Although robotic grasp planning has been extensively studied in the literature, comparing the performance of different approaches still proves challenging due to the lack of standardization in hardware setup and benchmarking protocols. This work addresses the issue with a threefold contribution. First, it provides a standardized hardware platform and a software framework … [Read more...] about GRASPA-fying the Panda: Easily Deployable, Fully Reproducible Benchmarking of Grasp Planning Algorithms
Robot vision systems
Computer and Robot Vision: Past, Present, and Future [TC Spotlight]
Robot perception is the capability of a robot to estimate and understand its surroundings to the degree that enables it to navigate and interact with the environment. Right at the core of robot perception lies the problem of building an internal model of the robot’s surroundings using onboard sensor data and prior knowledge. Although the internal model of the environment can be … [Read more...] about Computer and Robot Vision: Past, Present, and Future [TC Spotlight]
Multirobot Multimodal Deep Sea Surveys: Use in Detailed Estimation of Manganese Crust Distribution
This article describes a multiyear survey of cobalt-rich manganese crust (Mn-crust) deposits using multiple underwater robots. Using two autonomous underwater vehicles and one remotely operated vehicle, mounted with camera systems, multibeam sonar, and subbottom sensors, large areas were surveyed by incorporating the advantages of each robot to create a comprehensive database … [Read more...] about Multirobot Multimodal Deep Sea Surveys: Use in Detailed Estimation of Manganese Crust Distribution
Field Robot for High-Throughput and High-Resolution 3D Plant Phenotyping: Towards Efficient and Sustainable Crop Production
With the need to feed a growing world population, the efficiency of crop production is of paramount importance. To support breeding and field management, various characteristics of the plant phenotype need to be measured, a time-consuming process when performed manually. We present a robotic platform equipped with multiple laser and camera sensors for high-throughput, … [Read more...] about Field Robot for High-Throughput and High-Resolution 3D Plant Phenotyping: Towards Efficient and Sustainable Crop Production
Semiautonomous Precision Pruning of Upright Fruiting Offshoot Orchard Systems: An Integrated Approach
Dormant pruning is an important orchard activity for maintaining tree health and producing high-quality fruit. Due to decreasing worker availability, pruning is a prime candidate for robotics. However, pruning also represents a uniquely difficult problem, requiring robust systems for perception, pruning point determination, and manipulation that must operate under variable … [Read more...] about Semiautonomous Precision Pruning of Upright Fruiting Offshoot Orchard Systems: An Integrated Approach