Illumination Adaptive Identification Algorithm of a Reconfigurable Modular Robot

Reconfigurable modular robots feature high mobility due to their unconstrained connection manners.Inspired by the snake multi-joint crawling principle,a chain-type reconfigurable modular robot(CRMR)is designed,which could reassemble into various configurations through the compound joint motion.Moreover,an illumination adaptive modular robot identification(IAMRI)algorithm is proposed for CRMR.At first,an adaptive threshold is applied to detect oriented FAST features in the robot image.Then,the effective detection of features in non-uniform illumination areas is achieved through an optimized quadtree decomposition method.After matching features,an improved random sample consensus algorithm is employed to eliminate the mismatched features.Finally,the reconfigurable robot module is identified effectively through the perspective transformation.Compared with ORB,MA,Y-ORB,and S-ORB algorithms,the IAMRI algorithm has an improvement of over 11.6%in feature uniformity,and 13.7%in the comprehensive indicator,respectively.The IAMRI algorithm limits the relative error within 2.5 pixels,efficiently completing the CRMR identification under complex environmental changes.

Vision-based docking system for an aromatic-hydrocarbon-inspired reconfigurable robot

Aromatic hydrocarbons generally refer to compounds containing benzene rings.Many types of isomers can be formed by replacing hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring.In this paper,an aromatic-hydrocarbon-inspired modular robot(AHIMR)is proposed.The robot can be reassembled into different configurations suitable for various task requirements.A vision-based docking system is designed for the AHIMR.The system primarily consists of two stages:a remote guidance stage and a precise docking stage.During the remote guidance stage,an object module is identified using an illumination adaptive target recognition algorithm,and then the active module moves to the docking area through communication with ZigBee.In the precise docking stage,the active module calculates the relative pose with the object module using a perspective-n-point method and dynamically adjusts its posture to dock.In this process,a Kalman filter is used to reduce target occlusion and jitter interference.In addition,the docking system feasibility is verified via several simulation experiments.The module docking accuracy is controlled within 0.01 m,which meets the reconfiguration task requirements of the AHIMR.In the AHIMR submodule docking experiment,the active module accurately moves to the expected position with a docking success rate of 95%.

ANALYSIS OF TIPOVER STABILITY FOR NOVEL SHAPE SHIFTING MODULAR ROBOT

A novel three-module robot has been introduced. It can change its configuration to adapt to the uneven terrain and to improve its tipover stability. This three-module tracked robot has three kinds of symmetry configuration. They are line type, triangle type, and row type. After the factors and the countermeasures of mobile robot＇s tipover problem are analyzed, stability pyramid and tipover stabil-ity index are proposed to globally determinate the mobile robot＇s static stability and dynamic stability. The shape shifting robot is tested by this technique under the combined disturbance of pitch, roll and yaw in simulation. The simulation result shows that this technique is effective for the analysis of mobile robot＇s tipover stability, especially for the reconfigurable or shape shifting modular robot. Experiments on three symmetry configurations are made under unstructured environments. The environment experiment shows the same result as that of the simulation that the triangle type configuration has the best stability. Both simulation and experiment provide a valid reference for the reconfigurable robot＇s potential application.

基于PLC的模块化可重组机器人实训平台控制系统研究

文章针对模块化可重组机器人的实训教学需求,提出一种基于可编程逻辑控制器(Programmable Logic Controller,PLC)的机器人实训平台控制系统。该系统采用模块化设计,通过PLC实现机器人的运动控制、传感反馈和人机交互等功能。为验证系统的可行性,设计一套完备的系统仿真实验,评估机器人执行机械加工任务的性能。实验结果表明,该系统能够显著提高加工精度和效率,在智能制造领域具有广阔的应用前景。

