@article {4178, title = {A Configurable Architecture for Two Degree-of-Freedom Variable Stiffness Actuators to Match the Compliant Behavior of Human Joints}, journal = {Frontiers in Robotics and AI}, volume = {8}, year = {2021}, month = {03/2021}, abstract = {

Living beings modulate the impedance of their joints to interact proficiently, robustly, and safely with the environment. These observations inspired the design of soft articulated robots with the development of Variable Impedance and Variable Stiffness Actuators. However, designing them remains a challenging task due to their mechanical complexity, encumbrance, and weight, but also due to the different specifications that the wide range of applications requires. For instance, as prostheses or parts of humanoid systems, there is currently a need for multi-degree-of-freedom joints that have abilities similar to those of human articulations. Toward this goal, we propose a new compact and configurable design for a two-degree-of-freedom variable stiffness joint that can match the passive behavior of a human wrist and ankle. Using only three motors, this joint can control its equilibrium orientation around two perpendicular axes and its overall stiffness as a one-dimensional parameter, like the co-contraction of human muscles. The kinematic architecture builds upon a state-of-the-art rigid parallel mechanism with the addition of nonlinear elastic elements to allow the control of the stiffness. The mechanical parameters of the proposed system can be optimized to match desired passive compliant behaviors and to fit various applications (e.g., prosthetic wrists or ankles, artificial wrists, etc.). After describing the joint structure, we detail the kinetostatic analysis to derive the compliant behavior as a function of the design parameters and to prove the variable stiffness ability of the system. Besides, we provide sets of design parameters to match the passive compliance of either a human wrist or ankle. Moreover, to show the versatility of the proposed joint architecture and as guidelines for the future designer, we describe the influence of the main design parameters on the system stiffness characteristic and show the potential of the design for more complex applications

}, keywords = {articulated soft robotics, artificial joints, humanoids, prostheses, variable stiffness}, issn = {2296-9144}, doi = {10.3389/frobt.2021.614145}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/frobt.2021.614145}, author = {S. Lemerle and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and G. Grioli} } @article {4119, title = {Integrating Wearable Haptics and Obstacle Avoidance for the Visually Impaired in Indoor Navigation: A User-Centered Approach}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Haptics}, volume = {14}, year = {2021}, pages = {1-1}, chapter = {109}, doi = {10.1109/TOH.2020.2996748}, url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9099604}, author = {F. Barontini and M. G. Catalano and L. Pallottino and B. Leporini and M. Bianchi} } @article {4083, title = {Evaluation of a Simultaneous Myoelectric Control Strategy for a Multi-DoF Transradial Prosthesis}, year = {2020}, author = {C. Piazza and M. Rossi and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and L. Hargrove} } @article {4085, title = {Exploring augmented grasping capabilities in a multi-synergistic soft bionic hand}, journal = {Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, chapter = {116}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00741-y}, url = {https://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-020-00741-y$\#$article-info}, author = {C. Piazza and A. M. Simon and K. L. Turner and L. A. Miller and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and L. Hargrove} } @article {4079, title = {Exploring Stiffness Modulation in Prosthetic Hands and Its Perceived Function in Manipulation and Social Interaction.}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurorobotics}, volume = {14}, year = {2020}, month = {06/2020}, abstract = {

To physically interact with a rich variety of environments and to match situation-dependent requirements, humans adapt both the force and stiffness of their limbs. Reflecting this behavior in prostheses may promote a more natural and intuitive control and, consequently, improve prostheses acceptance in everyday life. This pilot study proposes a method to control a prosthetic robot hand and its impedance, and explores the utility of variable stiffness when performing activities of daily living and physical social interactions. The proposed method is capable of a simultaneous and proportional decoding of position and stiffness intentions from two surface electro-myographic sensors placed over a pair of antagonistic muscles. The feasibility of our approach is validated and compared to existing control modalities in a preliminary study involving one prosthesis user. The algorithm is implemented in a soft under-actuated prosthetic hand (SoftHand Pro). Then, we evaluate the usability of the proposed approach while executing a variety of tasks. Among these tasks, the user interacts with other 12 able-bodied subjects, whose experiences were also assessed. Several statistically significant aspects from the System Usability Scale indicate user{\textquoteright}s preference of variable stiffness control over low or high constant stiffness due to its reactivity and adaptability. Feedback reported by able-bodied subjects reveal a general tendency to favor soft interaction, i.e., low stiffness, which is perceived more human-like and comfortable. These combined results suggest the use of variable stiffness as a viable compromise between firm control and safe interaction which is worth investigating further.

}, keywords = {human-robot social interaction, impedance control, prosthetics, Soft robotics, task adaptability}, doi = {10.3389/fnbot.2020.00033}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbot.2020.00033/full?\&utm_source=Email_to_authors_\&utm_medium=Email\&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author\&utm_campaign=Email_publication\&field=\&journalName=Frontiers_in_Neurorobotics\&id=503842}, author = {Capsi-Morales, Patricia and C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and G. Grioli} } @article {4081, title = {Exploring the Role of Palm Concavity and Adaptability in Soft Synergistic Robotic Hands}, journal = { IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters }, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {17 June 2020}, pages = {4703 - 4710}, chapter = {4703}, abstract = {

Robotic hand engineers usually focus on finger capabilities, often disregarding the palm contribution. Inspired by human anatomy, this paper explores the advantages of including a flexible concave palm into the design of a robotic hand actuated by soft synergies. We analyse how the inclusion of an articulated palm improves finger workspace and manipulability. We propose a mechanical design of a modular palm with two elastic rolling-contact palmar joints, that can be integrated on the Pisa/IIT SoftHand, without introducing additional motors. With this prototype, we evaluate experimentally the grasping capabilities of a robotic palm. We compare its performance to that of the same robotic hand with the palm fixed, and to that of a human hand. To assess the effective grasp quality achieved by the three systems, we measure the contact area using paint-transfer patterns in different grasping actions. Preliminary grasping experiments show a closer resemblance of the soft-palm robotic hand to the human hand. Results evidence a higher adaptive capability and a larger involvement of all fingers in grasping.

}, keywords = {Ellipsoids, Grasping, Indexes, Kinematics, Robots, Shape, Thumb}, issn = { 2377-3766}, doi = {10.1109/LRA.2020.3003257}, url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9119822?source=authoralert}, author = {Capsi-Morales, Patricia and G. Grioli and C. Piazza and A. Bicchi and M. G. Catalano} } @proceedings {4106, title = {SIMULTANEOUS AND PROPORTIONAL DECODING OF STIFFNESS AND POSITION INTENTIONS FROM TWO SEMG CHANNELS FOR UL PROSTHETICS}, year = {2020}, month = {07/2020}, abstract = {

To physically interact with a rich variety of environments and situation-oriented requirements, humans continuously adapt both the stiffness and the force of their limbs through antagonistic muscle coactivation. Reflecting this behaviour in prostheses may promote control naturalness and intuitiveness and, consequently, their acceptance in everyday life. We propose a method capable of a simultaneous and proportional decoding of position and stiffness intentions from two surface electro-myographic sensors placed over a pair of antagonistic muscles. First, the algorithm is validated and compared to existing control modalities. Then, the algorithm is implemented in a soft under-actuated prosthetic hand (SoftHand Pro). We investigated the feasibility of our approach in a preliminary study involving one prosthetic user. Our future goal is to evaluate the usability of the proposed approach executing a variety of tasks including physical social interaction with other subjects (see Figure 1). Our hypothesis is that variable stiffness could be a compromise between firm control and safe interaction.

