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Title: Model-Based Manipulation of Linear Flexible Objects with Visual Curvature Feedback
Manipulation of deformable objects is a desired skill in making robots ubiquitous in manufacturing, service, healthcare, and security. Deformable objects are common in our daily lives, e.g., wires, clothes, bed sheets, etc., and are significantly more difficult to model than rigid objects. In this study, we investigate vision-based manipulation of linear flexible objects such as cables. We propose a geometric modeling method that is based on visual feedback to develop a general representation of the linear flexible object that is subject to gravity. The model characterizes the shape of the object by combining the curvatures on two projection planes. In this approach, we achieve tracking of the position and orientation (pose) of a cable-like object, the pose of its tip, and the pose of the selected grasp point on the object, which enables closed-loop manipulation of the object. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by completing the Plug Task used in the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals, which involves unplugging a power cable from one socket and plugging it into another. Experiments show that we can successfully complete the task autonomously within 30 seconds.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1928654
PAR ID:
10194661
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
IEEEASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics
ISSN:
2159-6247
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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