Singularity and kinematics analysis for a class of PPUU mobile parallel robots

In this paper a class of mobile parallel robots with the structural configuration of PPUU (Prismatic-Prismatic- Universal-Universal) is investigated in detail. Firstly a singularity analysis corresponding to different configured cases of the revolute axes of the robot's U-joint based on the screw theory is developed and a brief comparison of the four cases is carried out. Of all four configuration schemes, only P
_x
P
_y
U
_xE
U
_FG
can avoid a singularity by mechanism design rather than complicated trajectory control. Then the inverse kinematics to the P
_x
P
_y
U
_xE
U
_FG
mobile parallel robot is developed. By a numerical approach, the orientation workspace envelope is mapped. This work provides an analytical basis for the design of an MPR prototype.