}, url = {https://conferences.lib.unb.ca/index.php/mec/article/view/35}, author = {Capsi-Morales, Patricia and C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and G. Grioli} } @article {3749, title = {Artificial hand}, number = {16/302227}, year = {2019}, month = {09/05}, url = {https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/4f/2c/07/915e9723cfe164/US20190269528A1.pdf}, author = {A. Bicchi and M. G. Catalano and C. Piazza and G. Grioli and C. Della Santina and M. Garabini} } @article {3649, title = {A Century of Robotic Hands}, journal = {Annual Review of Control, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-control-060117-105003}, url = {https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-control-060117-105003}, author = {C. Piazza and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3745, title = {Design and Assessment of Control Maps for Multi-Channel sEMG-Driven Prostheses and Supernumerary Limbs}, journal = {Frontiers in neurorobotics}, volume = {13}, year = {2019}, doi = {10.3389/fnbot.2019.00026}, author = {M. Maimeri and C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and M. Rossi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli} } @article {3744, title = {Design and Assessment of Control Maps for Multi-Channel sEMG-Driven Prostheses and Supernumerary Limbs}, journal = {Frontiers in neurorobotics}, volume = {13}, year = {2019}, doi = {10.3389/fnbot.2019.00026}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbot.2019.00026/full}, author = {M. Maimeri and C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and M. Rossi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli} } @article {3638, title = {Dynamic Morphological Computation Through Damping Design of Soft Continuum Robots}, journal = {Frontiers in Robotics and AI}, year = {2019}, author = {A. Di Lallo and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and M Gabiccini and A. Bicchi} } @article {3751, title = {Exploiting Adaptability in Soft Feet for Sensing Contact Forces}, journal = { IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {5}, year = {2019}, month = {11/2019}, chapter = {391}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/LRA.2019.2952292}, url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8894422}, author = {D. Mura and C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and I. Frizza and C. Morandi and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano} } @article {3621, title = {Learning From Humans How to Grasp: A Data-Driven Architecture for Autonomous Grasping With Anthropomorphic Soft Hands}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {April}, pages = {1533-1540}, keywords = {Computer architecture, Control, Deep Learning in Robotics and Automation, Grasping, Learning for Soft Robots, Modeling, Natural Machine Motion, Neural networks, Robot sensing systems, Uncertainty, Videos}, issn = {2377-3766}, doi = {10.1109/LRA.2019.2896485}, author = {C. D. Santina and V. Arapi and G. Averta and F. Damiani and G. Fiore and A Settimi and M. G. Catalano and D. Bacciu and A. Bicchi and M. Bianchi} } @article {3643, title = {A Novel Skin-Stretch Haptic Device for Intuitive Control of Robotic Prostheses and Avatars}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {Volume: 4 , Issue: 2 , April 2019 }, year = {2019}, month = {01/2019}, author = {N. Colella and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi and M. G. Catalano} } @conference {3748, title = {An Objective Functional Evaluation of Myoelectrically-Controlled Hand Prostheses: A Pilot Study Using the Virtual Peg Insertion Test}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)}, year = {2019}, doi = {10.1109/ICORR.2019.8779550}, author = {C. M. Kanzler and M. G. Catalano and C. Piazza and A. Bicchi and R. Gassert and O. Lambercy} } @article {3642, title = {Relaying the High-Frequency Contents of TactileFeedback to Robotic Prosthesis Users: Design,Filtering, Implementation, and Validation}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {Volume: 4 , Issue: 2 , April 2019}, year = {2019}, month = {01/2019}, author = {S. Fani and K. Di Blasio and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @article {3641, title = {A Spherical Active Joint for Humanoids and Humans}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {Volume: 4 , Issue: 2 , April 2019}, year = {2019}, month = {01/2019}, author = {S. Mghames and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and G. Grioli} } @conference {3682, title = {Advanced grasping with the Pisa/IIT softHand}, booktitle = {Robotic Grasping and Manipulation Challenge }, year = {2018}, pages = {pp. 19-38}, author = {M. Bonilla and C. Della Santina and A. Rocchi and E. Luberto and G. Santaera and E. Farnioli and C. Piazza and F. Bonomo and A. Brando and A. Raugi and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @article {3326, title = {Decentralized Trajectory Tracking Control for Soft Robots Interacting with the Environment}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Robotics (T-RO).}, volume = {Early Access}, year = {2018}, month = {06/2018}, abstract = {

Despite the classic nature of the problem, trajectory

tracking for soft robots, i.e. robots with compliant elements

deliberately introduced in their design, still presents several

challenges. One of these is to design controllers which can

obtain sufficiently high performance while preserving the physical

characteristics intrinsic to soft robots. Indeed, classic control

schemes using high gain feedback actions fundamentally alter the

natural compliance of soft robots effectively stiffening them, thus

de facto defeating their main design purpose. As an alternative

approach, we consider here to use a low-gain feedback, while

exploiting feedforward components. In order to cope with the

complexity and uncertainty of the dynamics, we adopt a decentralized,

iteratively learned feedforward action, combined with

a locally optimal feedback control. The relative authority of the

feedback and feedforward control actions adapts with the degree

of uncertainty of the learned component. The effectiveness of the

method is experimentally verified on several robotic structures

and working conditions, including unexpected interactions with

the environment, where preservation of softness is critical for

safety and robustness.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {F. Angelini and C. Della Santina and M. Garabini and M. Bianchi and G M Gasparri and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3364, title = {Efficient Walking Gait Generation via Principal Component Representation of Optimal Trajectories: Application to a Planar Biped Robot With Elastic Joints}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, pages = {2299{\textendash}2306}, abstract = {

Recently, the method of choice to exploit robot dynamics for efficient walking is numerical optimization (NO). The main drawback in NO is the computational complexity, which strongly affects the time demand of the solution. Several strategies can be used to make the optimization more treatable and to efficiently describe the solution set. In this letter, we present an algorithm to encode effective walking references, generated offline via numerical optimization, extracting a limited number of principal components and using them as a basis of optimal motions. By combining these components, a good approximation of the optimal gaits can be generated at run time. The advantages of the presented approach are discussed, and an extensive experimental validation is carried out on a planar legged robot with elastic joints. The biped thus controlled is able to start and stop walking on a treadmill, and to control its speed dynamically as the treadmill speed changes.

}, author = {G M Gasparri and S. Manara and D. Caporale and G. Averta and M. Bonilla and H. Marino and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Bianchi and A. Bicchi and M. Garabini} } @conference {3723, title = {ExoSense: Measuring Manipulation in a Wearable Manner}, booktitle = {Proceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation}, year = {2018}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2018.8460498}, author = {E. Battaglia and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Bianchi and A. Bicchi} } @article {3450, title = {Hap-Pro: a wearable haptic device for proprioceptive feedback}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering}, year = {2018}, pages = {1-1}, keywords = {haptic feedback, haptic interfaces, proprioception, Prosthetic hand, Robot sensing systems, Skin, upper extremity prosthesis, Visualization, Wheels}, issn = {0018-9294}, doi = {10.1109/TBME.2018.2836672}, author = {M. Rossi and M. Bianchi and E. Battaglia and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3446, title = {Humanoids at Work: The WALK-MAN Robot in a Postearthquake Scenario}, journal = {IEEE Robotics Automation Magazine}, year = {2018}, pages = {1-1}, keywords = {Buildings, Earthquakes, Hardware, Legged locomotion, Robot sensing systems, Task analysis}, issn = {1070-9932}, doi = {10.1109/MRA.2017.2788801}, author = {F. Negrello and A Settimi and D. Caporale and G. Lentini and M. Poggiani and D. Kanoulas and L. Muratore and Luberto, E. and G. Santaera and L. Ciarleglio and L. Ermini and L. Pallottino and D. G. Caldwell and N. Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano} } @conference {3720, title = {A Novel Approach to Under-Actuated Control of Fluidic Systems}, booktitle = {2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)}, year = {2018}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2018.8460859}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=8460859\&isnumber=8460178}, author = {A. Di Lallo and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and M. Gabiccini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3746, title = {Preliminary Results Toward Continuous and Proportional Control of a Multi-synergistic Soft Prosthetic Hand}, booktitle = {International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation}, year = {2018}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01845-0_15}, author = {C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and L. Hargrove} } @article {3448, title = {Simplifying Telerobotics: Wearability and Teleimpedance Improves Human-Robot Interactions in Teleoperation}, journal = {IEEE Robotics Automation Magazine}, volume = {25}, year = {2018}, month = {March}, pages = {77-88}, keywords = {application fields, augmented teleoperation, Autonomous robots, communication, effective design, effective simplification, environmental constraints, feedback, Force feedback, fundamental requirement, haptic feedback devices, haptic interfaces, human workspace, human-robot interaction, human-robot interactions, human-robot interfaces, ideal scenario, integrated approach, integrated interface, integrated system, interaction forces, intuitive information exchange, Kinematics, KUKA lightweight robotic arm, lightweight design, manipulators, master, position control, reduced versions, Robot sensing systems, robotic devices, robotic hand-arm system, robotic manipulator, robotic teleoperation, simplified information exchange, slave robot, stiffness control, synergy, Task analysis, teleimpedance techniques, Telemedicine, teleoperator system, telerobotics, TI control, vision, wearability, wearable feedback, wearable hand/arm}, issn = {1070-9932}, doi = {10.1109/MRA.2017.2741579}, author = {S. Fani and S. Ciotti and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Tognetti and G. Valenza and A. Ajoudani and M. Bianchi} } @article {3697, title = {The SoftHand Pro: Functional evaluation of a novel, flexible, and robust myoelectric prosthesis}, journal = {PLOS One}, year = {2018}, author = {S. B. Godfrey and K. Zhao and A. Theuer and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and R. Breighner and D. Bhaskaran and R. Lennon and G. Grioli and M. Santello and A. Bicchi and K. Andrews} } @conference {3747, title = {The softpro project: Synergy-based open-source technologies for prosthetics and rehabilitation}, booktitle = {International Symposium on Wearable Robotics}, year = {2018}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01887-0_71}, author = {C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and E. Ricciardi and D. Pratichizzo and S. Haddadin and Luft, A. R. L. and O. Lambercy and R. Gassert and E. Jakubowitz and H. Van Der Kooij and F. Tonis and F. Bonomo and B. de Jonge and T. Ward and K. Zhao and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3683, title = {Touch-Based Grasp Primitives for Soft Hands: Applications to Human-to-Robot Handover Tasks and Beyond}, booktitle = {2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)}, year = {2018}, author = {M. Bianchi and G. Averta and E. Battaglia and C. Rosales and M. Bonilla and A. Tondo and M. Poggiani and G. Santaera and S. Ciotti and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3366, title = {Towards Dexterous Manipulation with Augmented Adaptive Synergies: the Pisa/IIT SoftHand 2}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Robotics}, volume = {Early Access}, year = {2018}, month = {06/2018 }, type = {Regular Paper}, abstract = {

