The static balancing of spatial 6-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanisms or
manipulators with revolute actuators is studied in this article. Two static
balancing methods, namely, using counterweights and using springs, are use
d. The first method leads to mechanisms with a stationary global center of
mass while: the second approach leads to mechanisms whose total potential e
nergy (including the elastic potential energy stored in the springs as well
as the gravitational potential energy) is constant. The position vector of
the global center of mass and the total potential energy of the manipulato
r are first expressed as functions of the position and orientation of the p
latform. Then, conditions for static balancing are derived from the resulti
ng expressions. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the design method
ologies. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.