Mobile Robot Feature-Based SLAM Behavior Learning, and Navigation in Complex Spaces

Learning mobile robot space and navigation behavior, are essential requirements for improved navigation, in addition to gain much understanding about the navigation maps. This chapter presents mobile robots feature-based SLAM behavior learning, and navigation in complex spaces. Mobile intelligence has been based on blending a number of functionaries related to navigation, including learning SLAM map main features. To achieve this, the mobile system was built on diverse levels of intelligence, this includes principle component analysis (PCA), neuro-fuzzy (NF) learning system as a classifier, and fuzzy rule based decision system (FRD)

Virtualized Welding Based Learning of Human Welder Behaviors for Intelligent Robotic Welding

Combining human welder (with intelligence and sensing versatility) and automated welding robots (with precision and consistency) can lead to next generation intelligent welding systems. In this dissertation intelligent welding robots are developed by process modeling / control method and learning the human welder behavior. Weld penetration and 3D weld pool surface are first accurately controlled for an automated Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) machine. Closed-form model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is derived for real-time welding applications. Skilled welder response to 3D weld pool surface by adjusting the welding current is then modeled using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and compared to the novice welder. Automated welding experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed human response model. A virtualized welding system is then developed that enables transferring the human knowledge into a welding robot. The learning of human welder movement (i.e., welding speed) is first realized with Virtual Reality (VR) enhancement using iterative K-means based local ANFIS modeling. As a separate effort, the learning is performed without VR enhancement utilizing a fuzzy classifier to rank the data and only preserve the high ranking “correct” response. The trained supervised ANFIS model is transferred to the welding robot and the performance of the controller is examined. A fuzzy weighting based data fusion approach to combine multiple machine and human intelligent models is proposed. The data fusion model can outperform individual machine-based control algorithm and welder intelligence-based models (with and without VR enhancement). Finally a data-driven approach is proposed to model human welder adjustments in 3D (including welding speed, arc length, and torch orientations). Teleoperated training experiments are conducted in which a human welder tries to adjust the torch movements in 3D based on his observation on the real-time weld pool image feedback. The data is off-line rated by the welder and a welder rating system is synthesized. ANFIS model is then proposed to correlate the 3D weld pool characteristic parameters and welder’s torch movements. A foundation is thus established to rapidly extract human intelligence and transfer such intelligence into welding robots

Neuro-Controllers, scalability and adaptation

A Layered Evolution (LE) paradigm based method for the generation of a neuron-controller is developed and verified through simulations and experimentally. It is intended to solve scalability issues in systems with many behavioral modules. Each and every module is a genetically evolved neuro-controller specialized in performing a different task. The main goal is to reach a combination of different basic behavioral elements using different artificial neural-network paradigms concerning mobile robot navigation in an unknown environment. The obtained controller is evaluated over different scenarios in a structured environment, ranging from a detailed simulation model to a real experiment. Finally most important implies are shown through several focuses

Autonomous control of a mobile robot with incremental deep learning neural networks

Over the last few years autonomous driving had an increasingly strong impact on the automotive industry. This created an increased need for artificial intelligence algo- rithms which allow for computers to make human-like decisions. However, a compro- mise between the computational power drawn by these algorithms and their subsequent performance must be found to fulfil production requirements. In this thesis incremental deep learning strategies are used for the control of a mobile robot such as a four wheel steering vehicle. This strategy is similar to the human approach of learning. In many small steps the vehicle learns to achieve a specific goal. The usage of incremental training leads to growing knowledge-base within the system. It also provides the opportunity to use older training achievements to improve the system, when more training data is available. To demonstrate the capabilities of such an algorithm, two different models have been formulated. First, a more simple model with counter wheel steering, and second, a more complex, nonlinear model with independent steering. These two models are trained incrementally to follow different types of trajectories. Therefore an algorithm was established to generate useful initial points. The incremental steps allow the robot to be positioned further and further away from the desired trajectory in the environ- ment. Afterwards, the effects of different trajectory types on model behaviour are investigated by over one thousand simulation runs. To do this, path planning for straight lines and circles are introduced. This work demonstrates that even simulations with simple network structures can have high performance.Tesi