In the recent years, a clear trend towards simplification emerged in the development of robotic hands. The use of soft robotic approaches has been a useful tool in this prospective, enabling complexity reduction by embodying part of grasping intelligence in the hand mechanical structure. Several hand prototypes designed according to such principles have accomplished good results in terms of grasping simplicity, robustness, and reliability. Among them, the Pisa/IIT SoftHand demonstrated the feasibility of a large variety of grasping tasks, by means of only one actuator and an opportunely designed tendon driven differential mechanism. However, the use of a single degree of actuation prevents the execution of more complex tasks, like fine pre-shaping of fingers and in-hand manipulation. While possible in theory, simply doubling the Pisa/IIT SoftHand actuation system has several disadvantages, e.g. in terms of space and mechanical complexity. To overcome these limitations we propose a novel design framework for tendon driven mechanisms, where the main idea is to turn transmission friction from a disturbance into a design tool. In this way the degrees of actuation can be doubled with little additional complexity.

By leveraging on this idea we design a novel robotic hand, the Pisa/IIT SoftHand 2. We present here its design, modeling, control, and experimental validation. The hand demonstrates that by opportunely combining only two degrees of actuation with hand softness, a large variety of grasping and manipulation tasks can be performed only relying on the intelligence embodied in the mechanism. Examples include rotating objects with different shapes, opening a jar, pouring coffee from a glass.

}, issn = {Print 1552-3098; Onlline 1941-0468}, author = {C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3750, title = {Underactuated robotic hand}, number = {15/772368}, year = {2018}, month = {11/01}, url = {https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/c3/76/f4/3f31e20b15ad53/US20180311827A1.pdf}, author = {A. Bicchi and C. Della Santina and M. G. Catalano and C. Piazza and G. Grioli and A. Brando} } @inbook {3381, title = {WALK-MAN Humanoid Platform}, booktitle = {The DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals: Humanoid Robots To The Rescue}, volume = {121}, number = {The DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals: Humanoid Robots To The Rescue}, year = {2018}, pages = {495{\textendash}548}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-74666-1_13}, author = {N. G. Tsagarakis and F. Negrello and M. Garabini and W. Choi and L. Baccelliere and V. G. Loc and J. Noorden and M. G. Catalano and M. Ferrati and L. Muratore and P. Kryczka and E. Mingo Hoffman and A Settimi and A. Rocchi and A. Margan and S. Cordasco and D. Kanoulas and A. Cardellino and L. Natale and H. Dallali and J. Malzahn and N. Kashiri and V. Varricchio and L. Pallottino and C. Pavan and J. Lee and A. Ajoudani and D. G. Caldwell and A. Bicchi} } @article {3119, title = {Controlling Soft Robots: Balancing Feedback and Feedforward Elements}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine}, volume = {24}, year = {2017}, note = {

This work is supported by European Commission grant H2020-ICT-645599 ({\textquotedblleft}SOMA{\textquotedblright}: SOft Manipulation) and European Research Council Advanced grant 291166 ({\textquotedblleft}SoftHands{\textquotedblright}).

}, month = {05/2017}, pages = {75 - 83}, abstract = {

Soft robots (SRs) represent one of the most significant recent evolutions in robotics. Designed to embody safe and natural behaviors, they rely on compliant physical structures purposefully designed to embody desirable and sometimes variable impedance characteristics. This article discusses the problem of controlling SRs. We start by observing that most of the standard methods of robotic control{\textemdash}e.g., high-gain robust control, feedback linearization, backstepping, and active impedance control{\textemdash}effectively fight against or even completely cancel the physical dynamics of the system, replacing them with a desired model. This defeats the purpose of introducing physical compliance. After all, what is the point of building soft actuators if we then make them stiff by control? An alternative to such approaches can be conceived by observing humans, who can obtain good motion accuracy and repeatability while maintaining the intrinsic softness of their bodies. In this article, we show that an anticipative model of human motor control, using a feedforward action combined with low-gain feedback, can be used to achieve human-like behavior. We present an implementation of such an idea that uses iterative learning control. Finally, we present the experimental results of the application of such learned anticipative control to a physically compliant robot. The control application achieves the desired behavior much better than a classical feedback controller used for comparison.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, issn = {1070-9932}, doi = {10.1109/MRA.2016.2636360}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=7930438}, author = {C. Della Santina and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and F. Angelini and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3218, title = {Design and characterization of a novel high-compliance spring for robots with soft joints}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM)}, year = {2017}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Munich, Germany, 3-7 July 2017}, abstract = {

Low stiffness elements have a number of applications in Soft Robotics, from Series Elastic Actuators (SEA) to torque sensors for compliant systems. In its general formulation, the design problem of elastic components is complex and depends on several variables: material properties, load range, shape factor and size constraints. Consequently, most of the spring designs presented in literature are based on heuristics or are optimized for specific working conditions. This work presents the design study and characterization of a scalable spoked elastic element with hinge tip constraints. We compared the proposed design with three existing spring principles, showing that the spoked solution is the convenient option for low-stiffness and low shape factor elastic elements. Therefore, a design analysis on the main scaling parameters of the spoked spring, namely number of spokes and type of constraints, is presented. Finally, an experimental characterization has been conducted on physical prototypes. The agreement among simulations and experimental results demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed concept.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/AIM.2017.8014029}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8014029/}, author = {F. Negrello and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and M. Poggiani and D. G. Caldwell and N. G. Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3219, title = {Design, control and validation of the variable stiffness exoskeleton FLExo}, booktitle = {International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)}, year = {2017}, pages = {539 - 546}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {London, UK, 17-20 July 2017}, abstract = {

In this paper we present the design of a one degree of freedom assistive platform to augment the strength of upper limbs. The core element is a variable stiffness actuator, closely reproducing the behavior of a pair of antagonistic muscles. The novelty introduced by this device is the analogy of its control parameters with those of the human muscle system, the threshold lengths. The analogy can be obtained from a proper tuning of the mechanical system parameters. Based on this, the idea is to control inputs by directly mapping the estimation of the muscle activations, e.g. via ElectroMyoGraphic(EMG) sensors, on the exoskeleton. The control policy resulting from this mapping acts in feedforward in a way to exploit the muscle-like dynamics of the mechanical device. Thanks to the particular structure of the actuator, the exoskeleton joint stiffness naturally results from that mapping. The platform as well as the novel control idea have been experimentally validated and the results show a substantial reduction of the subject muscle effort.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009304}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8009304/}, author = {S. Mghames and M. Laghi and C. Della Santina and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3387, title = {Design of an under-actuated wrist based on adaptive synergies}, booktitle = {Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2017 IEEE International Conference on}, year = {2017}, pages = {6679{\textendash}6686}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, abstract = {

An effective robotic wrist represents a key en- abling element in robotic manipulation, especially in prosthetics. In this paper, we propose an under-actuated wrist system, which is also adaptable and allows to implement different under- actuation schemes. Our approach leverages upon the idea of soft synergies - in particular the design method of adaptive synergies - as it derives from the field of robot hand design. First we intro- duce the design principle and its implementation and function in a configurable test bench prototype, which can be used to demonstrate the feasibility of our idea. Furthermore, we report on results from preliminary experiments with humans, aiming to identify the most probable wrist pose during the pre-grasp phase in activities of daily living. Based on these outcomes, we calibrate our wrist prototype accordingly and demonstrate its effectiveness to accomplish grasping and manipulation tasks.

