Agoraphilic navigation algorithm in dynamic environment with obstacles motion tracking and prediction
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Robotica Vol. 40, no. 2 (2022), p. 329-347
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a new algorithm to navigate robots in dynamically cluttered environments. The proposed algorithm uses basic concepts of space attraction (hence the term Agoraphilic) to navigate robots through dynamic obstacles. The new algorithm in this paper is an advanced development of the original Agoraphilic navigation algorithm that was only able to navigate robots in static environments. The Agoraphilic algorithm does not look for obstacles (problems) to avoid but rather for a free space (solutions) to follow. Therefore, it is also described as an optimistic navigation algorithm. This algorithm uses only one attractive force created by the available free space. The free-space concept allows the Agoraphilic algorithm to overcome inherited challenges of general navigation algorithms. However, the original Agoraphilic algorithm has the limitation in navigating robots only in static, not in dynamic environments. The presented algorithm was developed to address this limitation of the original Agoraphilic algorithm. The new algorithm uses a developed object tracking module to identify the time-varying free spaces by tracking moving obstacles. The capacity of the algorithm was further strengthened by the new prediction module. Future space prediction allowed the algorithm to make decisions considering future growing/diminishing free spaces. This paper also includes a bench-marking study of the new algorithm compared with a recently published APF-based algorithm under a similar operating environment. Furthermore, the algorithm was validated based on experimental tests and simulation tests. © 2022 Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.
Agoraphilic navigation algorithm under dynamic environment
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Appuhamillage, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics Vol. 27, no. 3 (2022), p. 1727-1737
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article presents a summary of the work done on the development of a new algorithm for mobile robot navigation in unknown dynamic environment. The developed humanlike algorithm uses a free-space attraction (Agoraphilic) concept for robot navigation. The algorithm presented in this article is an advanced development of the Agoraphilic navigation algorithm. The Agoraphilic algorithm does not look for obstacles (problems) to avoid but rather for free spaces toward the goal (solutions) to follow. The original Agoraphilic while it was able to overcome the limitations of the traditional algorithms had its own limitations in navigating robots in environments cluttered with moving obstacles. The new Agoraphilic Navigation Algorithm under Dynamic Environment (ANADE) was developed to overcome those limitations. ANADE consists of seven main modules reported in this article. The objects tracking and objects prediction methodologies developed for the algorithm estimate future growing free-space passages toward the goal. The algorithm generates a time-varying single attractive force to pull the robot through the free space toward the predicted (future) growing free-space passages leading to the goal. The new algorithm was tested, not only through simulation, but also through experimental work. Summary of the experimental results is presented and discussed in this article. © 1996-2012 IEEE.
The agoraphilic navigation algorithm under dynamic environment with a moving goal
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 30th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2021 Vol. 2021-June
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a research conducted in developing a new navigation algorithm to navigate robots under dynamically cluttered environments with a moving goal. There are only a few navigation algorithms capable of navigating robots under dynamic environments compared to static environments. The inability to track and reach a moving goal/target is a one of the common weakness of existing navigating algorithms operating in dynamic environments. The existing free space attraction (Agoraphilic) based navigation algorithms also suffer from this common problem. The proposed algorithm, in this paper was developed to overcome this issue. Agoraphilic Navigation Algorithm under Dynamic Environment, 'ANADE' consists of eight main modules. These modules are iteratively used to create the robot's driving force which pulls the robot towards the moving goal. An obstacle tracking module is used to identify the time varying free spaces by tracking moving obstacles. Furthermore, a tracking system is also used to track the moving goal. The capacity of the ANADE was further strengthen by obstacle and goal path prediction modules. Future location prediction allowed the algorithm to make decision considering future environments around the robot. The proposed algorithm was tested under dynamic environment. These tests were focused on testing the behavior of the algorithm under the challenge of reaching a moving goal. Furthermore, the test results demonstrate that ANADE is successful in reaching a moving goal under an unknown dynamically cluttered environment. © 2021 IEEE.
