Patent attributes
A method for controlling a robot to perform a complex assembly task such as insertion of a component with multiple pins or pegs into a structure with multiple holes. The method uses an impedance controller including multiple reference centers with one set of gain factors. Only translational gain factors are used—one for a spring force and one for a damping force—and no rotational gains. The method computes spring-damping forces from reference center positions and velocities using the gain values, and measures contact force and torque with a sensor coupled between the robot arm and the component being manipulated. The computed spring-damping forces are then summed with the measured contact force and torque, to provide a resultant force and torque at the center of gravity of the component. A new component pose is then computed based on the resultant force and torque using impedance controller calculations.