Design Issues of a Semi-Autonomous Robotic Assistant for the Health Care Environment

This paper discusses design issues of a mobile robotic assistant for health or home care applications with the objective of relieving hospital personnel or domestic users of time-consuming routine tasks. These tasks are delegated to the robot via natural language and in turn autonomously executed. With respect to the execution of typical fetch-and-carry tasks, key components are surveyed and a system architecture for integration of the individual hardware and software modules into a service robot is presented. A prototype implementation is described and used for demonstrating the performance of the proposed design approach in real-world service scenarios.     

基于Sigmoid函数的机器人鲁棒滑模跟踪控制系统设计

为了保证机器人能够在保持稳定的情况下,按照规划轨迹执行工作任务,从硬件和软件两个方面,设计了基于Sigmoid函数的机器人鲁棒滑模跟踪控制系统。装设机器人传感器与状态观测器,改装机器人鲁棒滑模跟踪控制器,完成系统硬件设计;综合机器人结构、运动机理和动力机制3个方面,构建机器人数学模型;根据状态数据采集结果与规划轨迹之间的偏差,计算机器人跟踪控制量;依据滑模运动与切换方程,利用Sigmoid函数生成机器人鲁棒滑模控制律,将生成控制指令作用在机器人执行元件上,实现系统的鲁棒滑模跟踪控制功能;在系统测试与分析中,所设计控制系统的平均位置跟踪控制误差为0.93 mm,与设定轨迹目标基本重合,机器人姿态角跟踪控制误差为0.06 mm,具有较好的鲁棒滑模跟踪控制效果,能够有效提高机器人鲁棒滑模跟踪控制精度。     

腹腔镜机器人控制系统的设计及实现

根据机器人辅助微创手术任务的特点设计了腹腔镜机器人控制系统．研究了基于运动控制卡的 开放式机器人控制器结构,设计了机器人伺服系统及相应控制器硬件接口,采用面向对象的技术和模块化思 想开发了系统控制软件,应用灵活度和可操作度概念建立了腹腔镜机器人的手术规划和控制平台．通过调试 伺服参数提高了系统控制性能．实验表明,该腹腔镜机器人控制系统具有稳定性、高可靠性和多任务适应性, 满足微创手术需求．     

基于STFT的微创手术机器人运动控制系统设计

针对微创手术机器人运动过程受到信号干扰而导致机器入主从臂控制效果差、控制精度较低的问题,提出了基于STFT的微创手术机器人运动控制系统设计;主控制器通过蓝牙的无线传输方式与主机连接,采用I/O口模拟SCI硬件流控方式,实现MCU与蓝牙通信,为系统提供基础数据;设计时钟基准电路的并联振荡模式,方便失控程序重启;根据运动控制器结构,设计预留模数转换接口,并对机器人主从操作臂展开详细分析;使用基于STFT短时傅里叶变换方法抑制外界干扰,在LM629运动控制专用集成芯片支持下设计控制流程,完成基于STFT的微创手术机器人运动控制系统设计;设计对比实验,结果表明该系统与期望主臂运动轨迹的终点坐标(10 mm,-35 mm,45 mm)和从臂运动轨迹的终点坐标(18 mm,-45 mm,25 mm)一致,能够精准控制微创手术机器人运动精度,为医学手术智能化开展提供设备支持.     

基于强跟踪滤波的机器人运动轨迹控制系统设计

机器人运动信息采集的抗噪性较差,导致系统运动轨迹与实际轨迹不符,轨迹控制效果较差。因此提出基于强跟踪滤波的机器人运动轨迹控制系统设计。系统通过软硬件协同工作,实时控制机器人轨迹。采用IPM电机驱动控制系统硬件结构,根据指令和感知信息,采用多CPU结构控制方式,控制一个机器人关节运动。使用PCI9052接口控制PCI-485接口卡,实现了上下位机之间通讯。以TMS32OF240XDS为核心,设计DSP控制器,完全分离程序空间与数据空间。在软件设计方面,通过CAN-TTLG单片机光隔离超远程驱动器,使系统具有一定抗噪能力。构建机器人运动方程,引入强跟踪滤波弱化因子,计算运动轨迹偏差,并对机器人运动控制进行重力补偿,由此设计轨迹控制流程,完成机器人运动轨迹控制系统设计。实验结果表明,该系统运动轨迹与实际轨迹相符,且轨迹控制效率较好,具有良好控制效果。     

Dynamic performance of industrial robot in corner path with CNC controller

The industrial robot has already been used for machining tasks in the industry. In order to improve the machining accuracy, a CNC controller is proposed as a control system for the industrial robot. This article concentrates on the performance of the industrial robot motion accuracy guided by a CNC controller. Corner paths are studied in consideration of different running speeds. The path accuracy and the influence of motion acceleration are both thoroughly analyzed. The performance of the same paths running in a conventional controller is evaluated for comparison.     

