Modern robotic applications have come to include an increasing human presence in their control loops. This human presence sheds light on two instances of human interaction. First, intentional interaction developed for cobotic applications, and on the other hand, unplanned interaction in the event of a sudden collision. The handling of these interactions must be subject to the human safety restrictions denoted in the Physical Human-Robot Interaction (pHRI). The literature has presented two techniques for improving this safety factor; the first is a mechanical solution, while the second is related to control systems. In this paper, we describe a new approach that combines previous solutions. Our proposal explores a control scheme that involves the use of a virtual, adjustable stiffness component supposed to be located between the motor shaft and the robot’s link. This scheme proposes a variable impedance Actuator (VIA) control methodology based on the integration of a hypothetical (virtual) component, which has (reflect) an intrinsic Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) behaviour. By combining the mechanical operating principle with the control approach, this new method is likely to be beneficial for minimizing injuries in a human/robot interaction by reducing impact forces in collaborative applications. The proof of concept for this proposal has been simulated, validated, and implementable using a UR3 cobot of Universal Robots. This approach shows promising results in reducing significantly the peak collision forces.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Virtual Adjustable Joint Stiffness Toward a Safer Human/Robot Interaction


    Additional title:

    Lect. Notes Electrical Eng.


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics ; 2020 ; Lieusaint - Paris, France July 07, 2020 - July 09, 2020



    Publication date :

    2022-01-01


    Size :

    25 pages





    Type of media :

    Article/Chapter (Book)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Virtual Adjustable Joint Stiffness Toward a Safer Human/Robot Interaction

    Diab, Joseph / Fonte, Aicha / Novales, Cyril et al. | TIBKAT | 2022



    Toward Safer Streets

    Bella Dihn-Zarr, T | Online Contents | 2011


    Working toward safer grade crossing

    Judge, Tom | IuD Bahn | 2001