Including a non-holonomic constraint in the FSP (full space parameterization) method for mobile manipulators` motion planning

The efficient utilization of the motion capabilities of mobile manipulators, i.e.. manipulators mounted on mobile platforms, requires the resolution of the kinematically redundant system formed by the addition of the degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) of the platform to those of the manipulator. At the velocity level, the linearized Jacobian equation for such a redundant system represents an underspecified system of algebraic equations, which can be subject to a set of constraints such as obstacles in the workspace and various limits on the joint motions. A method, which we named the FSP (Full Space Parameterization), has recently been developed to resolve such underspecified systems with constraints that may vary in time and in number during a single trajectory. The application of the method to motion planning problems with obstacle and joint limit avoidance was discussed in some of our previous work. In this paper, we present the treatment in the FSP of a non-holonomic constraint on the platform motion, and give corresponding analytical solutions for resolving the redundancy with a general optimization criterion. Comparative trajectories involving a 10 d.o.f. mobile manipulator testbed moving with and without a non-holonomic constraint for the platform motion, are presented to illustrate the use and efficiency of the FSP approach in motion planning problems for highly kinematically redundant and constrained systems

Using collision cones to assess biological deconfliction methods

Biological systems consistently outperform autonomous systems governed by engineered algorithms in their ability to reactively avoid collisions. To better understand this discrepancy, a collision avoidance algorithm was applied to frames of digitized video trajectory data from bats, swallows and fish (Myotis velifer, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota and Danio aequipinnatus). Information available from visual cues, specifically relative position and velocity, was provided to the algorithm which used this information to define collision cones that allowed the algorithm to find a safe velocity requiring minimal deviation from the original velocity. The subset of obstacles provided to the algorithm was determined by the animal's sensing range in terms of metric and topological distance. The algorithmic calculated velocities showed good agreement with observed biological velocities, indicating that the algorithm was an informative basis for comparison with the three species and could potentially be improved for engineered applications with further study

Bending continuous structures with SMAs: a novel robotic fish design

In this paper, we describe our research on bio-inspired locomotion systems using deformable structures and smart materials, concretely shape memory alloys (SMAs). These types of materials allow us to explore the possibility of building motor-less and gear-less robots. A swimming underwater fish-like robot has been developed whose movements are generated using SMAs. These actuators are suitable for bending the continuous backbone of the fish, which in turn causes a change in the curvature of the body. This type of structural arrangement is inspired by fish red muscles, which are mainly recruited during steady swimming for the bending of a flexible but nearly incompressible structure such as the fishbone. This paper reviews the design process of these bio-inspired structures, from the motivations and physiological inspiration to the mechatronics design, control and simulations, leading to actual experimental trials and results. The focus of this work is to present the mechanisms by which standard swimming patterns can be reproduced with the proposed design. Moreover, the performance of the SMA-based actuators’ control in terms of actuation speed and position accuracy is also addressed

Motion planning for mobile manipulators using the FSP (full space parameterization) approach

The efficient utilization of the motion capabilities of mobile manipulators, i.e., manipulators mounted on mobile platforms, requires the resolution of the kinematically redundant system formed by the addition of the degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) of the platform to those of the manipulator. At the velocity level, the linearized Jacobian equation for such a redundant system represents an underspecified system of algebraic equations. In addition, constraints such as obstacle avoidance or joint limits may appear at any time during the trajectory of the system. A method, which we named the FSP (Full Space Parameterization), has recently been developed to resolve such underspecified systems with constraints that may vary in time and in number during a single trajectory. In this paper, we review the principles of the FSP and give analytical solutions for the constrained motion case, with a general optimization criterion for resolving the redundancy. We then focus on a solution to the problem introduced by the combined use of prismatic and revolute joints (a common occurrence in practical mobile manipulators) which makes the dimensions of the joint displacement vector components non-homogeneous. Successful applications to the motion planning of several large-payload mobile manipulators with up to 11 d.o.f. are discussed. Sample trajectories involving combined motions of the platform and manipulator under the time-varying occurrence of obstacle and joint limit constraints are presented to illustrate the use and efficiency of the FSP approach in complex motion planning problems

Data from: Using collision cones to assess biological deconfliction methods

Biological systems consistently outperform autonomous systems governed by engineered algorithms in their ability to reactively avoid collisions. To better understand this discrepancy, a collision avoidance algorithm was applied to frames of digitized video trajectory data from bats, swallows and fish (Myotis velifer, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota and Danio aequipinnatus). Information available from visual cues, specifically relative position and velocity, was provided to the algorithm which used this information to define collision cones that allowed the algorithm to find a safe velocity requiring minimal deviation from the original velocity. The subset of obstacles provided to the algorithm was determined by the animal's sensing range in terms of metric and topological distance. The algorithmic calculated velocities showed good agreement with observed biological velocities, indicating that the algorithm was an informative basis for comparison with the three species and could potentially be improved for engineered applications with further study

Using collision cones to assess biological deconfliction methods

Biological systems consistently outperform autonomous systems governed by engineered algorithms in their ability to reactively avoid collisions. To better understand this discrepancy, a collision avoidance algorithm was applied to frames of digitized video trajectory data from bats, swallows and fish (Myotis velifer, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota and Danio aequipinnatus). Information available from visual cues, specifically relative position and velocity, was provided to the algorithm which used this information to define collision cones that allowed the algorithm to find a safe velocity requiring minimal deviation from the original velocity. The subset of obstacles provided to the algorithm was determined by the animal's sensing range in terms of metric and topological distance. The algorithmic calculated velocities showed good agreement with observed biological velocities, indicating that the algorithm was an informative basis for comparison with the three species and could potentially be improved for engineered applications with further study

Fish Trajectory Data

3D position data for Danio aequipinnatus. The columns represent the trial number, the index number (to differentiate individual animals within a trial -- note they are not consistent between trials), the frame (used for synchronizing the data), and the XYZ position coordinates with respect to a global reference frame. Information about how the data was collected is in the ReadMe file

Bird Trajectory Data

3D position data for Petrochelidon pyrrhonota. The columns represent the trial number, the index number (to differentiate individual animals within a trial -- note they are not consistent between trials), the frame (used for synchronizing the data), and the XYZ position coordinates with respect to a global reference frame. Information about how the data was collected is in the ReadMe file

Bat Trajectory Data

3D position data for Myotis velifer. The columns represent the trial number, the index number (to differentiate individual animals within a trial -- note they are not consistent between trials), the frame (used for synchronizing the data), and the XYZ position coordinates with respect to a global reference frame. Information about how the data was collected is in the ReadMe file