Adaptive Polar-Space Motion Control for Embedded Omnidirectional Mobile Robots with Parameter Variations and Uncertainties

This paper presents an adaptive polar-space motion controller for trajectory tracking and stabilization of a three-wheeled, embedded omnidirectional mobile robot with parameter variations and uncertainties caused by friction, slip and payloads. With the derived dynamic model in polar coordinates, an adaptive motion controller is synthesized via the adaptive backstepping approach. This proposed polar-space robust adaptive motion controller was implemented into an embedded processor using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chip. Furthermore, the embedded adaptive motion controller works with a reusable user IP (Intellectual Property) core library and an embedded real-time operating system (RTOS) in the same chip to steer the mobile robot to track the desired trajectory by using hardware/software co-design technique and SoPC (system-on-a-programmable-chip) technology. Simulation results are conducted to show the merit of the proposed polar-space control method in comparison with a conventional proportional-integral (PI) feedback controller and a non-adaptive polar-space kinematic controller. Finally, the effectiveness and performance of the proposed embedded adaptive motion controller are exemplified by conducting several experiments on steering an embedded omnidirectional mobile robot.     

Dynamic turning control of a quadruped locomotion robot using oscillators

We propose a dynamic turning control system for a quadruped robot that uses non-linear oscillators. It is composed of a spontaneous locomotion controller and voluntary motion controller. We verified the mechanical capabilities of the dynamic turning motion of the proposed control system through numerical simulations and hardware experiments. Various turning speeds and orientations made the motion of the robot asymmetrical in terms of the duty ratio, stride and center of pressure. The proposed controller actively and adaptively controlled redundant degrees of freedom to cancel out dynamic asymmetry, and established stable turning motion at various locomotion speeds and turning orientations.     

基于FuzzyP的多臂机器人机械臂控制系统设计

机械臂是多臂机器人的重要组成部分,针对基于姿态识别控制及位置识别控制系统受到被控量振荡影响,而导致机械臂运动轨迹控制不精准的问题,提出了基于FuzzyP的多臂机器人机械臂控制系统设计;基于FuzzyP控制系统,找到系统控制平衡点,设计系统硬件结构包含3个机械臂,共十八个自由度,简化关节控制器连线,选择直流有刷电机,采用增量型编码器,设计H桥电路,配合74ACT244增强驱动电路,利用NRF24L01无线模块获取与处理位置信息;使用FuzzyP控制器,抑制被控量振荡,控制连杆运动,完成多臂机器人机械臂控制方案设计;由实验结果可知,该系统轨迹与预期轨迹基本一致,较好解决多臂机器人机械臂对接精确定位要求。     

Fuzzy tuning control approach to perform cooperative object manipulation by a rigid–flexible multibody robot

We study cooperative object manipulation control of rigid–flexible multibody systems in space. During such tasks, flexible members like solar panels may get vibrated. Which in turn may lead to some oscillatory disturbing forces on other subsystems and consequently produce errors in the motion of the end-effectors of the cooperative manipulating arms. Therefore, to design and develop capable model-based controllers for such complicated systems, deriving a dynamics model is required. However, due to practical limitations and real-time implementation, the system dynamics model should require low computations. So, first, to obtain a precise compact dynamics model, the rigid–flexible interactive dynamics modeling (RFIM) approach is briefly introduced. Using this approach, the system is virtually partitioned into two rigid and flexible portions, and a convenient model for control purposes is developed. Next, a fuzzy tuning manipulation control (FTMC) algorithm is developed for a simple conceptual model for cooperative object manipulation. In fact, a suitable setup is designed for practical implementation of this controller. After that, a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) system with flexible appendages is considered as a practical case that necessitates delicate force exertion by several end-effectors to move an object along a desired path. The WMR system contains two cooperative manipulators, appended with two flexible solar panels. To reveal the merits of the developed model-based controller, the maneuver is deliberately planned such that flexible modes of solar panels get stimulated due to arms motion. The obtained results show an effective performance of the proposed approach as will be discussed.     

