Robots for Physical Interaction

Abstract

While robots dominate repetitive works in factories, the design and control of these robots are not suitable for relatively complex tasks that humans do easily. These tasks typically require force sensing and interaction force control. Conventional robots are not built to control force or to be flexible to perform like human arms. This talk will discuss how the new design paradigm allows dynamic interactive force control within environments. As an embodiment of such a robot design paradigm, the latest version of the Cheetah robot and force-feedback teleoperation arms will be presented. This new class of robots will play a crucial role in future robot applications such as elderly care, home service, delivery, and services in environments unfavorable for humans.