The DLR hand arm system

Markus Grebenstein, Alin Albu-Schäffer, Thomas Bahls, Maxime Chalon, Oliver Eiberger, Werner Friedl, Robin Gruber, Sami Haddadin, Ulrich Hagn, Robert Haslinger, Hannes Höppner, Stefan Jörg, Mathias Nickl, Alexander Nothhelfer, Florian Petit, Josef Reill, Nikolaus Seitz, Thomas Wimböck, Sebastian Wolf, Tilo WüsthoffGerd Hirzinger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

417 Scopus citations

Abstract

An anthropomorphic hand arm system using variable stiffness actuation has been developed at DLR. It is aimed to reach its human archetype regarding size, weight and performance. The main focus of our development is put on robustness, dynamic performance and dexterity. Therefore, a paradigm change from impedance controlled, but mechanically stiff joints to robots using intrinsic variable compliance joints is carried out. Collisions of the rigid joint robot at high speeds with stiff objects induce the energy too fast for an active controller to prevent damages. In contrast, passively compliant robots are able to temporarily store energy. In this case the resulting internal forces applied to the robot structure and the drive trains are reduced. Furthermore, the energy storage allows to outperform the dynamics of stiff robots. The hand drives and the electronics are completely integrated within the forearm. Extremely miniaturized electronics have been developed to drive the 52 motors of the system and interface their sensors. Several variable stiffness actuation principles used in the arm joints and the hand are presented. The paper highlights the different requirements that they have to fulfill. A first test of the systems robustness and dynamics has been performed by driving nails with a grasped hammer and is demonstrated in the attached video.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2011
Pages3175-3182
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2011 - Shanghai, China
Duration: 9 May 201113 May 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2011
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShanghai
Period9/05/1113/05/11

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