Hybrid actuation systems consist of two types of motors: constant velocity (CV)
motor and servo (SV) motor. The CV motor can produce a large power but with a
poor task flexibility. On the other hand, the SV motor has an excellent task
flexibility but with a small power capacity. Combination of these two types of
motors into a coherent driver architecture for machine systems is extremely
promising, because they complement each other. Existing studies on the hybrid
actuation or machine system usually employ two servo motors, one of which
substitutes the CV motor. This treatment compromises the control accuracy for
the trajectory tracking at the end-effector. This paper presents a study on a
new controller for the hybrid machine that considers one SV motor and one CV
motor and for trajectory tracking at the end-effector level. A comparison of
this new controller with the controller we developed previously is provided. A
five-bar mechanism with two degrees of freedom is employed for the illustration
purpose.