Steering for a Transformable Robot with Heterogeneous Modules in Narrow Space

Aiming at the capability of passing through a narrow space for a transformable robot with heterogeneous modules, a control method for steering in a narrow space is proposed on the basis of the optimal energy-consumption through analyzing the steering performance in line configuration and the safe range in narrow space. The kinematic and dynamic models for robot steering in line configuration are established, and then the relationship between steering performance and control parameters such as the configuration angle and driving velocity is constructed. With the goal of minimal energyconsumption, the kinematic parameters of steering in line configuration are selected and adjusted under the constraints of safe steering range. The influence of the motion control parameters on the steering performance is verified by simulation, and the features and advantages of various steering methods and steering control parameters are presented.