Elasto-Kinematic Calibration of the Lunar Rover Mini 6 DOF Robotic Arm

Marco Conenna*, Jian Guo, Armin Wedler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Inaccuracies in robotic arms can significantly hinder their performance in tasks where precision is critical. This paper focuses on the kinematic calibration and elasticity compensation of the six degrees of freedom robotic arm integrated into the Lunar Rover Mini, developed in collaboration with the Robotics and Mechatronics Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Wessling. The arm, constructed using 3D-printed components and driven by affordable RC servo motors, experiences notable inaccuracies in end-effector positioning due to joint flexibility and structural deformation, especially under load. A model-based calibration technique is proposed to compensate for elastic deformations and geometric misalignments, addressing the absence of feedback sensors. This cost-effective approach, which requires only 3D measurements of the end-effector’s position, has resulted in an approximately 80% reduction in the robotic arm’s average position error.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean Robotics Forum 2025 - Boosting the Synergies between Robotics and AI for a Stronger Europe
EditorsMarco Huber, Alexander Verl, Werner Kraus
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages162-167
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9783031894701
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Event16th European Robotics Forum, ERF 2025 - Stuttgart, Germany
Duration: 25 Mar 202527 Mar 2025

Publication series

NameSpringer Proceedings in Advanced Robotics
Volume36 SPAR
ISSN (Print)2511-1256
ISSN (Electronic)2511-1264

Conference

Conference16th European Robotics Forum, ERF 2025
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityStuttgart
Period25/03/2527/03/25

Keywords

  • 3D-Printed
  • Cost-Effective Robotics
  • Elastic Calibration
  • End-Effector Accuracy
  • Precise Manipulation
  • Robotic Arm

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