Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control
This thesis investigates the use of model-based predictive control for the capture of a multidegree- of freedom object that moves in a somewhat arbitrary manner, using a deployable manipulator. While the study is conducted through both computer simulation and ground-based experimental investigati...
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ndltd-UBC-oai-circle.library.ubc.ca-2429-157902018-01-05T17:37:58Z Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control McCourt, Richard This thesis investigates the use of model-based predictive control for the capture of a multidegree- of freedom object that moves in a somewhat arbitrary manner, using a deployable manipulator. While the study is conducted through both computer simulation and ground-based experimental investigation, the intended application is focused on automating the robotic capture of a free-floating and spinning satellite. The main motivation for this application comes from the fact that robotic satellite capture in space, for retrieval, correction, repair, etc., can significantly eliminate the risks involved when astronauts are used in space walk scenarios to manually execute the necessary tasks. When a satellite is spinning, the maneuvering of a robotic manipulator by a human operator for a successful capture becomes increasing difficult. For this reason, satellite capturing using an autonomous robot is particularly attractive, and is studied in the thesis. The present investigation uses an innovative manipulator known as the Multi-module Deployable Manipulator System (MDMS), which has been designed and built in our laboratory. It is a multipurpose manipulator, which consists of a combination of revolute and prismatic joints and provides several advantages over the standard, all-revolute-joint manipulators that are used in space applications. The advantages include reduced dynamic coupling, fewer configuration singularities, easier obstacle avoidance, and simpler inverse kinematics, when compared to all-revolutejoint manipulators of the same size and degrees of freedom. Furthermore, our experience in designing, controlling, and experimentation with two models of the manipulator provides an added incentive for using the MDMS as the test bed for the present investigation. In the controller that is developed, computer-simulated, implemented, and tested in the present research, the future path of the target satellite is predicted, and the controller uses this future knowledge of the target, and an internal model of the manipulator, to make optimal control decisions to minimize the tracking error between the target and the end-effector. Multi-parametric Quadratic Programming (mp-QP) techniques are used in order to obtain constrained optimal control decisions in real-time. The mp-QP algorithm offers fast solution times by explicitly solving the constrained quadratic programming problem offline and then using look-up tables in the realtime application. Unfortunately, the mp-QP solution is susceptible to numerical problems, and as a result the fully constrained predictive controller could not be implemented in real time. However, a sub-optimal version of the controller was implemented. The results show that the mp-QP algorithm is still able to realize user defined constraints; therefore providing the benefits of constrained optimal control in the satellite capturing problem. The results show that when the satellite motion is predicted the tracking performance is improved. Moreover, when the physical constraints of the system are formulated into the optimization, the controller becomes aware of its own limitations and the approach towards the satellite is improved by eliminating possible overshooting of the target. Applied Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Graduate 2009-11-25T19:11:00Z 2009-11-25T19:11:00Z 2004 2004-11 Text Thesis/Dissertation http://hdl.handle.net/2429/15790 eng For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. 8539183 bytes application/pdf |
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This thesis investigates the use of model-based predictive control for the capture of a multidegree-
of freedom object that moves in a somewhat arbitrary manner, using a deployable manipulator.
While the study is conducted through both computer simulation and ground-based experimental
investigation, the intended application is focused on automating the robotic capture of a
free-floating and spinning satellite. The main motivation for this application comes from the fact
that robotic satellite capture in space, for retrieval, correction, repair, etc., can significantly eliminate
the risks involved when astronauts are used in space walk scenarios to manually execute the
necessary tasks. When a satellite is spinning, the maneuvering of a robotic manipulator by a human
operator for a successful capture becomes increasing difficult. For this reason, satellite capturing
using an autonomous robot is particularly attractive, and is studied in the thesis.
The present investigation uses an innovative manipulator known as the Multi-module Deployable
Manipulator System (MDMS), which has been designed and built in our laboratory. It is a multipurpose
manipulator, which consists of a combination of revolute and prismatic joints and provides
several advantages over the standard, all-revolute-joint manipulators that are used in space
applications. The advantages include reduced dynamic coupling, fewer configuration singularities,
easier obstacle avoidance, and simpler inverse kinematics, when compared to all-revolutejoint
manipulators of the same size and degrees of freedom. Furthermore, our experience in designing,
controlling, and experimentation with two models of the manipulator provides an added
incentive for using the MDMS as the test bed for the present investigation.
In the controller that is developed, computer-simulated, implemented, and tested in the present
research, the future path of the target satellite is predicted, and the controller uses this future
knowledge of the target, and an internal model of the manipulator, to make optimal control decisions
to minimize the tracking error between the target and the end-effector. Multi-parametric
Quadratic Programming (mp-QP) techniques are used in order to obtain constrained optimal control
decisions in real-time. The mp-QP algorithm offers fast solution times by explicitly solving
the constrained quadratic programming problem offline and then using look-up tables in the realtime
application. Unfortunately, the mp-QP solution is susceptible to numerical problems, and as
a result the fully constrained predictive controller could not be implemented in real time. However,
a sub-optimal version of the controller was implemented. The results show that the mp-QP
algorithm is still able to realize user defined constraints; therefore providing the benefits of constrained
optimal control in the satellite capturing problem.
The results show that when the satellite motion is predicted the tracking performance is improved.
Moreover, when the physical constraints of the system are formulated into the optimization,
the controller becomes aware of its own limitations and the approach towards the satellite is
improved by eliminating possible overshooting of the target. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Mechanical Engineering, Department of === Graduate |
author |
McCourt, Richard |
spellingShingle |
McCourt, Richard Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
author_facet |
McCourt, Richard |
author_sort |
McCourt, Richard |
title |
Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
title_short |
Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
title_full |
Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
title_fullStr |
Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
title_full_unstemmed |
Autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
title_sort |
autonomous robotic satellite capture using constrained predictive control |
publishDate |
2009 |
url |
http://hdl.handle.net/2429/15790 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT mccourtrichard autonomousroboticsatellitecaptureusingconstrainedpredictivecontrol |
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