Simple and robust visual servo control of robot arms using an on-line trajectory generator

Common visual servoing methods use image features to define a signal error in the feedback loops of robot motion controllers. This paper suggests a new visual servo control scheme that uses an on-line trajectory generator as an intermediate layer between image processing algorithms and robot motion controllers. The motion generation algorithm is capable of computing an entire trajectory from an arbitrary initial state of motion within one servo control cycle (typically one millisecond or less). This algorithm is fed with desired pose and velocity signals that are generated by an image processing algorithm. The advantages of this new architecture are: (a) jerk-limited and continuous motions are guaranteed independently of image processing signals, (b) kinematic motion constraints as well as physical and/or artificial workspace limits can be directly considered, and (c) the system can instantaneously and safely react to sensor failures (e.g., if cameras are covered or image processing fails). Real-world experimental results using a seven-joint robot arm are presented to underline the relevance for the field of robust sensor-guided robot motion control.