Dynamics Modeling of Continuum Robots Using Screw Theory for Real-time Control

Modeling the dynamics of continuum robotic arms is challenging due to the highly nonlinear nature and uncertain and complicated inherent structure. This affects the application of continuum arms in various aspects, such as inverse kinematics, path generation, optimization, and control. This paper deals with the dynamics modeling of continuum robotic arms using screw theory to develop a suitable model with high accuracy, speed, and low computational load to achieve real-time control. By using the representation of the Lie group of screws in the screw theory, which simplifies the mathematics of the problem, it is possible to achieve a real-time integrated representation of the dynamics of the deformation of the body of continuum robotic arms. This provides the possibility of accurately predicting the system behavior even in the presence of external forces acting on the end-effector. The experimentally validated results for circular and infinite motion trajectories show the model effectiveness in enhancing the trajectory tracking performance and ability to estimate configuration shape changes under external loads. The integration of this model in soft robotic arms has the potential to revolutionize their application in a wide range of industries and medical applications.