Getting a better grasp with robotic squeezing force tool

Grasping delicate objects such as fruit can be difficult for robots. Now QUT researchers have developed a smart object that can measure a robot’s squeezing force, which could help robots get a better grasp on production lines in future.

The QUT Centre for Robotics research team was led by Dr Fangyi Zhang, under the mentorship of Distinguished Emeritus Professor Peter Corke, with contributions from research assistant Maceon Knopke, and former research assistant and QUT masters student Liguo Zhu.

Zhang said the work addressed a significant challenge in robotics — measuring stress or damage to objects during handling — by providing direct assessment capabilities through sensor integration.

The researchers developed a method to assess compliant robotic grasping by using special (sensorised) objects that can feel and measure how much force is applied.

“A test design was proposed to use sensors and magnets to measure where and how strongly something is being touched,” Knopke said.

“The design demonstrated promising results, accurately detecting contact locations and applied forces during robotic grasping tasks, highlighting its potential for broader applications for grasping performance evaluation in robotics.

“The research included extensive testing, showcasing the effectiveness of the design in both single and multiple contact scenarios, paving the way for future enhancements,” Knopke said.

According to Zhang, the findings could open new avenues for developing more sensitive and accurate performance evaluation toolkits, aiding the development and improvement of robotic systems capable of handling delicate objects.

Potential applications could include various industries including agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing, where robotic systems manage delicate items such as fruit.

The full findings are published in the paper Towards Assessing Compliant Robotic Grasping From First-Object Perspective via Instrumented Objects. 

Image caption: From left, (inset) Distinguished Emeritus Professor Peter Corke, Maceon Knopke, and Dr Fangyi Zhang.