Distributed manipulators - consisting of a set of actuators or robots working cooperatively to achieve a manipulation task - are robust and flexible tools for performing a range of planar manipulation skills. One novel example is the delta array, a distributed manipulator composed of a grid of delta robots, capable of performing dexterous manipulation tasks using strategies incorporating both dynamic and static contact. Hand-designing effective distributed control policies for such a manipulator can be complex and time consuming, given the high-dimensional action space and unfamiliar system dynamics. In this paper, we examine the principles guiding development and control of such a delta array for a planar translation task. We explore policy learning as a robust cooperative control approach, allowing for smooth manipulation of a range of objects, showing improved accuracy and efficiency over baseline human-designed policies.
Extensible High Force Manipulator For Complex Exploration
The development of compliant robotic manipulators which can show length change, compliance and dexterity could assist many challenging applications. Potential applications range from dexterous manipulation, robotic surgery or exploration of challenging environments. Despite significant developments in both fabrication and control approaches for continuum body manipulators, there have been few demonstrations of continuum body systems which display all these properties. We present a method for fabricating a continuum manipulation which shows extension, high force movements and a range of dexterous position. This approach uses 3D printing to create a flexible rack and pinion system. These high torque mechanisms are mounted at points along the 3D printed tracks to allow complex shape control of the continuum system. A controller has been also been developed based on a Piecewise Constant Curvature approximation to allow the position of the tip of the manipulator to be controlled, and motion paths to be followed. In this work, we show the force capabilities of this manipulator and demonstrate how multiple segments can be created for more complex movements.
- Award ID(s):
- 1830901
- Publication Date:
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10188462
- Journal Name:
- IEEE Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
- Page Range or eLocation-ID:
- 733 to 739
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Distributed manipulators - consisting of a set of actuators or robots working cooperatively to achieve a manipulation task - are robust and flexible tools for performing a range of planar manipulation skills. One novel example is the delta array, a distributed manipulator composed of a grid of delta robots, capable of performing dexterous manipulation tasks using strategies incorporating both dynamic and static contact. Hand-designing effective distributed control policies for such a manipulator can be complex and time consuming, given the high-dimensional action space and unfamiliar system dynamics. In this paper, we examine the principles guiding development and control of such a delta array for a planar translation task. We explore policy learning as a robust cooperative control approach, allowing for smooth manipulation of a range of objects, showing improved accuracy and efficiency over baseline human-designed policies.
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Although general purpose robotic manipulators are becoming more capable at manipulating various objects, their ability to manipulate millimeter-scale objects are usually limited. On the other hand, ultrasonic levitation devices have been shown to levitate a large range of small objects, from polystyrene balls to living organisms. By controlling the acoustic force fields, ultrasonic levitation devices can compensate for robot manipulator positioning uncertainty and control the grasping force exerted on the target object. The material agnostic nature of acoustic levitation devices and their ability to dexterously manipulate millimeter-scale objects make them appealing as a grasping mode for general purpose robots. In this work, we present an ultrasonic, contact-less manipulation device that can be attached to or picked up by any general purpose robotic arm, enabling millimeter-scale manipulation with little to no modification to the robot itself. This device is capable of performing the very first phase-controlled picking action on acoustically reflective surfaces. With the manipulator placed around the target object, the manipulator can grasp objects smaller in size than the robot's positioning uncertainty, trap the object to resist air currents during robot movement, and dexterously hold a small and fragile object, like a flower bud. Due to the contact-less nature ofmore »
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Publisher's Version of Record
- https://doi.org/10.1109/RoboSoft48309.2020.9116024