}, author = {S. Casini and V. Tincani and G. Averta and M. Poggiani and C. Della Santina and E. Battaglia and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3106, title = {Design of an Under-Actuated Wrist Based on Adaptive Synergies}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation, ICRA2017}, year = {2017}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Singapore, 29 May-3 June 2017}, abstract = {

An effective robotic wrist represents a key enabling element in robotic manipulation, especially in prosthetics. In this paper, we propose an under-actuated wrist system, which is also adaptable and allows to implement different under-actuation schemes. Our approach leverages upon the idea of soft synergies - in particular the design method of adaptive synergies - as it derives from the field of robot hand design. First we introduce the design principle and its implementation and function in a configurable test bench prototype, which can be used to demonstrate the feasibility of our idea. Furthermore, we report on results from preliminary experiments with humans, aiming to identify the most probable wrist pose during the pre-grasp phase in activities of daily living. Based on these outcomes, we calibrate our wrist prototype accordingly and demonstrate its effectiveness to accomplish grasping and manipulation tasks.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2017.7989789}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7989789/}, author = {S. Casini and V. Tincani and G. Averta and M. Poggiani and C. Della Santina and E. Battaglia and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3220, title = {Estimating Contact Forces from Postural Measures in a class of Under-Actuated Robotic Hands}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS2017)}, year = {2017}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Vancouver, Canada, September 24{\textendash}28, 2017}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and G. Santaera and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3216, title = {Postural Hand Synergies during Environmental Constraint Exploitation}, journal = {Fronters in Neurorobotics}, year = {2017}, month = {08/2017}, abstract = {

Humans are able to intuitively exploit the shape of an object and environmental constraints to achieve stable grasps and perform dexterous manipulations. In doing that, a vast range of kinematic strategies can be observed. However, in this work we formulate the hypothesis that such ability can be described in terms of a synergistic behavior in the generation of hand postures, i.e., using a reduced set of commonly used kinematic patterns. This is in analogy with previous studies showing the presence of such behavior in different tasks, such as grasping. We investigated this hypothesis in experiments performed by six subjects, who were asked to grasp objects from a flat surface. We quantitatively characterized hand posture behavior from a kinematic perspective, i.e., the hand joint angles, in both pre-shaping and during the interaction with the environment. To determine the role of tactile feedback, we repeated the same experiments but with subjects wearing a rigid shell on the fingertips to reduce cutaneous afferent inputs. Results show the persistence of at least two postural synergies in all the considered experimental conditions and phases. Tactile impairment does not alter significantly the first two synergies, and contact with the environment generates a change only for higher order Principal Components. A good match also arises between the first synergy found in our analysis and the first synergy of grasping as quantified by previous work. The present study is motivated by the interest of learning from the human example, extracting lessons that can be applied in robot design and control. Thus, we conclude with a discussion on implications for robotics of our findings.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2017.00041}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbot.2017.00041/full}, author = {C. Della Santina and M. Bianchi and G. Averta and S. Ciotti and V. Arapi and S. Fani and E. Battaglia and M. G. Catalano and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3215, title = {Preliminary results toward a naturally controlled multi-synergistic prosthetic hand}, booktitle = {International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

Robotic hands embedding human motor control principles in their mechanical design are getting increasing interest thanks to their simplicity and robustness, combined with good performance. Another key aspect of these hands is that humans can use them very effectively thanks to the similarity of their behavior with real hands. Nevertheless, controlling more than one degree of actuation remains a challenging task. In this paper, we take advantage of these characteristics in a multi-synergistic prosthesis. We propose an integrated setup composed of Pisa/IIT SoftHand 2 and a control strategy which simultaneously and proportionally maps the human hand movements to the robotic hand. The control technique is based on a combination of non-negative matrix factorization and linear regression algorithms. It also features a real-time continuous posture compensation of the electromyographic signals based on an IMU. The algorithm is tested on five healthy subjects through an experiment in a virtual environment. In a separate experiment, the efficacy of the posture compensation strategy is evaluated on five healthy subjects and, finally, the whole setup is successfully tested in performing realistic daily life activities.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, isbn = {978-1-5386-2296-4}, doi = {10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009437}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8009437/}, author = {M. Rossi and C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {2875, title = {The Quest for Natural Machine Motion: An Open Platform to Fast-Prototyping Articulated Soft Robots}, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine }, volume = {24}, year = {2017}, note = {

Open access

e wish to thank Samuele Batazzi, Fabio Bonomo, Alberto
Brando, Andrea Di Basco, Tommaso Pardi, Riccardo Persichi-
ni, and Alessandro Raugi for their valuable support in the
development of the hardware prototype. This work was sup-
ported by SOFTPRO (grant 688857) and SOMA (grant
645599){\textemdash}projects of the European Commission{\textquoteright}s Horizon
2020 research program{\textemdash}and by Walk-Man grant 611832.
Support also came from the European Research Council
under an Advanced Grant for {\textquotedblleft}SoftHands: A Theory of Soft
Synergies for a New Generation of Artificial Hands{\textquotedblright} (grant
ERC-291166).
}, pages = {48 - 56}, abstract = {
Soft robots are one of the most significant recent evolutions in robotics. They rely on compliant physical structures purposefully designed to embody desired characteristics. Since their introduction, they have shown remarkable applicability in overcoming their rigid counterparts in such areas as interaction with humans, adaptability, energy efficiency, and maximization of peak performance. Nonetheless, we believe
that research on novel soft robot applications is still slowed by the difficulty in obtaining or developing a working soft robot structure to explore novel applications.
In this article, we present the Natural Machine Motion Initiative (NMMI), a modular open platform that aims to provide the scientific community with tools for fast and easy prototyping of articulated soft robots. Such a platform is composed of three main open hardware modules: the Qbmoves variable-stiffness actuators (VSAs) to build the main robotic structure, soft end effectors (EEs) to interact with the world, and a pool of application-specific add-ons. We also discuss many novel uses of the platform to rapidly prototype (RP) and test new robotic structures with original soft capabilities, and we propose NMMI- based experiments.
}, keywords = {Robotics}, issn = {1070-9932 }, doi = {10.1109/MRA.2016.2636366}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=7857692}, author = {C. Della Santina and C. Piazza and Gasparri, G. M. and M. Bonilla and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3121, title = {The Rice Haptic Rocker: skin stretch haptic feedback with the Pisa/IIT SoftHand }, booktitle = {IEEE World Haptics Conference}, year = {2017}, note = {

The authors gratefully acknowledge Matteo Rossi for his valuable advice and Mikaela Juzswik for her unique contribution in the physical realization of some of the equipment used in the experiments. This work was partially supported by the European Community funded project WEARHAP (contract 601165), by the European Commission project (Horizon 2020 research program) SOFTPRO (no. 688857), by the ERC Advanced Grant no. 291166 SoftHands and by the NSF grant IIS-1065497.

}, month = {06/2017}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {F{\"u}rstenfeldbruck (Munich), Germany, June 6-9, 2017}, abstract = {

Myoelectric prostheses have seen increased application in clinical practice and research, due to their potential for good functionality and versatility. Yet, myoelectric prostheses still suffer from a lack of intuitive control and haptic feedback, which can frustrate users and lead to abandonment. To address this problem, we propose to convey proprioceptive information for a prosthetic hand with skin stretch using the Rice Haptic Rocker. This device was integrated with the myo-controlled version of Pisa/IIT SoftHand and a size discrimination test with 18 able bodied subjects was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results show that the Rice Haptic Rocker can be successfully used to convey proprioceptive information. A Likert survey was also presented to the experiment participants, who evaluated the integrated setup as easy to use and effective in conveying proprioception.

