As well, the modularity of parallel designs has been investigated. Alternative manipulator layouts and architectures for space applications are being studied. The Robotics group has also been developing software tools for the structural synthesis andanalysis of kinematic chains and mechanisms. As well, methodologies for the design of fault tolerant parallel manipulators and mechanisms are being developed. Different levels of component redundancy, as well as information redundancy, are considered.
Parallel manipulators have high stiffness, accuracy, and dynamic characteristics.