A Non-Linear Model Predictive Task-Space Controller Satisfying Shape Constraints for Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots
<|reference_start|>A Non-Linear Model Predictive Task-Space Controller Satisfying Shape Constraints for Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots: Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots (TDCRs) have the potential to be used in minimally invasive surgery and industrial inspection, where the robot must enter narrow and confined spaces. We propose a Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach to leverage the non-linear kinematics and redundancy of TDCRs for whole-body collision avoidance, with real-time capabilities for handling inputs at 30Hz. Key to our method's effectiveness is the integration of a nominal Piecewise Constant Curvature (PCC) model for efficient computation of feasible trajectories, with a local feedback controller to handle modeling uncertainty and disturbances. Our experiments in simulation show that our MPC outperforms conventional Jacobian-based controller in position tracking, particularly under disturbances and user-defined shape constraints, while also allowing the incorporation of control limits. We further validate our method on a hardware prototype, showcasing its potential for enhancing the safety of teleoperation tasks.<|reference_end|>
@article{hachen2024a,
    title={A Non-Linear Model Predictive Task-Space Controller Satisfying Shape
  Constraints for Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots},
    author={Maximillian Hachen, Chengnan Shentu, Sven Lilge, Jessica Burgner-Kahrs},
    journal={arXiv preprint arXiv:2409.09970},
    year={2024},
    archivePrefix={arXiv},
    eprint={2409.09970},
    primaryClass={cs.RO}
}