Evaluating the Performances of the Agoraphilic Navigation Algorithm under Dead-Lock Situations
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 29th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2020 Vol. 2020-June, p. 536-542
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a summary of the research which was conducted in developing a new free-space based (Agoraphilic) navigation algorithm. This new methodology is capable of maneuvering robots in static as well as dynamically cluttered unknown environments. The new algorithm uses only one force to drive the robot. This force is always an attractive force created by the freespace. This force is focused towards the goal by a force shaping module. Consequently, the robot is motivated to follow free-space directing towards the goal. As this method only based on the attractive forces, the robot always moves towards the goal as long as there is free-space . This method has eradicated many drawbacks of the traditional APF method. Several experimental tests were conducted using Turtlebot3 research platform. These tests were focused on testing the behavior of the new algorithm under dead-lock (local minima) situations for APF method. The test results proved that the proposed algorithm has successfully eliminated the local minima problem of APF method. © 2020 IEEE.
Agoraphilic navigation algorithm in dynamic environment with and without prediction of moving objects location
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 45th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2019 Vol. 2019-October, p. 5179-5185
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a summary of research conducted in performance improvement of Agoraphilic Navigation Algorithm under Dynamic Environment (ANADE). The ANADE is an optimistic navigation algorithm which is capable of navigating robots in static as well as in unknown dynamic environments. ANADE has been successfully extended the capacity of original Agoraphilic algorithm for static environment. However, it could identify that ANADE takes costly decisions when it is used in complex dynamic environments. The proposed algorithm in this paper has been successfully enhanced the performance of ANADE in terms of safe travel, speed variation, path length and travel time. The proposed algorithm uses a prediction methodology to estimate future growing free space passages which can be used for safe navigation of the robot. With motion prediction of moving objects, new set of future driving forces were developed. These forces has been combined with present driving force for safe and efficient navigation. Furthermore, the performances of proposed algorithm (Agoraphilic algorithm with prediction) was compared and benched-marked with ANADE (Without predication) under similar environment conditions. From the investigation results, it was observed that the proposed algorithm extends the effective decision making ability in a complex navigation environment. Moreover, the proposed algorithm navigated the robot in a shorter and quicker path with smooth speed variations. © 2019 IEEE.
- Description: E1
Comparative study on object tracking algorithms for mobile robot navigation in GPS-denied environment
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: 2019 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology, ICIT 2019; Melbourne, Australia; 13th-15th February 2019 Vol. 2019-February, p. 19-26
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a comparative study conducted on the performance of the commonly used object tracking and location prediction algorithms for mobile robot navigation in a dynamically cluttered and GPS-denied mining environment. The study was done to test the different algorithms for the same set criteria (such as accuracy and computational time) under the same conditions.The identified commonly used algorithms for object tracking and location prediction of moving objects used in this investigation are Kalman filter (KF), extended Kalman filter (EKF) and particle filter (PF). The study results of those algorithms are analyzed and discussed in this paper. A trade-off was apparent. However, in overall performance KF has shown its competitiveness.The result from the study has found that the KF based algorithm provides better performance in terms of accuracy in tracking dynamic objects under commonly used benchmarks. This finding can be used in development of an efficient robot navigation algorithm.
- Description: Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology
Development and bench-marking of agoraphilic navigation algorithm in dynamic environment
- Authors: Hewawasam, Hasitha , Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer , IEEE
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: 2019 IEEE 28th International Symposium on Industrial Electronics p. 1156-1161
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a summary of research which was conducted in developing a new human-like navigation methodology based on the Agoraphilic algorithm. This new methodology is capable of maneuvering robots in both static and dynamically clutter unknown environments. The Agoraphilic algorithm is an "optimistic" navigation algorithm. The algorithm is based on free space attraction rather than repulsion of obstacles for navigation. Therefore, this algorithm directs robots to follow the free space leading to the goal instead of avoiding obstacles. This approach has eliminated many draw backs of the traditional APF algorithm. However, the major limitation of the previously developed Agoraphilic algorithm could only deal with static environment. The new proposed algorithm has successfully extended the capacity of Agoraphilic algorithm to deal with environment cluttered with dynamic obstacles. The new Agoraphilic algorithm uses a tracking and prediction methodology to estimate the path of unknown moving objects. The estimated locations of the moving objects are combined with static object locations in the robot's visible region to generate time-varying free space attractive forces. These time varying forces maneuver the robot to the goal in dynamically cluttered unknown environment without collusions. To demonstrate the algorithm's ability, several simulations were performed. Furthermore, the new algorithm was tested and bench-marked against other APF published work under similar environment and conditions. The comparative results are discussed and showed the effectiveness of the new Algoraphilic navigation algorithm.