}, keywords = {Haptics}, author = {E. Battaglia and J. P. Clark and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and M. K. O{\textquoteright}Malley} } @article {3725, title = {SoftHand at the CYBATHLON: A user{\textquoteright}s experience}, journal = {JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION}, year = {2017}, doi = {10.1186/s12984-017-0334-y}, author = {S. B. Godfrey and M. Rossi and C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and K. Zhao and A. Bicchi} } @article {3258, title = {The SoftHand Pro-H: A Hybrid Body-Controlled, Electrically Powered Hand Prosthesis for Daily Living and Working }, journal = {IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine}, year = {2017}, note = {

This work was supported by the European Commission project (Horizon 2020 research program) SOFTPRO 688857, the European Research Council under the Advanced Grant SoftHands {\textquotedblleft}A Theory of Soft Synergies for a New Generation of Artificial Hands,{\textquotedblright} ERC-291166, and the Proof of Concept Project SoftHand Pro-H, ERC-2016-PoC 727536.\ 

}, month = {11/2017}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, issn = {1070-9932}, doi = {10.1109/MRA.2017.2751662}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=8110634}, author = {C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and S. B. Godfrey and M. Rossi and G. Grioli and M. Bianchi and K. Zhao and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3156, title = {Tele-Impedance with Force Feedback under Communication Time Delay}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS2017)}, year = {2017}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Vancouver, Canada, September 24{\textendash}28, 2017}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {M. Laghi and A. Ajoudani and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {3137, title = {WALK-MAN: A High-Performance Humanoid Platform for Realistic Environments}, journal = {Journal of Field Robotics}, volume = {34}, year = {2017}, month = {06/2017}, pages = {1 - 34}, abstract = {

In this work, we present WALK-MAN, a humanoid platform that has been developed to operate in realistic unstructured environment, and demonstrate new skills including powerful manipulation, robust balanced locomotion, high-strength capabilities, and physical sturdiness. To enable these capabilities, WALK-MAN design and actuation are based on the most recent advancements of series elastic actuator drives with unique performance features that differentiate the robot from previous state-of-the-art compliant actuated robots. Physical interaction performance is benefited by both active and passive adaptation, thanks to WALK-MAN actuation that combines customized high-performance modules with tuned torque/velocity curves and transmission elasticity for high-speed adaptation response and motion reactions to disturbances. WALK-MAN design also includes innovative design optimization features that consider the selection of kinematic structure and the placement of the actuators with the body structure to maximize the robot performance. Physical robustness is ensured with the integration of elastic transmission, proprioceptive sensing, and control. The WALK-MAN hardware was designed and built in 11 months, and the prototype of the robot was ready four months before DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Finals. The motion generation of WALK-MAN is based on the unified motion-generation framework of whole-body locomotion and manipulation (termed loco-manipulation). WALK-MAN is able to execute simple loco-manipulation behaviors synthesized by combining different primitives defining the behavior of the center of gravity, the motion of the hands, legs, and head, the body attitude and posture, and the constrained body parts such as joint limits and contacts. The motion-generation framework including the specific motion modules and software architecture is discussed in detail. A rich perception system allows the robot to perceive and generate 3D representations of the environment as well as detect contacts and sense physical interaction force and moments. The operator station that pilots use to control the robot provides a rich pilot interface with different control modes and a number of teleoperated or semiautonomous command features. The capability of the robot and the performance of the individual motion control and perception modules were validated during the DRC in which the robot was able to demonstrate exceptional physical resilience and execute some of the tasks during the competition.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, issn = {1556-4967}, doi = {10.1002/rob.21702}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rob.21702/epdf}, author = {N. G. Tsagarakis and D. G. Caldwell and F. Negrello and W. Choi and L. Baccelliere and V. G. Loc and J. Noorden and L. Muratore and A. Margan and A. Cardellino and L. Natale and E. Mingo Hoffman and H. Dallali and N. Kashiri and J. Malzahn and J. Lee and P. Kryczka and D. Kanoulas and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and M. Ferrati and V. Varricchio and L. Pallottino and C. Pavan and A. Bicchi and A Settimi and A. Rocchi and A. Ajoudani} } @inbook {2886, title = {From Soft to Adaptive Synergies: The Pisa/IIT SoftHand}, booktitle = {Human and Robot Hands}, volume = {Springer Series on Touch and Haptic Systems}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {101 - 125}, abstract = {

Taking inspiration from the neuroscientific findings on hand synergies discussed in the first part of the book, in this chapter we present the Pisa/IIT SoftHand, a novel robot hand prototype. The design moves under the guidelines of making an hardware robust and easy to control, preserving an high level of grasping capabilities and an aspect as similar as possible to the human counterpart. First, the main theoretical tools used to enable such simplification are presented, as for example the notion of soft synergies. A discussion of some possible actuation schemes shows that a straightforward implementation of the soft synergy idea in an effective design is not trivial. The proposed approach, called adaptive synergy, rests on ideas coming from underactuated hand design, offering a design method to implement the desired set of soft synergies as demonstrated both with simulations and experiments. As a particular instance of application of the synthesis method of adaptive synergies, the Pisa/IIT SoftHand is described in detail. The hand has 19 joints, but only uses one actuator to activate its adaptive synergy. Of particular relevance in its design is the very soft and safe, yet powerful and extremely robust structure, obtained through the use of innovative articulations and ligaments replacing conventional joint design. Moreover, in this work, summarizing results presented in previous papers, a discussion is presented about how a new set of possibilities is open from paradigm shift in manipulation approaches, moving from manipulation with rigid to soft hands.

}, issn = {978-3-319-26705-0}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-26706-7_8}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and E. Farnioli and A. Serio and M. Bonilla and M. Garabini and C. Piazza and M Gabiccini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2545, title = {A Modular Compliant Actuator for Emerging High Performance and Fall-Resilient Humanoids}, booktitle = {15th IEEE RAS Humanoids Conference (HUMANOIDS2015)}, year = {2016}, note = {

This work is supported by the WALK-MAN FP7-ICT-2013-10 European Commission project.

}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, keywords = {Robotics}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=7363567}, author = {F. Negrello and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and J. Malzahn and D. G. Caldwell and A. Bicchi and N. G. Tsagarakis} } @conference {2892, title = {Natural encoding of user intentions in a soft prosthesis using Dynamic Synergies}, booktitle = {International Workshop on Human-Friendly Robotics}, year = {2016}, author = {C. Piazza and C. Della Santina and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2889, title = {Robust Optimization of System Compliance for Physical Interaction in Uncertain Scenarios}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Humanoid Robots (HUMANOIDS2016)}, year = {2016}, note = {
This work was supported by the European Commission projects (FP7 framework) Walk-Man and the European Commission Grant no. H2020- ICT-645599 {\textquotedblleft}SOMA{\textquotedblright}: SOft MAnipulation
}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Cancun, Mexico, 15-17 Nov. 2016 }, abstract = {

Compliance in robot design and control is often introduced to improve the robot performance in tasks where interaction with environment or human is required. However a rigorous method to choose the correct level of compliance is still not available. In this work we use robust optimization as a tool to select the optimal compliance value in a robotenvironment interaction scenario under uncertainties. We propose an approach that can be profitably applied on a variety of tasks, e.g.manipulation tasks or locomotion tasks. The aim is to minimize the forces of interaction considering model constraints and uncertainties. Numerical results show that: i) in case of perfect knowledge of the environment stiff robots behave better in terms of force minimization, ii) in case of uncertainties the optimal stiffness of the robot is lower than the previous case and optimal solutions provide a faster task accomplishment, iii) the optimal stiffness decreases as a function of the uncertainty measure. Experiments are carried out in a realistic set-up in case of bi-manual object handover.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, isbn = {978-1-5090-4718-5 }, doi = { 10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2016.7803381}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7803381/}, author = {Gasparri, G. M. and F. Fabiani and M. Garabini and L. Pallottino and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and R. Persichini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {3086, title = {Soft Robots that Mimic the Neuromusculoskeletal System}, booktitle = {3rd International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016)}, volume = {Converging Clinical and Engineering Research on Neurorehabilitation}, year = {2016}, month = {10/2016}, pages = {259-263}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, abstract = {

