free workspace as well as the corresponding leg length ranges of the Gough–Stewart platform. This algorithm is based on the relationship between the maximal singularity-free workspace and the singularity surface. Case studies with different orientations are performed to demonstrate the presented algorithm. The obtained results can be applied to the geometric design or parameter (leg length) setup of this type of parallel robots.