Center-configuration selection technique for the reconfigurable modular robot

The reconfigurable modular robot has an enormous amount of configurations to adapt to various environments and tasks. It greatly increases the complexity of configuration research in that the possible configuration number of the reconfigurable modular robot grows exponentially with the increase of module number. Being the initial configuration or the basic configuration of the reconfigurable robot, the center-configuration plays a crucial role in system＇s actual applications. In this paper, a novel center-configuration selection technique has been proposed for re- configurable modular robots. Based on the similarities between configurations＇ transformation and graph theory, configuration network has been applied in the modeling and analyzing of these configurations. Configuration adjacency matrix, reconfirmation cost matrix, and center-configuration coefficient have been defined for the configuration network correspondingly. Being similar to the center-location problem, the center configuration has been selected according to the largest center-configuraUon coefficient. As an example of the reconfigurable robotic system, AMOEBA-I, a three-module reconfigurable robot with nine configurations which was developed in Shenyang Institute of Automation （SIA）, Chinese Academy of Sciences （CAS）, has been introduced briefly. According to the numerical simulation result, the center-configuration coefficients for these nine configurations have been calculated and compared to validate this technique. Lastly, a center-configuration selection example is provided with consideration of the adjacent configurations. The center-configuration selection technique proposed in this paper is also available to other reconfigurable modular robots.

Configuration analysis of a chain-type reconfigurable modular robot inspired by normal alkane

Normal alkane is an unbranched alkane whose structural formula is H–CH2–CH2–…–CH2–…–CH2–H,which can be regarded as a reconfigurable chain-type structure composed of–CH2–modules.Inspired by normal alkane,a normal-alkane-like reconfigurable modular robot (NAR) is proposed.The module consists of two differential gear trains mounted orthogonally.Each differential gear train contains two input degrees of freedom and two output degrees of freedom.Due to the genderless interface design,multiple modules can be assembled into chain-type configuration.With the genderless interfaces and flexible degrees of freedom,NAR can be reconfigured into different dimensions of spatial configuration.The bond matrix is used to describe the configuration,which represents the bond attitude of the adjacent connected modules.In addition,full interconnected geometric feature (FIGF) algorithm is proposed for non-isomorphic configuration enumeration and judgment.The configurations with three modules are simulated and the results verify the feasibility of the algorithm.Finally,a prototype with three modules is fabricated and the configuration motion sequence is demonstrated.

基于群智能体深度强化学习的模块化机器人自重构算法

模块化机器人是由一定数量、具有独立功能的标准模块组合而成的。自重构问题是目前模块化机器人研究领域的热点与难点。传统的图论算法或者搜索算法在模块数量较多、复杂度较大时,无法在多项式时间内寻找到通用最优解。文中从群智能体深度强化学习的角度出发,将每个同构模块视为具有学习与感知能力的单智能体,提出了基于QMIX的模块化机器人自重构算法。针对该算法,设计了一种新型的奖励函数,并在限制智能体的动作空间的基础上,实现了智能体并行化移动,在一定程度上解决了多智能体之间的协调合作问题,从而实现了从初始构型向目标构型的转变。实验以9个模块为例,对比了该算法与基于A*的传统搜索算法在成功率以及平均步数上的差异。实验结果表明,在时间步数限制合理的情况下,基于QMIX的模块化机器人自重构算法的成功率能够达到95%以上,两种算法的平均步数大约在12步左右,QMIX自重构算法能够逼近传统算法的效果。

基于强化学习的模块机器人故障自修复方法

针对晶格式模块机器人的鲁棒性设计问题,提出一种基于强化学习算法的故障自修复方法。该方法将系统内以空位填充为目标的自修复过程转化为以包含空位的子群模块运动为手段的系统自重构过程。同时,基于强化学习算法提出一种离散方式下的空位移动路径规划,并按此引导空位在系统内穿行。仿真试验结果表明,该故障自修复方法的有效性在晶格式模块机器人系统上得到了验证,且可广泛应用于其他同构模块机器人系统。

