Analytical Modeling, Virtual Prototyping, and Performance Optimization of Cartesian Robots: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

A comprehensive literature review on the kinematics and dynamics modeling and virtual prototyping (V.P) of the Cartesian robots with a flexible configuration is presented in this paper. Different modeling approaches of the main components of the Cartesian robot, which includes linear belt drives and structural components, are presented and discussed in this paper. Furthermore, the vibrations modeling, trajectory planning, and control strategies of the Cartesian robot are also presented. The performance optimization of the Cartesian robot is discussed here, which is affected by the highly flexible configuration of the robot incurred due to high-mix, low-volume production. The importance of virtual prototyping techniques, like finite element analysis and multi-body dynamics, for modeling Cartesian robots or its components is presented. Design and performance optimization methods for robots with a flexible configuration are discussed, although their application to Cartesian robots is rare in the literature and it presents an exciting opportunity for future research in this area. This review paper focuses on the importance of further research on the virtual prototyping tools for flexibly configured robots and their integration with experimental validation. The findings offer useful insights to industries looking to maximize their production processes while keeping the customization, reliability, and efficiency.

Keywords

• flexible robotic configuration
• kinematics and dynamics modeling
• virtual prototyping
• linear belt drives
• precision control
• performance optimization