WALK‐MAN: A High‐Performance Humanoid Platform for Realistic Environments

In this work, we present WALK‐MAN, a humanoid platform that has been developed to operate in realistic unstructured environment, and demonstrate new skills including powerful manipulation, robust balanced locomotion, high‐strength capabilities, and physical sturdiness. To enable these capabilities, WALK‐MAN design and actuation are based on the most recent advancements of series elastic actuator drives with unique performance features that differentiate the robot from previous state‐of‐the‐art compliant actuated robots. Physical interaction performance is benefited by both active and passive adaptation, thanks to WALK‐MAN actuation that combines customized high‐performance modules with tuned torque/velocity curves and transmission elasticity for high‐speed adaptation response and motion reactions to disturbances. WALK‐MAN design also includes innovative design optimization features that consider the selection of kinematic structure and the placement of the actuators with the body structure to maximize the robot performance. Physical robustness is ensured with the integration of elastic transmission, proprioceptive sensing, and control. The WALK‐MAN hardware was designed and built in 11 months, and the prototype of the robot was ready four months before DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Finals. The motion generation of WALK‐MAN is based on the unified motion‐generation framework of whole‐body locomotion and manipulation (termed loco‐manipulation). WALK‐MAN is able to execute simple loco‐manipulation behaviors synthesized by combining different primitives defining the behavior of the center of gravity, the motion of the hands, legs, and head, the body attitude and posture, and the constrained body parts such as joint limits and contacts. The motion‐generation framework including the specific motion modules and software architecture is discussed in detail. A rich perception system allows the robot to perceive and generate 3D representations of the environment as well as detect contacts and sense physical interaction force and moments. The operator station that pilots use to control the robot provides a rich pilot interface with different control modes and a number of teleoperated or semiautonomous command features. The capability of the robot and the performance of the individual motion control and perception modules were validated during the DRC in which the robot was able to demonstrate exceptional physical resilience and execute some of the tasks during the competition.     

RTEX网络型嵌入式运动控制器设计

针对松下A5N驱动器,采用嵌入式构架以及网络通信模式,提出了基于模块化控制核心(ARM+FPGA)适应新型实时性网络通信RTEX的多轴嵌入式运动控制器硬件平台的设计方案,并移入实时多任务操作系统μC/OS-Ⅱ。详述了控制器的功能设计、硬件设计和软件设计流程。截至目前,运动控制器硬件平台搭建均已完成,并进行了通信实验和基于SCARA机器人平台的速度、位置控制实验。结果表明,控制器通信良好,性能稳定,能够较好完成伺服控制功能。     

Coordinated control of a satellite-mounted manipulator with consideration of payload flexibility

When a space robot performs tasks, disturbances caused by payload motion downgrade the attitude control's accuracy. Thus, the payload should be controlled so as not to generate large disturbances. In this paper, payload motion planning based on angular momentum constraints (AMC) is proposed. In this method, disturbances are reduced by controlling the payload's redundant motions. Remaining disturbances caused by payload flexibility are compensated for by a robust feedback controller consisting of a variable gain and a H_∞ controller. The usefulness of this approach is verified through numerical simulations and hardware experiments.     

Remote mobile manipulation with the centauro robot: Full‐body telepresence and autonomous operator assistance

Solving mobile manipulation tasks in inaccessible and dangerous environments is an important application of robots to support humans. Example domains are construction and maintenance of manned and unmanned stations on the moon and other planets. Suitable platforms require flexible and robust hardware, a locomotion approach that allows for navigating a wide variety of terrains, dexterous manipulation capabilities, and respective user interfaces. We present the CENTAURO system which has been designed for these requirements and consists of the Centauro robot and a set of advanced operator interfaces with complementary strength enabling the system to solve a wide range of realistic mobile manipulation tasks. The robot possesses a centaur‐like body plan and is driven by torque‐controlled compliant actuators. Four articulated legs ending in steerable wheels allow for omnidirectional driving as well as for making steps. An anthropomorphic upper body with two arms ending in five‐finger hands enables human‐like manipulation. The robot perceives its environment through a suite of multimodal sensors. The resulting platform complexity goes beyond the complexity of most known systems which puts the focus on a suitable operator interface. An operator can control the robot through a telepresence suit, which allows for flexibly solving a large variety of mobile manipulation tasks. Locomotion and manipulation functionalities on different levels of autonomy support the operation. The proposed user interfaces enable solving a wide variety of tasks without previous task‐specific training. The integrated system is evaluated in numerous teleoperated experiments that are described along with lessons learned.     

An open-source multi-DOF articulated robotic educational platform for autonomous object manipulation

This research presents an autonomous robotic framework for academic, vocational and training purpose. The platform is centred on a 6 Degree Of Freedom (DOF) serial robotic arm. The kinematic and dynamic models of the robot have been derived to facilitate controller design. An on-board camera to scan the arm workspace permits autonomous applications development. The sensory system consists of position feedback from each joint of the robot and a force sensor mounted at the arm gripper. External devices can be interfaced with the platform through digital and analog I/O ports of the robot controller. To enhance the learning outcome for beginners, higher level commands have been provided. Advanced users can tailor the platform by exploiting the open-source custom-developed hardware and software architectures. The efficacy of the proposed platform has been demonstrated by implementing two experiments; autonomous sorting of objects and controller design. The proposed platform finds its potential to teach technical courses (like Robotics, Control, Electronics, Image-processing and Computer vision) and to implement and validate advanced algorithms for object manipulation and grasping, trajectory generation, path planning, etc. It can also be employed in an industrial environment to test various strategies prior to their execution on actual manipulators.     

