Friction-based slip detection in robotic grasping

Abstract

A functional prototype of a friction-based object slippage detection gripper for robotic grasping and manipulation has been designed and built. Object grasping and manipulation experiments have been successfully performed to study the appropriateness of the methodology and the newly built slippage detection gripper. The main advantage of this slippage detection method is that slippage detection is an inherent capability of the sensing element, and not a derived capability like that of sensors based on vibration. This slippage detection and control strategy is simple by design and low in cost, but robust in function. It has the potential to be used in a variety of environments such as high temperatures, low temperatures and underwater. The robustness of the design makes it highly suitable for grasping and manipulating safely a large range of object weights and sizes.