Locomotion Optimization and Manipulation Planning of a Tetrahedron-Based Mobile Mechanism with Binary Control

Locomotion and manipulation optimization is essential for the performance of tetrahedron‐based mobile mecha‐ nism. Most of current optimization methods are constrained to the continuous actuated system with limited degree of freedom (DOF), which is infeasible to the optimization of binary control multi‐DOF system. A novel optimization method using for the locomotion and manipulation of an 18 DOFs tetrahedron‐based mechanism called 5‐TET is proposed. The optimization objective is to realize the required locomotion by executing the least number of struts. Binary control strategy is adopted, and forward kinematic and tipping dynamic analyses are performed, respectively. Based on a developed genetic algorithm (GA), the optimal number of alternative struts between two adjacent steps is obtained as 5. Finally, a potential manipulation function is proposed, and the energy consumption comparison between optimal 5‐TET and the traditional wheeled robot is carried out. The presented locomotion optimization and manipulation planning enrich the research of tetrahedron‐based mechanisms and provide the instruction to the suc‐ cessive locomotion and operation planning of multi‐DOF mechanisms.