Iterative learning control for piecewise arc path tracking with validation on a gantry robot manufacturing platform.

The piecewise arc path tracking problem is a common feature of manufacturing systems operating in a repetitive mode, e.g. assembly production lines. Here, the system end-effector must follow a spatial path without any specific temporal tracking constraints, which makes the temporal profile not fixed a priori. The technique of iterative learning control (ILC) is well-suited to handle this problem, since compared to classical feedback control methods, ILC is capable of learning from previous trial information to minimize the tracking error over repeated trials. This paper extends the ILC task description to address piecewise arc path tracking tasks, and further formulates a more general design framework than existing spatial ILC approaches. A comprehensive ILC algorithm is designed to handle this class of piecewise arc path tracking problems, and practical implementation instructions are provided. Validation is conducted on a gantry robot manufacturing testbed to confirm its feasibility and efficiency in practice with a comparison to existing methods showing its higher path tracking accuracy.

Upper limb and eye movement coordination during reaching tasks in people with stroke.

PURPOSE: To enhance understanding of the relationship between upper limb and eye movements during reaching tasks in people with stroke. METHODS: Eye movements were recorded from 10 control participants and 8 chronic stroke participants during a visual orienting task (Experiment 1) and a series of reaching tasks (Experiment 2). Stroke participants completed the reaching tasks using (i) their less impaired upper limb, (ii) their more impaired upper limb without support, and (iii) their more impaired upper limb, with support (SaeboMAS gravitational support and/or electrical stimulation). Participants were tested individually and completed both experiments in the same session. RESULTS: Oculomotor control and the coordination between the upper limb and the oculomotor system were found to be intact in stroke participants when no limb movements were required, or when the less impaired upper limb was used. However, when the more impaired upper limb was used, success and accuracy in reaching decreased and patterns of eye movements changed, with an observed increase in eye movements to the limb itself. With upper limb support, patterns of hand-eye coordination were found to more closely resemble those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Deficits in upper limb motor systems result in changes in patterns of eye movement behavior during reaching tasks. These changes in eye movement behavior can be modulated by providing upper limb support. Implications for Rehabilitation Deficits in upper limb motor systems can result in changes in patterns of eye movement behavior during reaching tasks. Upper limb support can reduce deficits in hand-eye coordination. Stroke rehabilitation outcomes should consider motor and oculomotor performance.