In motor control studies, the question on which
parameters human beings and animals control through their
nervous system has been extensively explored and discussed,
and several hypotheses proposed. It is widely acknowledged
that useful inputs in this problem could be provided by
developing artificial replication of the neuromusculoskeletal
system, to experiment different motor control hypothesis. In
this paper we present such device, which reproduces many of
the characteristics of an agonistic-antagonistic muscular pair
acting on a joint.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = { 10.1007/978-3-319-46669-9_45}, url = {http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-46669-9_45}, author = {M. Garabini and C. Della Santina and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @inbook {2865, title = {The SoftHand Pro: Translation from Robotic Hand to Prosthetic Prototype}, booktitle = {Converging Clinical and Engineering Research on Neurorehabilitation II}, volume = {15}, number = {Biosystems \& Biorobotics }, year = {2016}, note = {

Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016), October 18-21, 2016, Segovia, Spain

}, pages = {469-473}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, organization = {Springer International Publishing}, abstract = {

This work presents the translation from a humanoid robotic hand to a prosthetic prototype and its first evaluation in a set of 9 persons with amputation. The Pisa/IIT SoftHand is an underactuated hand built on the neuroscientific principle of motor synergies enabling it to perform natural, human-like movements and mold around grasped objects with minimal control input. These features motivated the development of the SoftHand Pro, a prosthetic version of the SoftHand built to interface with a prosthetic socket. The results of the preliminary testing of the SoftHand Pro showed it to be a highly functional design with an intuitive control system. Present results warrant further testing to develop the SoftHand Pro.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, issn = {978-3-319-46668-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-46669-9_78}, url = {http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-46669-9_78}, author = {S. B. Godfrey and M. Bianchi and K. Zhao and M. G. Catalano and R. Breighner and A. Theuer and K. Andrews and G. Grioli and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2725, title = {SoftHand Pro-D: Matching Dynamic Content of Natural User Commands with Hand Embodiment for Enhanced Prosthesis Control}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation (ICRA2016)}, year = {2016}, note = {

softpro soma softhands

}, pages = {3516 - 3523}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Stockholm, Sweden, May 16-21}, abstract = {

State of the art of hand prosthetics is divided between simple and reliable gripper-like systems and sophisticate hi-tech poly-articular hands which tend to be complex both in their design and for the patient to operate. In this paper, we introduce the idea of decoding different movement intentions of the patient using the dynamic frequency content of the control signals in a natural way. We move a step further showing how this idea can be embedded in the mechanics of an underactuated soft hand by using only passive damping components.

In particular we devise a method to design the hand hardware to obtain a given desired motion. This method, that we call of the dynamic synergies, builds on the theory of linear descriptor systems, and is based on the division of the hand movement in a slow and a fast components. We use this method to evolve the design of the Pisa/IIT SoftHand in a prototype prosthesis which, while still having 19 degrees of freedom and just one motor, can move along two different synergistic directions of motion (and combinations of the two), to perform either a pinch or a power grasp. Preliminary experimental results are presented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed design

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2016.7487532}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7487532}, author = {C. Piazza and C. Della Santina and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and A. Bicchi} } @article {2544, title = {ThimbleSense: a fingertip-wearable tactile sensor for grasp analysis}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Haptics}, volume = {9}, year = {2016}, note = {
This work was partially supported by the European Community funded projects WEARHAP, PACMAN and SOMA (contracts 601165, 600918 and 645599 respectively), by the ERC Advanced Grant no. 291166 SoftHands
}, month = {03/2016}, pages = {121-133}, abstract = {

Accurate measurement of contact forces between hand and grasped objects is crucial to study sensorimotor control during grasp and manipulation. In this work we introduce ThimbleSense, a prototype of individual-digit wearable force/torque sensor based on the principle of intrinsic tactile sensing. By exploiting the integration of this approach with an active marker-based motion capture system, the proposed device simultaneously measures absolute position and orientation of the fingertip, which in turn yields measurements of contacts and force components expressed in a global reference frame. The main advantage of this approach with respect to more conventional solutions is its versatility. Specifically, ThimbleSense can be used to study grasping and manipulation of a wide variety of objects, while still retaining complete force/torque measurements. Nevertheless, validation of the proposed device is a necessary step before it can be used for experimental purposes. In this work we present the results of a series of experiments designed to validate the accuracy of ThimbleSense measurements and evaluate the effects of distortion of tactile afferent inputs caused by the device{\textquoteright}s rigid shells on grasp forces.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, issn = {1939-1412}, doi = {10.1109/TOH.2015.2482478}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7294702}, author = {E. Battaglia and M. Bianchi and Altobelli, A and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and A. Serio and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2881, title = {Toward an Adaptive Foot for Natural Walking}, booktitle = {International Conference on Humanoid Robots (HUMANOIDS2016)}, year = {2016}, address = {Cancun, Mexico, November 15-17, 2016}, abstract = {

Many walking robot presented in literature stand
on rigid flat feet, with a few notable exceptions that embed
flexibility in their feet to optimize the energetic cost of walking.
This paper proposes a novel adaptive robot foot design, whose
main goal is to ease the task of standing and walking on uneven
terrains. After explaining the rationale behind our design
approach, we present the design of the SoftFoot, a foot able
to comply with uneven terrains and to absorb shocks thanks to
its intrinsic adaptivity, while still being able to rigidly support
the stance, maintaining a rather extended contact surface,
and effectively enlarging the equivalent support polygon. The
paper introduces the robot design and prototype and presents
preliminary validation and comparison versus a rigid flat foot
with comparable footprint and sole.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2016.7803423}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7803423}, author = {C. Piazza and C. Della Santina and Gasparri, G. M. and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and A. Bicchi} } @article {2904, title = {Variable Stiffness Actuators: Review on Design and Components}, journal = { IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics }, volume = {21}, year = {2016}, month = {10/2016}, pages = {2418 - 2430}, abstract = {

Variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) are complex mechatronic devices that are developed to build passively compliant, robust, and dexterous robots. Numerous different hardware designs have been developed in the past two decades to address various demands on their functionality. This review paper gives a guide to the design process from the analysis of the desired tasks identifying the relevant attributes and their influence on the selection of different components such as motors, sensors, and springs. The influence on the performance of different principles to generate the passive compliance and the variation of the stiffness are investigated. Furthermore, the design contradictions during the engineering process are explained in order to find the best suiting solution for the given purpose. With this in mind, the topics of output power, potential energy capacity, stiffness range, efficiency, and accuracy are discussed. Finally, the dependencies of control, models, sensor setup, and sensor quality are addressed.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/TMECH.2015.2501019}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7330025}, author = {S. Wolf and G. Grioli and O. Eiberger and W. Friedl and M. Grebenstein and H. Hoppner and E. Burdet and D. G. Caldwell and R. Carloni and M. G. Catalano and D. Lefeber and S. Stramigioli and N. G. Tsagarakis and M. Van Damme and R. Van Ham and B. Vanderborght and L. C. Visser and A. Bicchi and A Albu-Schaeffer} } @conference {2788, title = { WALK-MAN humanoid lower body design optimization for enhanced physical performance}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation (ICRA2016)}, year = {2016}, pages = {1817 - 1824}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Stockholm, Sweden, May 16-21, 2016 }, abstract = {
The deployment of robots to assist in environments hostile for humans during emergency scenarios require robots to demonstrate enhanced physical performance, that includes adequate power, adaptability and robustness to physical interactions and efficient operation. This work presents the design and development of the lower body of the new high performance humanoid WALK-MAN, a robot developed recently to assist in disaster response scenarios. The paper introduces the details of the WALK-MAN lower-body, highlighting the innovative design optimization features considered to maximize the leg performance. Starting from the general lower body specifications the objectives of the design and how they were addressed are introduced, including the selection of the leg kinematics, the arrangement of the actuators and their integration with the leg structure to maximize the range of motion, reduce the leg mass and inertia, and shape the leg mass distribution for better dynamic performance. Physical robustness is ensured with the integration of elastic transmission and impact energy absorbing covers. Experimental walking trials demonstrate the correct operation of the legs while executing a walking gait.
}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2016.7487327}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7487327}, author = {F. Negrello and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and P. Kryczka and W. Choi and D. G. Caldwell and A. Bicchi and N. G. Tsagarakis} } @conference {2560, title = {Design and Realization of the CUFF - Clenching Upper-Limb Force Feedback Wearable Device for Distributed Mechano-Tactile Stimulation of Normal and Tangential Skin Forces}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems - IROS2015}, year = {2015}, note = {

