A passively adaptive microspine grapple for robust, controllable perching
File(s)ROSO19_0091_FI.pdf (3.28 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Hai-Nguyen, Nguyen
Siddall, Robert
Stephens, Brett
Navarro-Rubio, Alberto
Kovac, Mirko
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The application of flying systems to practical tasks is consistently limited by the poor endurance of hovering robots. The ability to perch to fixed surfaces allows a robot to gather data and inspect structures in a low power state, while retaining the access and manoeuvrability that flight offers. In this paper we present a passively adaptive perching mechanism which allows an aerial vehicle to stably attach to a variety of surfaces including tree branches and pipelines. This is enabled by a compliant grapple module, which passively conforms to the surface of convex perching targets, ensuring reliable traction and a very high load capacity (tension tested to > 60 kg in some instances) whilst still releasing effortlessly. This is due to the mechanics of the grapple, which is designed to passively tighten and attach to a variety of branch diameters and shapes. The grapple is paired with a hybrid force-motion controller which allows the cable tension to be regulated as the vehicle achieves the desired attitude. The hybrid control approach exploits the mechanical compliance of the system to ensure reliable, stable attachment to irregular natural structures, and the addition of a winch allows the robot to stably orient itself in any position or orientation relative to the branch. This approach demonstrates tensile perching using adaptive anchors. The presented subsystems can be applied to other robots where high force authority is required.
Date Issued
2019-05-27
Date Acceptance
2019-05-01
Citation
2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), 2019, pp.80-87
Publisher
IEEE
Start Page
80
End Page
87
Journal / Book Title
2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
Copyright Statement
© 2019 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
The Royal Society
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000492837400014&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
EP/N018494/1
EP/R511547/1
EP/R026173/1
RSWF/R1/180003
EP/R009953/1
Source
2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Robotics
Engineering
AERIAL
MECHANISM
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2019-04-14
Finish Date
2019-04-18
Coverage Spatial
Seoul, South Korea