Time-Optimal Trajectory Planning of Flexible Manipulator Moving along Multi-Constraint Continuous Path and Avoiding Obstacles

To solve the trajectory planning problem of the flexible manipulator under various constraints such as end-camera attitude, drive space, and obstacles during video inspection along a continuous path in narrow three-dimensional space, this paper proposes a time-optimal trajectory planning method from the initial configuration to the final configuration. The trajectory planning problem is transformed into a multi-constraint optimization problem. First, to realize continuous video inspection in an unstructured complex environment, by analyzing the geometric model of the two-segment flexible manipulator with a camera at the end, the pose constraints between the camera and the shooting surface are formulated by the space vector method, the driving constraints are formulated based on kinematics, and the obstacle constraints are formulated by space mapping. Then, a multi-constraint optimization model is constructed to generate the smooth trajectory of the drive cable of the flexible manipulator by minimizing the total time of continuous path motion. Compared with the conventional point-to-point collision avoidance planning solution method, this paper starts from the global perspective and investigates the less considered continuous path trajectory planning problem; also, the swarm intelligence algorithm artificial jellyfish search algorithm (JS) is employed to optimize the solution and find the minimum time trajectory conforming to a variety of complex constraints. Finally, a simulation is conducted with CoppeliaSim, and the continuous path video inspection experiment is carried out in the 500KV GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) equipment, the simulation and experimental results indicate that the planned drive cable trajectory is smooth and effective. In addition, each path point is tracked and obstacles are avoided safely. When the flexible manipulator moves along the whole path, the pose of the camera satisfies the relaxed attitude constrain The proposed method can guide the two-segment flexible manipulator to complete the continuous video inspection task of the GIS cavity wall and conductive column surface.