The authors want to thank Cosimo della Santina, Andrea Di Basco, Riccardo Persichini and Fabio Bonomo for their really valuable support in the development of the hardware prototype. This work is supported in part by the European Research Council under the Advanced Grant SoftHands {\textquotedblleft}A Theory of Soft Synergies for a New Generation of Artificial Hands{\textquotedblright} (no. ERC-291166), and by the EU FP7 project (no. 601165) {\textquotedblleft}WEARable HAPtics for Humans and Robots (WEARHAP)

}, pages = {1186 - 1193}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Hamburg, Germany, 28 Sept - 2 Oct 2015}, abstract = {

Rendering forces to the user is one of the main goals of haptic technology. While most force-feedback interfaces are robotic manipulators, attached to a fixed frame and designed to exert forces on the users while being moved, more recent haptic research introduced two novel important ideas. On one side, cutaneous stimulation aims at rendering haptic stimuli at the level of the skin, with a distributed, rather than, concentrated approach. On the other side, wearable haptics focuses on highly portable and mobile devices, which can be carried and worn by the user as the haptic equivalent of an mp3 player. This paper presents a light and simple wearable device (CUFF) for the distributed mechano-tactile stimulation of the user{\textquoteright}s arm skin with pressure and stretch cues, related to normal and tangential forces, respectively. The working principle and the mechanical and control implementation of the CUFF device are presented. Then, after a basic functional validation, a first application of the device is shown, where it is used to render the grasping force of a robotic hand (the Pisa/IIT SoftHand). Preliminary results show that the device is capable to deliver in a reliable manner grasping force information, thus eliciting a good softness discrimination in users and enhancing the overall grasping experience.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/IROS.2015.7353520}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=7353520\&newsearch=true\&queryText=Design\%20and\%20Realization\%20of\%20the\%20CUFF\%20-\%20Clenching\%20Upper-Limb\%20Force\%20Feedback\%20Wearable\%20Device\%20for\%20Distributed\%20Mechano-Tactile\%20Stimulatio}, author = {S. Casini and M. Morvidoni and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2537, title = {Dexterity augmentation on a synergistic hand: the Pisa/IIT SoftHand+}, booktitle = {15th IEEE RAS Humanoids Conference (HUMANOIDS2015)}, year = {2015}, note = {

Softhands, SOMA

Best Interactive Paper Award

}, pages = {497 - 503}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Seoul, Korea, November 3 - 5, 2015}, abstract = {
Soft robotics and under-actuation were recently demonstrated as good approaches for the implementation of humanoid robotic hands. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to increase the number of degrees of actuation of heavily under-actuated hands without compromising their intrinsic simplicity. In this paper we analyze the Pisa/IIT SoftHand and its underlying logic of adaptive synergies, and propose a method to double its number of degree of actuation, with a very reduced impact on its mechanical complexity. This new design paradigm is based on constructive exploitation of friction phenomena.
Based on this method, a novel prototype of under-actuated robot hand with two degrees of actuation is proposed, named Pisa/IIT SoftHand+. A preliminary validation of the prototype follows, based on grasping and manipulation examples of some objects.
}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2015.7363595}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7363595}, author = {C. Della Santina and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and Brando, A. and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2621, title = {An instrumented manipulandum for human grasping studies}, booktitle = {14th IEEE/RAS-EMBS International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, ICORR 2015}, year = {2015}, pages = {169-174}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Singapore, 11-14 Aug. 2015}, doi = {10.1109/ICORR.2015.7281194}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7281194}, author = {Altobelli, A and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and A. Serio and Baud-Bovy, G and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2478, title = {Potential merits for space robotics from novel concepts of actuation for soft robotics}, booktitle = {Advanced Space Technologies for Robotics and Automation (ASTRA) }, year = {2015}, address = {Noordwijk, The Netherlands May 11-13, 2015}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {G. Mathijssen and S. Terryn and R. Funemont and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and D. Lefeber and A. Bicchi and B. Vanderborght} } @conference {2543, title = {Soft Actuation in Cyclic Motions: Stiffness Profile Optimization for Energy Efficiency}, booktitle = {15th IEEE RAS Humanoids Conference (HUMANOIDS2015)}, year = {2015}, note = {

saphari walkman

}, pages = {107 - 113}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, abstract = {
In this paper, we investigate the role of variable stiffness in the reduction of the energy cost for mechanical systems that perform desired tasks. The objective is to assess the use of Variable Stiffness Actuation (VSA) by determining an optimal stiffness profile and the associated energy cost of performing a desired task. For the analysis we consider mechanical systems of n-Degrees of Freedom (DoF), using VSA. We find an analytical solution that expresses the optimal stiffness profile during the task as a function of joint trajectories. This stiffness profile can be either constant or variable in time, and it minimizes a cost function, when performing a desired task.
We calculate the cost related to the torque of the system and the additional cost of changing or keeping a stiffness actively constant. Additionally, we discuss some cases for which it is worth to change the stiffness during a task and cases for which a constant stiffness may be better solution. Furthermore, from simulations and experiments we show cases in which using a variable stiffness profile allows cost savings w.r.t. constant
stiffness. The use of variable stiffness depends on the task, i.e. on the joint trajectories and their frequency, as well as on the mechanical implementation of the actuator used.
}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2015.7363522}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7363522}, author = {A. Velasco and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi} } @article {2080, title = {Variable Stiffness Actuators: the user{\textquoteright}s point of view}, journal = {Int. J. Robotics Research}, volume = {34}, year = {2015}, note = {

Extensions.zip

}, month = {05/2015}, pages = {727-743}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1177/0278364914566515}, url = {http://ijr.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/0278364914566515v1.pdf?ijkey=anmgudvoLz7ZloP\&keytype=finite}, author = {G. Grioli and S. Wolf and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and E. Burdet and D. G. Caldwell and R. Carloni and W. Friedl and M. Grebenstein and M. Laffranchi and D. Lefeber and S. Stramigioli and N G Tsagarakis and M. Van Damme and B. Vanderborght and A Albu-Schaeffer and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2450, title = {Variable Stiffness Control for Oscillation Damping}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS2015)}, year = {2015}, note = {
This work is supported by the EC under the grant agreements no.611832 Walk-Man and ICT-287513 {\textquotedblleft}SAPHARI{\textquotedblright}
}, pages = {6543 - 6550}, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = {Hamburg, Germany, September 28 - October 02, 2015}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/IROS.2015.7354312}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7354312}, author = {G M Gasparri and M. Garabini and L. Pallottino and L. Malagia and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @article {1665, title = {Adaptive Synergies for the Design and Control of the Pisa/IIT SoftHand}, journal = {International Journal of Robotics Research}, volume = {33}, year = {2014}, pages = {768{\textendash}782}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1177/0278364913518998}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and E. Farnioli and A. Serio and C. Piazza and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2081, title = {Exploring haptic feedback for the Pisa/IIT SoftHand}, booktitle = {Haptics Symposium (HAPTICS), 2014 IEEE}, year = {2014}, address = {Houston, TX}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HAPTICS.2014.6775572}, author = {S. B. Godfrey and A. Ajoudani and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @article {1668, title = {Exploring Teleimpedance and Tactile Feedback for Intuitive Control of the Pisa/IIT SoftHand}, journal = { IEEE Transactions on Haptics}, volume = {7}, year = {2014}, pages = {203 - 215}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/TOH.2014.2309142 }, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=6755554}, author = {A. Ajoudani and S. B. Godfrey and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and G. Grioli and N G Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2232, title = {Grasping with Soft Hands}, booktitle = {IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots (HUMANOIDS 2014)}, year = {2014}, pages = {581 - 587}, address = {Madrid, Spain, November 18 - 20}, abstract = {