多链可重构模块化机器人的构型转换

可变形指尖陀螺是一种流行的玩具,其多链、可变形的优点为空间机器人提供了一种方案。以此玩具为启发,结合链型机器人灵活多变的特点,引入了多链可重构模块化机器人。以构型分析及构型转换策略为重点对多链可重构模块化机器人的拓扑构型展开研究,使其改变拓扑构型来适应不同任务。首先,结合整数拆分及排列组合,建立了适用于正六边形基座的模块化机器人基本非同构构型库,提出了一种非同构构型枚举算法,该算法表明非同构构型数随模块数的增加呈指数型增长;其次,以构型转换为核心,定义了基于结构特征的等价关系库,设计了一种构型匹配的重构策略来完成构型间的最优匹配与转换;最后,通过演示与仿真,验证了重构策略的有效性。

模块化可重构机器人动力学研究进展

模块化可重构机器人由于其构型多变,运动形式丰富等特点,可以在非结构化环境或未知环境中执行任务,在最近几年迅速成为机器人研究领域的前沿和热点.模块化可重构机器人在军事、医疗、教育等众多工程领域具有广泛的应用前景,其典型代表包括仿生多足模块化机器人、模块化可重构机械臂、晶格式模块化机器人等.模块化可重构机器人丰富的构型设计、多样的连接特征、不断拓展的应用范围,给动力学建模与控制带来了很多挑战和机遇.本文首先阐述了模块化可重构机器人的研究背景和意义,并概述了其构型分类与设计、构型描述与运动学建模方法.随后,本文系统回顾了模块化可重构机器人动力学研究中相关问题的最新进展,包括:(1)系统整体动力学建模;(2)结合面以及对接机构动力学建模;(3)基于动力学模型的控制方法.本文最后提出了模块化可重构机器人动力学研究中若干值得关注的问题.

工业机器人实训平台模块化可重构软件系统研究

工业机器人实训平台合理的模块划分方案为快速重构功能奠定了基础,而多任务的快速切换还需要通过各功能模块间的快速聚类过程来实现,其研究核心在于聚类的流程和算法。根据各功能模块间的相关性关系,研究并构建模块间的知识库和知识表达形式,完成模块的参数化定义。利用圆截法定位所有功能模块的接口,构建模块快速重构的流程和算法。模块化可重构软件系统的研究,为实现工业机器人实训平台的快速重构功能提供技术基础。

Network-based reconfiguration routes for a self-reconfigurable robot

This paper presents a network-based analysis approach for the reconfiguration problem of a self-reconfigurable robot. The self-reconfigurable modular robot named ＂AMOEBA-I＂ has nine kinds of non-isomorphic configurations that consist of a configuration network. Each configuration of the robot is defined to be a node in the weighted and directed configuration network. The transformation from one configuration to another is represented by a directed path with nonnegative weight. Graph theory is applied in the reconfiguration analysis, where reconfiguration route, reconfigurable matrix and route matrix are defined according to the topological information of these configurations. Algorithms in graph theory have been used in enumerating the available reconfiguration routes and deciding the best reconfiguration route. Numerical analysis and experimental simulation results prove the validity of the approach proposed in this paper. And it is potentially suitable for other self-reconfigurable robots＇ configuration control and reconfiguration planning.

一种模块化机械臂的设计与运动学分析

研制一种新型机械臂模块化旋转关节.为使模块化关节结构更紧凑,采用电机、编码器和制动器轴线平行的布置方式,具有标准的机械、电气接口,可以根据需求组装成不同构型的机械臂;针对模块化机械臂运动学不具有通用性的问题,基于构型平面匹配的方法,将空间构形转换为平面几何关系,实现对机械臂的模块化运动学求解;设计了机械臂运动学仿真平台,能够快速获得不同构型机械臂的运动学;结合该模块化旋转关节的特点,构建分布式控制系统,实现了对各种构型机械臂的控制.

面向任务的可重构模块化机器人构型设计

为解决可重构模块化机器人在应用时如何找到合适的构型来满足特定任务的问题,提出一种面向任务的可重构模块化机器人构型多目标优化方法.讨论该模块化机器人系统的基本结构,包括主要的模块和控制系统的组成结构;在任务描述的基础上,给出模块化机器人构型设计的优化模型和流程;针对特定的攀爬任务和操作任务,对模块化机器人的构型进行优化设计.仿真验证了该方法的可行性和有效性.该方法具有面向任务和多目标优化等特点,涵盖了自由度、可达性、耗能等多方面的性能优化,适用于模块化机器人的构型设计.

