Estimating perturbations from experience using neural networks and Information Transfer

In order to ensure safe operation, robots must be able to reliably detect behavior perturbations that result from unexpected physical interactions with their environment and human co-workers. While some robots provide firmware force sensors that generate rough force estimates, more accurate force measurements are usually achieved with dedicated force-torque sensors. However, such sensors are often heavy, expensive and require an additional power supply. In the case of lightweight manipulators, the already limited payload capabilities may be reduced in a significant way. This paper presents an experience-based approach for accurately estimating external forces being applied to a robot without the need for a force-torque sensor. Using Information Transfer, a subset of sensors relevant to the executed behavior are identified from a larger set of internal sensors. Models mapping robot sensor data to force-torque measurements are learned using a neural network. These models can be used to predict the magnitude and direction of perturbations from affordable, proprioceptive sensors only. Experiments with a UR5 robot show that our method yields force estimates with accuracy comparable to a dedicated force-torque sensor. Moreover, our method yields a substantial improvement in accuracy over force-torque values provided by the robot firmware.