Latest Papers

ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics

  • Mechanical Characterization of Supernumerary Robotic Tails for Human Balance Augmentation
    on August 31, 2023 at 12:00 am

    AbstractHumans are intrinsically unstable in quiet stance from a rigid body system viewpoint; however, they maintain balance, thanks to neuro-muscular sensory control properties. With increasing levels of balance related incidents in industrial and ageing populations globally each year, the development of assistive mechanisms to augment human balance is paramount. This work investigates the mechanical characteristics of kinematically dissimilar one and two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) supernumerary robotic tails for balance augmentation. Through dynamic simulations and manipulability assessments, the importance of variable coupling inertia in creating a sufficient reaction torque is highlighted. It is shown that two-DoF tails with solely revolute joints are best suited to address the balance augmentation issue. Within the two-DoF options, the characteristics of open versus closed loop tails are investigated, with the ultimate design selection requiring trade-offs between environmental workspace, biomechanical factors, and manufacturing ease to be made.

Algorithmic Fingertip Repositioning for Enhanced In-Hand Manipulation of the Objects

Abstract

This article focuses on a method to relocate the robotic fingertips on the surface of the object when the fingertips instantaneously hold the object under precision grasp. Precision grasp involves holding the object using fingertips. Finger gaiting involves repositioning the fingertips on the surface of the object and then manipulation of the object. During repositioning, one contact point leaves the object surface and recontacts at the other point. A metric is defined on the set of feasible grasp configurations to limit deviation from force closure during repositioning of the fingertips. Then, a manipulability-based metric is described to search for the optimal goal grasp states on the object’s surface. The manipulability-based metric is used to search the grasp state to relocate the contacts, such that the range of object motion is increased.

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