Learning object models for whole body manipulation

Abstract

We present a successful implementation of rigid grasp manipulation for large objects moved along specified trajectories by a humanoid robot. HRP-2 manipulates tables on casters with a range of loads up to its own mass. The robot maintains dynamic balance by controlling its center of gravity to compensate for reflected forces. To achieve high performance for large objects with unspecified dynamics the robot learns a friction model for each object and applies it to torso trajectory generation. We empirically compare this method to a purely reactive strategy and show a significant increase in predictive power and stability.