Visual Servoing: A technology in search of an application

摘要

Considerable research has been performed on Robotic Visual Servoing (RVS) over the past decade. Using real-time visual feedback, researchers have demonstrated that robotic systems can pick up moving parts, insert bolts, apply sealant, and guide vehicles. With the rapid improvements being made in computing and image processing hardware, one would expect that every robot manufacturer would have a RVS option by the end of the 1990s. So why aren`t the Fanucs, ABBs, Adepts, and Motomans of the world investing heavily in RVS? I would suggest four seasons: cost, complexity, reliability, and lack of demand. Solutions to the first three are approaching the point where RVS could be commercially available; however, the lack of demand is keeping RVS from becoming a reality in the near future. A new set of applications is needed to focus near term RVS development. These must be applications which currently do not have solutions. Once developed and working in one application area, the technology is more likely to quickly spread to other areas. DOE has several applications that are looking for technological solutions, such as agile weapons production, weapons disassembly, decontamination and dismantlement of nuclear facilities, and hazardous waste remediation. This paper will examine a few of these areas and suggest directions for application-driven visual servoing research.