机器人也能“摸着走”？揭秘触觉传感器如何助力导航

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the limitations of traditional visual sensors and LiDAR in autonomous mobile robots, particularly in detecting obstacles in blind spots and transparent objects. It introduces a haptic-assisted navigation vehicle (HANV) that integrates haptic sensors with LiDAR to enhance obstacle detection capabilities in challenging environments [13]. Summary by Sections Limitations of Traditional Sensors - Advanced robots face "blind spot" issues similar to those encountered in driving, where certain areas cannot be fully covered by sensors like LiDAR and cameras [4]. - Specific challenges include: - Transparent obstacles, such as glass and plastic, which are difficult for LiDAR and cameras to detect [6]. - Narrow spaces where the detection range of LiDAR is limited, leading to blind spots [6]. - Low-light environments that hinder camera performance in capturing clear images [6]. Introduction of Haptic Sensors - Haptic sensors are developed to address these limitations, functioning like the "skin" of robots to sense the surrounding environment and provide tactile feedback for obstacle detection [7]. - These sensors are made from soft materials that deform upon contact with obstacles, sending voltage signals to the robot for analysis [8]. Advantages of Haptic Sensors - Haptic sensors offer several benefits: - They cover the entire body of the robot, compensating for blind spots created by traditional sensors [11]. - They operate independently of environmental conditions, such as lighting and the presence of transparent objects [11]. - They provide rapid obstacle detection, enhancing the robot's ability to avoid collisions [11]. Applications of Haptic Sensors - Haptic sensors are being applied in various robotic fields, including: - Autonomous vehicles, improving obstacle detection for safer driving [11]. - Service robots, enhancing their understanding of the environment for better service delivery [11]. - Industrial robots, allowing for more precise operations and increased production efficiency [11]. Conclusion - The integration of haptic sensors with traditional sensors significantly improves the ability of robots to navigate complex environments, particularly in scenarios where traditional systems fall short. This advancement is expected to lead to broader applications and innovations in robotics [10].