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An anthropomorphic soft skeleton hand exploiting conditional models for piano playing.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

The development of robotic manipulators and hands that show dexterity, adaptability, and subtle behavior comparable to human hands is an unsolved research challenge. In this article, we considered the passive dynamics of mechanically complex systems, such as a skeleton hand, as an approach to improving adaptability, dexterity, and richness of behavioral diversity of such robotic manipulators. With the use of state-of-the-art multimaterial three-dimensional printing technologies, it is possible to design and construct complex passive structures, namely, a complex anthropomorphic skeleton hand that shows anisotropic mechanical stiffness. We introduce a concept, termed the "conditional model," that exploits the anisotropic stiffness of complex soft-rigid hybrid systems. In this approach, the physical configuration, environment conditions, and conditional actuation (applied actuation) resulted in an observable conditional model, allowing joint actuation through passivity-based dynamic interactions. The conditional model approach allowed the physical configuration and actuation to be altered, enabling a single skeleton hand to perform three different phrases of piano music with varying styles and forms and facilitating improved dynamic behaviors and interactions with the piano over those achievable with a rigid end effector.

Description

Keywords

4007 Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, 40 Engineering, Bioengineering

Journal Title

Sci Robot

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2470-9476
2470-9476

Volume Title

3

Publisher

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Sponsorship
EPSRC (1503637)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/N029003/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L015889/1)