English

Kinematically Controllable Cable Robots with Reconfigurable End-effectors

Robotics 2025-11-04 v2

Abstract

To enlarge the translational workspace of cable-driven robots, one common approach is to increase the number of cables. However, this introduces two challenges: (1) cable interference significantly reduces the rotational workspace, and (2) the solution of tensions in cables becomes non-unique, resulting in difficulties for kinematic control of the robot. In this work, we design structurally simple reconfigurable end-effectors for cable robots. By incorporating a spring, a helical-grooved shaft, and a matching nut, relative linear motions between end-effector components are converted into relative rotations, thereby expanding the rotational workspace of the mechanism. Meanwhile, a bearing is introduced to provide an additional rotational degree of freedom, making the mechanism non-redundant. As a result, the robot's motion can be controlled purely through kinematics without additional tension sensing and control.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2510.22825,
  title  = {Kinematically Controllable Cable Robots with Reconfigurable End-effectors},
  author = {Nan Zhang},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2510.22825},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

8 pages, 7 figures, Technical Report

R2 v1 2026-07-01T07:06:47.522Z