Numerical algorithms for mapping boundaries of manipulator workspaces

Numerical algorithms for mapping boundaries of manipulator workspaces are developed and illustrated. Analytical criteria for boundaries of workspaces for both manipulators having the same number of input and output coordinates and redundantly controlled manipulators with a larger number of inputs than outputs are well known, but reliable numerical methods for mapping them hale not been presented. In this paper, a numerical method is first developed for finding an initial point on the boundary. From this point, a continuation method that accounts for simple and multiple bifurcation of one-dimensional solution curves is developed. Second order Taylor expansions are derived for finding tangents to solution curves at simple bifurcation points of continuation equations and for characterizing barriers to control of manipulators. A recently developed method for tangent calculation at multiple bifurcation points is employed. A planar redundantly controlled serial manipulator is analyzed, determining both the exterior boundary of the accessible output set and interior curves that represent local impediments to motion control. Using these methods, more complex planar and spatial Stewart platform manipulators are analyzed in a companion paper.