8 research outputs found
Bayesian Learning-Based Adaptive Control for Safety Critical Systems
Deep learning has enjoyed much recent success, and applying state-of-the-art
model learning methods to controls is an exciting prospect. However, there is a
strong reluctance to use these methods on safety-critical systems, which have
constraints on safety, stability, and real-time performance. We propose a
framework which satisfies these constraints while allowing the use of deep
neural networks for learning model uncertainties. Central to our method is the
use of Bayesian model learning, which provides an avenue for maintaining
appropriate degrees of caution in the face of the unknown. In the proposed
approach, we develop an adaptive control framework leveraging the theory of
stochastic CLFs (Control Lyapunov Functions) and stochastic CBFs (Control
Barrier Functions) along with tractable Bayesian model learning via Gaussian
Processes or Bayesian neural networks. Under reasonable assumptions, we
guarantee stability and safety while adapting to unknown dynamics with
probability 1. We demonstrate this architecture for high-speed terrestrial
mobility targeting potential applications in safety-critical high-speed Mars
rover missions.Comment: Corrected an error in section II, where previously the problem was
introduced in a non-stochastic setting and wrongly assumed the solution to an
ODE with Gaussian distributed parametric uncertainty was equivalent to an SDE
with a learned diffusion term. See Lew, T et al. "On the Problem of
Reformulating Systems with Uncertain Dynamics as a Stochastic Differential
Equation
NeBula: Team CoSTAR's robotic autonomy solution that won phase II of DARPA Subterranean Challenge
This paper presents and discusses algorithms, hardware, and software architecture developed by the TEAM CoSTAR (Collaborative SubTerranean Autonomous Robots), competing in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge. Specifically, it presents the techniques utilized within the Tunnel (2019) and Urban (2020) competitions, where CoSTAR achieved second and first place, respectively. We also discuss CoSTAR¿s demonstrations in Martian-analog surface and subsurface (lava tubes) exploration. The paper introduces our autonomy solution, referred to as NeBula (Networked Belief-aware Perceptual Autonomy). NeBula is an uncertainty-aware framework that aims at enabling resilient and modular autonomy solutions by performing reasoning and decision making in the belief space (space of probability distributions over the robot and world states). We discuss various components of the NeBula framework, including (i) geometric and semantic environment mapping, (ii) a multi-modal positioning system, (iii) traversability analysis and local planning, (iv) global motion planning and exploration behavior, (v) risk-aware mission planning, (vi) networking and decentralized reasoning, and (vii) learning-enabled adaptation. We discuss the performance of NeBula on several robot types (e.g., wheeled, legged, flying), in various environments. We discuss the specific results and lessons learned from fielding this solution in the challenging courses of the DARPA Subterranean Challenge competition.The work is partially supported by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology,
under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (80NM0018D0004), and
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)