Tire size identification using extreme learning machine algorithm
- Authors: Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer , Ibrahim, Yousef
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: 27th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2018; Cairns, Australia; 13th-15th June 2018 Vol. 2018-June, p. 571-576
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Precise tire size identification is needed to increase the efficiency and the reliability of tire inflators and to minimize the inflation cycle time. On the other hand the correct inflation pressure improve the road safety and tire life as well. A single hidden layer feed forward neural network (SLFN) is used in this study to precisely identify a tire size to enhance the tire inflation cycle. The training times of traditional back propagation algorithms, mostly used to model such tire identification processes, are far slower than desired for implementation of an on-line control system. Use of slow gradient based learning methods and iterative tuning of all network parameters during the learning process are the two major causes for such slower learning speed. An extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm, which randomly selects the input weights and biases and analytically determines the output weights, is used in this work to train the SLFNs. It is found that networks trained with ELM have relatively good generalization performance, much shorter training times and stable performance with regard to the changes in number of hidden layer neurons. The result represents robustness of the trained networks and enhance reliability of the mode. Together with short training time, the algorithm has valuable application in tire identification process.
- Description: IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics
Industry-led mechatronics degree development in regional Australia
- Authors: Ibrahim, Yousef , Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer , Mazid, Abdul Md
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2017; Gippsland, Australia; 13th-15th February 2017 p. 419-424
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a technique that was used in the recent development of a new Mechatronics degree in Australia. This technique addressed the local industry needs and the available resources for a well-balanced Mechatronics degree program. The degree development was based on project-based learning and industry engagement. The development of the new Mechatronics degree was made possible via a State Government grant of AU$2.4 Million which was matched by industry contribution of AU$10 Million in cash and in-kind. Since industry was a major stake holder in this degree, a specific industry survey was conducted to check the desired graduates attributes, from industry point of view. The results of this survey is also included in this papers. In addition, the program also addressed the regional industry's challenge of retaining qualified engineers via a clear pathway program for students knowledge and skills development. This paper presents industry's anticipated outputs of the academic Mechatronics program. In addition the paper also discusses the mechanisms adopted for the development of this new degree. The developed fully integrated Mechatronics program was founded on the realisation that if a person undertook a mechanical degree followed by an electronics degree followed by a computer science degree, that person is, still, NOT a Mechatronics engineer. © 2017 IEEE.
- Description: Proceedings - 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2017
Novel tire inflating system using extreme learning machine algorithm for efficient tire identification
- Authors: Choudhury, Tanveer , Kahandawa, Gayan , Ibrahim, Yousef , Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md , Man, Zhihong
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2017; Gippsland, Victoria; 13th-15th February 2017 p. 404-409
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Tire inflators are widely used all around the word and the efficient and accurate operation is essential. The main difficulty in improving the inflation cycle of a tire inflator is the identification of the tire connected for inflation. A robust single hidden layer feed forward neural network (SLFN) is, thus, used in this study to model and predict the correct tire size. The tire size is directly related to the tire inflation cycle. Once the tire size is identified, the inflation process can be optimized to improve performance, speed and accuracy of the inflation system. Properly inflated tire and tire condition is critical to vehicle safety, stability and controllability. The training times of traditional back propagation algorithms, mostly used to model such tire identification processes, are far slower than desired for implementation of an on-line control system. Use of slow gradient based learning methods and iterative tuning of all network parameters during the learning process are the two major causes for such slower learning speed. An extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm, which randomly selects the input weights and biases and analytically determines the output weights, is used in this work to train the SLFNs. It is found that networks trained with ELM have relatively good generalization performance, much shorter training times and stable performance with regard to the changes in number of hidden layer neurons. The result represents robustness of the trained networks and enhance reliability of the mode. Together with short training time, the algorithm has valuable application in tire identification process. © 2017 IEEE.
