• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (19): 1-17.doi: 10.3901/JME.2025.19.001

Previous Articles    

Overview of Dynamic Modeling and Control for Cable-driven Robots

CHEN Yanlin1,2, DENG Xiaoheng1,2, ZHANG Xianmin1,2, HUANG Yanjiang1,2   

  1. 1. Guangdong Key Laboratory of Precision Equipment and Manufacturing Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641;
    2. School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641
  • Received:2024-10-28 Revised:2025-04-27 Published:2025-11-24

Abstract: Cable-driven robots have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their advantages of low inertia, light weight, and extensive operational range. However, the inherent flexibility of cables and their unidirectional force transmission characteristics pose challenges for precise control. Achieving efficient and accurate motion control requires in-depth research on cable tension distribution, robot dynamics, and control strategies. This research reviews the research progress in the field of cable-driven robots. Firstly, it focuses on tension computation and optimization methods, including null-space method, geometric method, and least-squares method, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios. Secondly, it summarizes advancements in dynamic modeling approaches, such as the Lagrange method, Newton-Euler method, and the principle of virtual work, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in modeling the dynamics of cable-driven continuum robots. Thirdly, it reviews the progress in control strategies for cable-driven robots, comparing model-based and model-free control approaches. Finally, the current state of research is summarized, and future development trends in cable-driven robots are discussed.

Key words: cable-driven robots, tension analysis, dynamic modeling, control strategies

CLC Number: