Robots and Screw Theory describes the mathematical foundations, especially geometric, underlying the motions and force-transfers in robots. The principles developed in the book are used in the control of robots and in the design of their major moving parts. The illustrative examples and the exercises in the book are taken principally from robotic machinery used for manufacturing and construction, but the principles apply equally well to miniature robotic devices and to those used in other industries. The comprehensive coverage of the screw and its geometry lead to reciprocal screw systems for statics and instantaneous kinematics. These screw systems are brought together in a unique way to show many cross-relationships between the force-systems that support a body equivalently to a kinematic serial connection of joints and links. No prior knowledge of screw theory is assumed. The reader is introduced to the screw with a simple planar example yet most of the book applies to robots that move three-dimensionally. Consequently, the book is suitable both as a text at the graduate-course level and as a reference book for the professional. Worked examples on every major topic and over 300 exercises clarify and reinforce the principles covered in the text. A chapter-length list of references gives the reader source-material and opportunities to pursue more fully topics contained in the text.

Screw theory is an effective and efficient method used in robotics applications. This book demonstrates how to implement screw theory, explaining the key fundamentals and real-world applications using a practical and visual approach. An essential tool for those involved in the development of robotics implementations, the book uses case studies to analyze mechatronics. Screw theory offers a significant opportunity to interpret mechanics at a high level, facilitating contemporary geometric techniques in solving common robotics issues. Using these solutions results in an optimized performance in comparison to algebraic and numerical options. Demonstrating techniques such as six-dimensional (6D) vector notation and the Product of Exponentials (POE), the use of screw theory notation reduces the need for complex algebra, which results in simpler code, which is easier to write, comprehend, and debug. The book provides exercises and simulations to demonstrate this with new formulas and algorithms presented to aid the reader in accelerating their learning. By walking the user through the fundamentals of screw theory, and by providing a complete set of examples for the most common robot manipulator architecture, the book delivers an excellent foundation through which to comprehend screw theory developments. The visual approach of the book means it can be used as a self-learning tool for professionals alongside students. It will be of interest to those studying robotics, mechanics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Sir Robert Stawell Ball FRS (1 July 1840 - 25 November 1913) was an Irish astronomerwho founded the screw theory He was the son of naturalist Robert Ball[2] and Amelia Gresley Hellicar. He was born in Dublin. Ball worked for Lord Rosse from 1865 to 1867. In 1867 he became Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Royal College of Science in Dublin. There he lectured on mechanics and published an elementary account of the science. In 1874 Ball was appointed Royal Astronomer of Ireland and Andrews Professor of Astronomy in the University of Dublin at Dunsink Observatory. Ball contributed to the science of kinematics by delineating the screw displacement: When Ball and the screw theorists speak of screws they no longer mean actual cylindrical objects with helical threads cut into them but the possible motion of any body whatsoever, including that of the screw independently of the nut.

This book presents a finite and instantaneous screw theory for the development of robotic mechanisms. It addresses the analytical description and algebraic computation of finite motion, resulting in a generalized type synthesis approach. It then discusses the direct connection between topology and performance models, leading to an integrated performance analysis and design framework. The book then explores parameter uncertainty and multiple performance requirements for reliable, optimal design methods, and describes the error accumulation principle and parameter identification algorithm, to increase robot accuracy. It proposes a unified and generic methodology, and appliesto the invention, analysis, design, and calibration of robotic mechanisms. The book is intended for researchers, graduate students and engineers in the fields of robotic mechanism and robot design and applications./div