Numerical quantification of controllability in the null space for redundant manipulators

Redundant motion, which is possible when robotic manipulators are over-actuated, can be used to control robot arms for a wide range of tasks. One of the best known methods for controlling redundancy is the null space projection, which assigns a priority while executing desired tasks. However, when the manipulator is projected into null space, its motion would be limited, since the motion is only permitted in the direction that does not interfere with the primary task. In this study, we have analyzed the null space projector matrix to derive the appropriate direction of the redundant motion by quantifying the allowed motion in each direction. As a result, we have found an ellipsoidal boundary, in which the redundant motion is permitted to move. We have named this ellipsoidal boundary as ’null space quality’ in directions. The proposed null space quality shows similar aspects with that of the robot manipulability, but it reveals a decisively different value when the manipulator operates within the null space. The experimental results showed that the robotic manipulator tracked the sinusoidal input trajectory with reduced root mean square (RMS) error by 33.84%. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the obstacle avoidance of a robotic arm utilizing the null space projector while considering the null space quality.