Author: Cui, Zhenxi
Title: Dual-arm robot planning and control with DMPs for soft objects manipulation
Advisors: Chu, K. Henry (ME)
Cheng, Li (ME)
Degree: Ph.D.
Year: 2022
Subject: Robotics
Manipulators (Mechanism)
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pages: xiv, 163 pages : color illustrations
Language: English
Abstract: The trajectory design of manipulators for manipulating soft objects is still an unsolved problem. Different from traditional rigid objects, soft objects are fragile with different deformation behavior and dynamic physical properties. Therefore, grasping thin objects such as bed sheets or biofilms, are more preferable to be handled by multiple manipulators, rather than a single manipulator, for delicate operation. Considering the manipulator's self-collision and soft object physical characteristics, it is difficult to obtain a suitable trajectory that can coordinate multiple manipulators and be applied to a different similar task. Therefore, to achieve fast and accurate soft object manipulation, we have studied the trajectory design of multiple robotic arms (including the trajectory of manipulators and humans) for manipulating soft objects.
In this thesis, we model the soft manipulation trajectory with the dynamic movement primitive (DMP) and couple the multiple DMPs as an integrated system based on the Spring-Mass-Damper model and formation control techniques to complete soft object manipulation tasks. Based on the Spring-Mass-Damper model, the aims of the multiple DMPs generalization and pattern preserving of the manipulated object can be completed at the same time. With the introduction of the adaptive coupling term, the coupled DMP system can be adaptively applied to different kinds of manipulation tasks.
Different from the above Spring-Mass-Damper model, we proposed another method to couple multiple DMPs based on the formation control technique in which the whole DMP system is more flexible and effective, especially in applications where the robot arm number is larger than 4. To validate our methods, extensive simulation and real experiments based on a Bullet physics simulator, Kinova, and UR5 robot are tested and compared with the benchmark methods.
As a natural extension of multi-robot soft manipulation, the cooperation between the robot and human in soft object manipulation is also researched. While the human agent serves as a leader, the trajectory planning, and optimization of whole manipulation (transportation) can be greatly simplified. However, these merits come along with extra-human disturbances such as human handshaking. This problem is especially severe in some precision applications. Hence, we proposed that the soft object model is firstly estimated by Least Square with an exponential forgetting algorithm, and the human hand disturbance is considered as extra noise for the model estimation and model update. The local model estimation is obtained in an online adaptive manner. Because of that, the soft model would be estimated more accurately so that the human and robot can corporately transport the soft object.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: open access

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
6468.pdfFor All Users6.56 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show full item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12003