Time-optimal, real-time capable trajectory planning for machine tools

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Alexander Verl
• Subject Area: Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 557218129

Jerk-limited and time-optimized trajectory planning is crucial for the productivity of machine tools and the longevity of machine components. Current CNC controls use profile-based approaches that can be quickly computed in real-time, but cannot directly account for dynamic drive constraints. Optimization-based methods can significantly reduce machining times and jerk load on the axes. The main challenges are the lack of transferability to long and complex geometries, the increasing computational complexity that can lead to additional hardware requirements, and the high level of expertise required to parameterize the optimization problem. In the preliminary work of this research proposal, a method is presented that shows a reduction in machining times of >10% with less load on the drives. Within the scope of the proposed research project, the method is to be investigated and further developed with regard to its use on the real-time capable CNC control in order to meet the aforementioned challenges of the current state of research. In addition, the integration of the method into the controller will be investigated and compared experimentally in the real manufacturing process with a current CNC kernel and convex optimization-based methods from the state of the art.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Armin Lechler