- Description: Proceedings - 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2017
Optimum grasp force and resistance to slippage
- Authors: Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md , Ibrahim, Yousef , Choudhury, Tanveer , Appuhamillage, Gayan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2017 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics (ICM) p. 297-302
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents an analysis and experimental results as part of the research into the optimal rate of grasp force application in precision grasping. It also offers the concept of resistance to object rotation in the robot gripper, which in turn contributes to the resistance to object slippage during robotic object manipulation. It is envisaged that this knowledge will be useful to researchers and designers of robotic grippers, especially those for industrial applications.
Friction-based slip detection in robotic grasping
- Authors: Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md , Ibrahim, Yousef , Appuhamillage, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: IECON 2015 - 41st Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society p. 004871-004874
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A functional prototype of a friction-based object slippage detection gripper for robotic grasping and manipulation has been designed and built. Object grasping and manipulation experiments have been successfully performed to study the appropriateness of the methodology and the newly built slippage detection gripper. The main advantage of this slippage detection method is that slippage detection is an inherent capability of the sensing element, and not a derived capability like that of sensors based on vibration. This slippage detection and control strategy is simple by design and low in cost, but robust in function. It has the potential to be used in a variety of environments such as high temperatures, low temperatures and underwater. The robustness of the design makes it highly suitable for grasping and manipulating safely a large range of object weights and sizes.
Friction-based slippage and tangential force detection in robotic grasping
- Authors: Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md , Ibrahim, Yousef , Choudhury, Tanveer , Appuhamillage, Gayan
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: IECON 2015 - 41st Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society p. 004871-004874
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents a newly developed parallel gripper prototype capable of sensing grasp force, tangential force and slippage. In this design the gripper itself is used as part of the sensing strategy rather than just being simply a structural support for other sensors. The sensing capability of this gripper is simple in design and reliable. The sensing strategy can be customised to specific applications such as the ability to handle large loads while maintaining its ability to detect slippage as reliably as when handling lighter loads.
New artificial intelligence based tire size identification for fast and safe inflating cycle
- Authors: Kahandawa, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer , Ibrahim, Yousef , Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Full Text: false
- Description: Motor vehicle accidents are one of the main killers on the road. Modern vehicles have several safety features to improve the stability and controllability. The tire condition is critical to the proper function of the designed safety features. Under or over inflated tires adversely affects the stability of vehicles. It is generally the vehicle's user responsibility to ensure the tire inflation pressure is set and maintained to the required value using a tire inflator. In the tire inflator operation, the vehicle's user sets the desired value and the machine has to complete the task. During the inflation process, the pressure sensor does not read instantaneous static pressure to ensure the target value is reached. Hence, the inflator is designed to stop repetitively for pressure reading and avoid over inflation. This makes the inflation process slow, especially for large tires. This paper presents a novel approach using artificial neural network based technique to identify the tire size. Once the tire size is correctly identified, an optimized inflation cycle can be computed to improve performance, speed and accuracy of the inflation process. The developed neural network model was successfully simulated and tested for predicting tire size from the given sets of input parameters. The test results are analyzed and discussed in this paper. © 2015 IEEE.
Optimal sensing requirement for slippage prevention in robotic grasping
- Authors: Dzitac, Pavel , Mazid, Abdul Md , Ibrahim, Yousef , Appuhamillage, Gayan , Choudhury, Tanveer
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Full Text: false
- Description: This paper presents a new theoretical development and modelling related to the requirement of the minimum number of sensors necessary for slippage prevention in robotic grasping. A fundamental experimental investigation has been conducted to support the newly developed postulate. A series of basic experiments proved that it is possible to evaluate the contributions of various sensors to slippage prevention and control in robotic grasping. The use of three discrete physical sensors, one for each of the three sensing functions (normal, tangential and slippage), has been proven to be the most reliable combination for slippage prevention in robotic grasping. It was also proven that the best performance from a two-sensor combination can be achieved when normal grasp force and tangential force are both monitored in the grasping process. © 2015 IEEE.