Control of a Two-Joint, Two-Steering Snake-Like Robot

Abstract

This paper introduces and describes a new type of snake-like robot, a two-joint, two-steering snake-like robot, and its control method. We first present a mechanical design of this snake-like robot that is inspired by a mathematical perspective on conversion of its kinematical equation into three-chain, singlegenerator chained form in amathematical framework, differential geometry. Especially, we assume a virtual steering system at the head of the first link of the snake-like robot, which makes the conversion possible. We secondly present a path following feedback control method based on chained form that enables the first link to follow straight paths at a constant velocity. Of course, it is also possible for the first link to have any desired position and orientation by combining some followings of straight paths under this feedback control method. Validity of the mechanical design of the snake-like robot, the conversion of its kinematical equation, and its control method is verified by computer simulations.1.