基于RGB-D信息的移动机器人SLAM和路径规划方法研究与实现

移动机器人在各种辅助任务中需具备自主定位、建图、路径规划与运动控制的能力。本文利用RGB-D信息和ORB-SLAM算法进行自主定位,结合点云数据和GMapping算法建立环境栅格地图,基于二次规划方法进行平滑可解析的路径规划,并设计非线性控制器,实现了由一个运动底盘、一个RGB-D传感器和一个运算平台组成的自主移动机器人系统。经实验验证,这一系统实现了复杂室内环境下的实时定位与建图、自主移动和障碍物规避。由此,为移动机器人的推广应用提供了一个硬件结构简单、性能良好、易扩展、经济性好、开发维护方便的解决方案。     

基于D-H法的农业采摘机器人运动协作控制系统设计

为提升农业采摘机器人运动协作控制性能,降低机器人碰撞概率,利用D-H法优化设计机器人运动协作控制系统。改装位置、力矩以及碰撞传感器设备,优化运动协作控制器与驱动器,调整系统通信模块结构,完成硬件系统的优化。利用D-H法构建农业采摘机器人数学模型,在该模型下,利用传感器设备实现机器人实时位姿的量化描述,通过机器人采摘流程的模拟,分配机器人运动协作任务,从位置和姿态等多个方面,确定运动协作控制目标,经过受力分析求解机器人实际作用力,最终通过控制量的计算,实现农业采摘机器人的运动协作控制功能。通过系统测试实验得出结论：与传统控制系统相比,机器人位置、姿态角和作用力的控制误差分别降低了约40mm、0.2°和1.2N,在优化设计系统控制下,机器人的碰撞次数得到明显降低。     

Towards autonomous robotic servicing: Using an integrated hand-arm-eye system for manipulating unknown objects

Executing complex robotic tasks including dexterous grasping and manipulation requires a combination of dexterous robots, intelligent sensors and adequate object information processing. In this paper, vision has been integrated into a highly redundant robotic system consisting of a tiltable camera and a three-fingered dexterous gripper both mounted on a puma-type robot arm. In order to condense the image data of the robot working space acquired from the mobile camera, contour image processing is used for offline grasp and motion planning as well as for online supervision of manipulation tasks. The performance of the desired robot and object motions is controlled by a visual feedback system coordinating motions of hand, arm and eye according to the specific requirements of the respective situation. Experiences and results based on several experiments in the field of service robotics show the possibilities and limits of integrating vision and tactile sensors into a dexterous hand-arm-eye system being able to assist humans in industrial or servicing environments.     

Hybrid control of a two-arm robot for complex tasks

For many coordinated tasks, a two-arm robot cannot be properly controlled by using a simple position control scheme and therefore requires a certain form hybrid control. Uchiyama and Dauchez recently proposed a symmetric hybrid position/force scheme for the manipulation of rigid objects rigidly held. The main results of this theory are summarized in this paper, and the limitations are pointed out. Several examples in which the relative motion of the end effectors cannot be neglected are presented: manipulation of rigid objects non-rigidly held, deformation of a flexible object, and assemblies of two objects “in space”. These tasks are analyzed and attempted control schemes are given for each of them. The dynamic effects are always neglected in this preliminary theoretical approach. An experimental setup built around two six axis PUMA arms and a parallel processing controller has been installed in order to validate our theoretical results. The hardware and software of this setup are also briefly described in this paper.     

Dynamic control and coupling of a free-flying space robot system

In this article we discuss the problem of dynamic coupling and control of a space robot with a free-flying base, which could be a spacecraft, space station, or satellite. We formulate the dynamics of the system systematically and demonstrate nonlinearity of parameterization of the dynamics structure. We study the dynamic coupling of the robot and base system, and propose a concept, i.e., coupling factor, to illustrate the motion and force dependencies. Based on the coupling factor, we define a measure to characterize the degree of the dynamic coupling. The measure can be considered as a performance index in planning robot motion, or in evaluating robot trajectory for minimizing base motion, or in optimizing the robot configuration design and selecting the robot base location. Based on the dynamics analysis, we propose control schemes for position regulation and trajectory tracking problems. The regulation controller is simple to implement and will be useful in regular material transporting tasks. The tracking controller uses a dynamic model and provides more accurate and faster motion, and will be feasible for tracking moving objects or structural inspection tasks. A simulation study is shown at the end of the article. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.