To realize optimal motion that effectively uses body specifications governed by physical laws, machines including robots need to solve a non-linear motion optimization problem that depends on their motion model (e.g. motion equations). For this problem, algebraic mathematics cannot provide a solution. However, the recent advances in computer technology make it possible to tackle the problem using approximation techniques. We are making progress in theory and application research to formulate and develop optimal motion planning solver and execution systems. Our recent system achieved 3,000 times faster optimization. As a result, it can solve 3 to 4 degrees of freedom (DoF) link semi-optimal motions within several seconds or minutes. It has also realized 6-DoF-link optimization. These results indicate that the calculation speed and precision of our system are the best in the world. Our group is also researching “rhythmic interaction between machines and humans.”

Part of this research is a collaboration with Honda Research Institute Japan.

A typical machine state is defined as the pair consisting of position (including angular position) and velocity (including angular velocity). We can describe a motion as a line in the state space (equal to the phase space) of a machine. This research deals with the calculation for the optimal path that connects the initial and goal states in the state space. The optimal criteria include the shortest time and the minimum energy. The optimal motion planning solver that we developed executes its calculation as the flow shown in the bottom figure. The solver partitions the state space into many cells in order to find similar states more quickly. The planning part of the solver prunes the branches of a tree according to an optimality criterion. This process is implemented as a code for parallel processing of a GPU board. After the planning part, the semi-optimal motions that were obtained by the solver are stored in a database, and then actual mechanical control is executed. The online motion selection part searches for the best motion from the database according to the current state of the machine. The state feedback part assures a local feedback control that realizes the selected semi-optimal motions.

Throwing experiment done with Sampei Lab. at Tokyo Institute of Technology

We used this solver in an experiment done with a throwing machine; the machine achieved a record-best 65 km/h (about 50 km/h previously).
link (in preparation)

Swinging up motion for sixth inverted pendulum

We succeeded in calculating the semi-optimal motion for a six degree of freedom inverted pendulum.
link (in preparation)

Part of this research is a collaboration with Honda Research Institute Japan.

Rhythmic cooperation is an important concept in robots that work with humans. However, research has not yet been done on what rhythms humans focus on or what rhythms a robot should provide to the human. We are now researching the rhythmic information flow between a human and a robot using a cooperative rope-turning task, as shown in the photo. This cooperative task involves information sensing for three kinds of modalities: vision, audition, and force. We are exploring from the viewpoint of engineering and psychology how a human selects a rope-turning rhythm and how a robot should cooperate.