蛇形机器人研究现况与进展

仿生技术与机器人技术的结合 ,使机器人从结构设计到运动模式的选择都有了新的进展 ,这大大扩大了机器人的应用领域 .本文阐述了仿蛇形机器人的应用背景和研究现状 。

新型模块化可重构机器人系统

研制了一种新型模块化可重构机器人系统,机器人由许多结构和功能完全相同的模块相互联接组成,通过改变各模块之间的联接状态和相互位置关系,不需任何外界辅助,自动完成重构过程和整体协调运动:设计了模块的分离联接机构和单自由度立方体结构,模块结构兼具阵列式和串联式特点,可方便的实现重构运动和整体协调运动:上位机软件系统可通过交互方式设置各机器人模块的方位,可手工编写或自动产生可重构机器人各模块的运动序列,可对机器人可重构过程和整体构型的协调运动进行规划和仿真,并通过计算机串口对机器人进行实时控制。试验验证了机器人模块的分离／联接和模块协作基本功能和蠕虫构型、四足构型、履带构型三种构型的整体协调运动功能。试验表明:模块结构设计简单合理,控制容易,可以完成重构操作功能和整体协调运动功能。

自重构模块化机器人的结构

在国外自重构机器人研究的基础上,设计开发了一种新型的网格型的雌雄同体的自重构模块化机器人.机器人中每个模块由一个中心体和6个可独立旋转的面组成,每个面上有2个孔及2个可自由伸缩的轴,驱动电动机通过减速器、锥形齿轮、同步带轮、离合器驱动6个面转动及每个面上轴的伸缩.该模块化机器人结构紧凑,便于进一步扩展.

可重构模块化机器人模块及构形设计

对可重构模块化机器人模块的结构进行了研究,并归纳设计出7种功能模块,其中包括3种1自由度的关节模块,2种连杆模块和2种辅助模块·所有模块的功能都是独立的,并且每个模块的连接界面都设计成了圆筒形以便重组和提高其刚度·每一种模块都可设计成不同尺寸系列,这些不同类型和尺寸系列的模块便可构成一个模块库·作者对3个自由度串联机器人的构形进行了系统的研究,并应用制作的实验模块对研究结果的可行性进行了验证·

模块化可重构机器人的构形在线自主辨识

针对模块化可重构机器人(Modular reconfigurable robot,MRR)构形复杂多变的特点,提出一种基于上层数据库和底层接口电路相结合的构形在线自主辨识方法。以所研制的MRR系统样机为研究对象,介绍关节、连杆、基座和夹爪等四类基本功能模块的结构及特殊接口电路设计;考虑多模块组合运动形式的等效性,以及同类型关节模块在输出力/力矩方面的差异,改进MRR构形空间的计算方法。利用图论中树的相关理论,在定义同类构形生成树和同序构形树枝的基础上,建立MRR构形辨识的总体研究模型,包括同类构形生成树辨识、同序构形树枝辨识和边约束条件辨识三个部分。根据模型中各部分的具体辨识对象,通过构建基本功能模块的上层数据库,并结合底层接口电路的特殊设计,实现机器人在无人参与情况下的构形在线自主辨识。以MRR系统样机为试验平台,通过多次构形辨识试验证明该方法的可行性和有效性。

基于万向式关节的模块化自重构机器人

提出了一种基于万向式关节的模块化自重构机器人——UBot.该机器人模块结构紧凑、刚性好、运动灵活,具有运动、重构和处理任务的能力.它由许多标准模块组成,模块均采用万向式结构的正立方体外形,具有4个可以与相邻模块连接/断开的连接面.设计了钩爪式连接机构,它可以快速可靠地与相邻模块连接/断开,该连接机构连接后具有自锁功能,节省能量.设计了模块电气系统.最后进行了连接机构和机器人运动实验,证明了UBot系统的可靠性和运动灵活性.