Swaminath Venkateswaran, PhD, Associate Professor in Mechatronics and Head of the Industry & Robotics major at ESILV, co-edited with Professor Jong Hyeon Park (Hanyang University, South Korea) a special issue of Robotics dedicated to Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKMs).
Initiated in 2022 upon his joining ESILV, this publication continues the research he began during his doctoral studies at LS2N – Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes.
Download the special Issue Robotics and Parallel Kinematic Machines
Parallel Architectures: an Expanding Research Field
Industrial robots with parallel architectures are recognized for their high stiffness, superior payload-to-weight ratios, and enhanced precision compared to serial architectures. These qualities make them ideal for applications in high-speed machining, medical robotics, and space exploration.
Despite their advantages, PKMs still present significant challenges in design and control, notably due to their complex kinematics, limited workspaces, and singularity conditions.
Eight Peer-Reviewed Papers Focused on Modeling and Control
The special issue Robotics & Parallel Kinematic Machines gathers eight peer-reviewed articles exploring the modeling strategies, kinematics, dynamics, and singular configurations of parallel robots.
The contributions examine key topics such as:
- workspace optimization;
- singularity avoidance;
- reconfigurable architectures;
- integration of compliant components to meet industrial requirements.
Emerging research areas include modular PKM architectures, dynamic performance evaluation, and control-aware design optimization for high-precision applications operating under uncertain or varying load conditions.
Research Rooted in Scientific Collaboration
Swaminath Venkateswaran’s research builds upon his collaboration with Professor Damien Chablat (LS2N), who supervised his doctoral work. Together, they developed several robotic systems during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, one of which is featured on the issue’s cover.
This collaboration also inspired his continuing work on solving complex algebraic equations using the SIROPA library in Maple, a computational approach that remains central to his research today.
Future Directions for Industrial Engineering and Robotics
Through this publication, the Head of the Industry & Robotics major aims to highlight the potential of parallel architectures for advancing precision robotics and industrial automation. The issue offers both academic and industrial perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of PKM analysis and application design.
Industry & Robotics Major: Designing and Implementing the Next Generation of Industrial Systems
Part of ESILV’s CTI-accredited Master’s in Engineering, the Industry & Robotics major offers a multidisciplinary approach to industrial transformation.
Students gain a solid foundation in mechanical design, automation, and control systems, while exploring cutting-edge topics in robotics, machine learning, and Industry 4.0.
Through partnerships with leading industrial players—Dassault Systèmes, ArcelorMittal, Capgemini Engineering—students engage in applied R&D projects focused on intelligent manufacturing, additive technologies, and digital twins. Graduates are prepared to shape the factories of the future, both in France and internationally.
Learn more about ESILV’s Industry and robotics major