Statistically Distinct Plans for Multi-Objective Task Assignment

We study the problem of finding statistically distinct plans for stochastic task assignment problems such as online multi-robot pickup and delivery (MRPD) when facing multiple competing objectives. In many real-world settings robot fleets do not only need to fulfil delivery requests, but also have to consider auxiliary objectives such as...

Dynamic Optimization Fabrics for Motion Generation

Optimization fabrics are a geometric approach to real-time local motion generation, where motions are designed by the composition of several differential equations that exhibit a desired motion behavior. We generalize this framework to dynamic scenarios and nonholonomic robots and prove that fundamental properties can be conserved. We show...

Learning to Play Trajectory Games Against Opponents with Unknown Objectives

Many autonomous agents, such as intelligent vehicles, are inherently required to interact with one another. Game theory provides a natural mathematical tool for robot motion planning in such interactive settings. However, tractable algorithms for such problems usually rely on a strong assumption, namely that the objectives of all players in...

Group-Based Distributed Auction Algorithms for Multi-Robot Task Assignment

This paper studies the multi-robot task assignment problem in which a fleet of dispersed robots needs to efficiently transport a set of dynamically appearing packages from their initial locations to corresponding destinations within prescribed time-windows. Each robot can carry multiple packages simultaneously within its capacity. Given a...

Development of a 2D Lidar SLAM algorithm for localization on the building construction site

In order to improve the autonomy of construction robots, a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) solution is needed that localizes the robot using solely on-board sensing with sub-5 mm accuracy. As pointed out by the results of the Hilti SLAM Challenge, the state-of-the-art in SLAM currently does not offer a solution that comes close to...

Controlling Maneuverability of a Bio-Inspired Swimming Robot Through Morphological Transformation: Morphology Driven Control of a Swimming Robot

Biology provides many examples of how body adaption can be used to achieve a change in functionality. The feather star, an underwater crinoid that uses feather arms to locomote and feed, is one such system; it releases its arms to distract prey and vary its maneuverability to help escape predators. Using this crinoid as inspiration, we develop a...

Position-based dynamics simulator of vessel deformations for path planning in robotic endovascular catheterization

A major challenge during autonomous navigation in endovascular interventions is the complexity of operating in a deformable but constrained workspace with an instrument. Simulation of deformations for it can provide a cost-effective training platform for path planning. Aim of this study is to develop a realistic, auto-adaptive, and visually...

Informative Path Planning in Random Fields via Mixed Integer Programming

We present a new mixed integer formulation for the discrete informative path planning problem in random fields. The objective is to compute a budget constrained path while collecting measurements whose linear estimate results in minimum error over a finite set of prediction locations. The problem is known to be NP-hard. However, we strive to...

Tensegrity Full Body Control: An Inequality Constrained Optimization Approach

Tensegrity is a structural form that is defined as a set of rigid elements suspended in a net of continuous tension. This structure shows potential for compliance, impact tolerance and mechanical robustness. However, its non-linear coupled dynamics and often complex geometry require advanced control strategies. An actuator reference planning...

Informative Path Planning for Search and Rescue using a UAV

Target search in an obstacle filled environment is a practically relevant challenge in robotics that has a huge impact in the society. The wide range of applications include searching for victims in a search and rescue operation, detecting weeds in precision agriculture, patrolling borders for military and navy, automated census of endangered...

Active vision via extremum seeking for robots in unstructured environments: Applications in object recognition and manipulation

In this paper, a novel active vision strategy is proposed for optimizing the viewpoint of a robot's vision sensor for a given success criterion. The strategy is based on extremum seeking control (ESC), which introduces two main advantages: 1) Our approach is model free: It does not require an explicit objective function or any other task...

Robot Placement for Mobile Manipulation in Domestic Environments

The development of domestic mobile manipulators for unconstrained environments has driven significant research recently. Robot Care Systems has been pioneering in developing a prototype of a mobile manipulator for elderly care. It has a 6 degrees of freedom robotic arm mounted on their flagship robot LEA, a non-holonomic differential drive...