Despite some prematurely optimistic claims, the ability of robots to grasp general objects in unstructured environments still remains far behind that of humans. This is not solely caused by differences in the mechanics of hands: indeed, we show that human use of a simple robot hand (the Pisa/IIT SoftHand) can afford capabilities that are comparable to natural grasping. It is through the observation of such human-directed robot hand operations that we realized how fundamental in everyday grasping and manipulation is the role of hand compliance, which is used to adapt to the shape of surrounding objects. Objects and environmental constraints are in turn used to functionally shape the hand, going beyond its nominal kinematic limits by exploiting structural softness. In this paper, we set out to study grasp planning for hands that are simple {\textemdash} in the sense of low number of actuated degrees of freedom (one for the Pisa/IIT SoftHand) {\textemdash} but are soft, i.e. continuously deformable in an infinity of possible shapes through interaction with objects. After general considerations on the change of paradigm in grasp planning that this setting brings about with respect to classical rigid multi-dof grasp planning, we present a procedure to extract grasp affordances for the Pisa/IIT SoftHand through physically accurate numerical simulations. The selected grasps are then successfully tested in an experimental scenario.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2014.7041421}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=7041421\&queryText\%3DGrasping+with+Soft+Hands}, author = {M. Bonilla and E. Farnioli and C. Piazza and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and M Gabiccini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2151, title = {Open Source VSA-CubeBots for Rapid Soft Robot Prototyping }, booktitle = { Robot Makers - Workshop in conjunction with 2014 Robotics Science and Systems}, year = {2014}, address = { July 12, 2014, Berkeley, California }, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {K. Melo and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and L. Malagia and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2083, title = {ThimbleSense: A new wearable tactile device for human and robotic fingers }, booktitle = {Haptics Symposium (HAPTICS), 2014 IEEE}, year = {2014}, address = {Houston, TX}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/HAPTICS.2014.6775571}, author = {E. Battaglia and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Bianchi and A. Serio and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {2130, title = {ThimbleSense: An Individual-Digit Wearable Tactile Sensor for Experimental Grasp Studies}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation - ICRA 2014}, year = {2014}, pages = {2728 - 2735 }, publisher = {IEEE}, organization = {IEEE}, address = { Hong Kong, May 31 - June 7, 2014}, abstract = {

Measuring contact forces applied by a hand to a grasped object is a necessary step to understand the mysteries that still hide in the unparalleled human grasping ability. Nevertheless, simultaneous collection of information about the position of contacts and about the magnitude and direction of forces is still an elusive task. In this paper we introduce a wearable device that addresses this problem, and can be used to measure generalized forces during grasping. By assembling two supports around a commercial 6-axis force/torque sensor we obtain a thimble that can be easily positioned on a fingertip. The device is used in conjunction with an active marker-based motion capture system to simultaneously obtain absolute position and orientation of the thimbles, without requiring any assumptions on the kinematics of the hand. Finally, using the contact centroid algorithm, introduced in [1], position of contact points during grasping are determined. This paper shows the design and implementation of the device, as well as some preliminary experimental validation.

}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2014.6907250 }, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=6907250}, author = {E. Battaglia and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Santello and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1667, title = {Controlling the active surfaces of the Velvet Fingers: sticky to slippy fingers}, booktitle = {IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, IROS 2013}, year = {2013}, month = {November 3-7}, pages = {5494 - 5499}, address = {Tokyo, Japan}, abstract = {

Industrial grippers are often used for grasping, while in-hand re-orientation and positioning are dealt with by other means. Contact surface engineering has been recently proposed as a possible mean to introduce dexterity in simple grippers, as in the Velvet Fingers smart gripper, a novel concept of end-effector combining simple under-actuated mechanics and high manipulation possibilities, thanks to conveyors which are built in the finger pads. This paper undergoes the modeling and control of the active conveyors of the Velvet Fingers gripper which are rendered able to emulate different levels of friction and to apply tangential thrusts to the contacted objects. Through the paper particular attention is dedicated to the mechanical implementation, sense drive and control electronics of the device. The capabilities of the prototype are showed in some grasping and manipulation experiments.

}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/IROS.2013.6697152}, url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=\&arnumber=6697152\&url=http\%3A\%2F\%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org\%2Fxpls\%2Fabs_all.jsp\%3Farnumber\%3D6697152}, author = {V. Tincani and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Bonilla and M. Garabini and G Fantoni and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1438, title = {Implementation and Control of the Velvet Fingers: a Dexterous Gripper with Active Surfaces}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2013)}, year = {2013}, pages = {2744 - 2750}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, url = {10.1109/ICRA.2013.6630955 }, author = {V. Tincani and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and S. Grechi and G Fantoni and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1437, title = {Optimal Control and Design Guidelines for Soft Jumping Robots: Series Elastic Actuation and Parallel Elastic Actuation in comparison}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2013)}, year = {2013}, pages = {2477 - 2484}, keywords = {Robotics}, url = {10.1109/ICRA.2013.6630914 }, author = {R. Incaini and L. Sestini and M. Garabini and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1664, title = {A synergy-driven approach to a myoelectric hand}, booktitle = {13TH International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics}, year = {2013}, pages = {1 - 6}, address = {June 24-26, 2013, Seattle, WA.}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, url = {10.1109/ICORR.2013.6650377 }, author = {S. B. Godfrey and A. Ajoudani and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1666, title = {Teleimpedance Control of a Synergy-Driven Anthropomorphic Hand}, booktitle = {IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, IROS 2013}, year = {2013}, month = {November 3-7}, pages = {1985 - 1991}, address = {Tokyo, Japan}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/IROS.2013.6696620 }, author = {A. Ajoudani and S. B. Godfrey and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and N G Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi} } @article {1698, title = {Variable Impedance Actuators: a Review}, journal = {Robotics and Autonomous Systems}, volume = {61}, year = {2013}, note = {

Available online 6 August 2013

}, month = {12/2013}, pages = {1601{\textendash}1614}, abstract = {

Variable Impedance Actuators (VIA) have received increasing attention in recent years as many novel applications involving interactions with an unknown and dynamic environment including humans require actuators with dynamics that are not well-achieved by classical stiff actuators. This paper presents an overview of the different VIAs developed and proposes a classification based on the principles through which the variable stiffness and damping are achieved. The main classes are active impedance by control, inherent compliance and damping actuators, inertial actuators, and combinations of them, which are then further divided into subclasses. This classification allows for designers of new devices to orientate and take inspiration and users of VIA{\textquoteright}s to be guided in the design and implementation process for their targeted application.

}, keywords = {Robotics, Soft robotics, Variable Impedance Actuators}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921889013001188}, author = {B. Vanderborght and A Albu-Schaeffer and A. Bicchi and E. Burdet and D. G. Caldwell and R. Carloni and M. G. Catalano and O. Eiberger and W. Friedl and G. Ganesh and M. Garabini and M. Grebenstein and G. Grioli and S. Haddadin and H. Hoppner and A. Jafari and M. Laffranchi and D. Lefeber and F. Petit and S. Stramigioli and N G Tsagarakis and M. Van Damme and R. Van Ham and L. C. Visser and S. Wolf} } @conference {1241, title = {Adaptive Synergies: an approach to the design of under-actuated robotic hands}, booktitle = {International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems - IROS 2012}, year = {2012}, month = {October 7 - 12}, pages = {1251 - 1256 }, address = {Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/IROS.2012.6385881 }, author = {G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and E. Silvestro and S. Tono and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1188, title = {Adaptive Synergies for a Humanoid Robot Hand}, booktitle = {IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots}, year = {2012}, note = {

Best Paper Award

}, pages = {7-14}, address = {Osaka, Japan}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and A. Serio and E. Farnioli and C. Piazza and A. Bicchi} } @conference {MGCGBB12, title = {Passive impedance control of a Qboid multi-DOF VSA-CubeBot manipulator}, booktitle = {International Conference of Robotics and Automation - ICRA 2012}, year = {2012}, month = {May 14 - 18}, pages = {3335 - 3340 }, address = {Saint Paul, MN, USA}, keywords = {Robotics}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2012.6225082 }, author = {M. Mancini and G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and F. Bonomo and A. Bicchi} } @conference {1239, title = {Towards variable impedance assembly: the VSA peg-in-hole}, booktitle = {IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots}, year = {2012}, address = {Osaka, Japan}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {L. Balletti and A. Rocchi and F. A. W. Belo and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and A. Bicchi} } @conference {CGGBDBTB12, title = {A Variable Damping module for Variable Impedance Actuation}, booktitle = {International Conference of Robotics and Automation - ICRA 2012}, year = {2012}, month = {May 14 - 18}, pages = {2666 - 2672}, address = {Saint Paul, MN, USA}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and F. A. W. Belo and A. Di Basco and N G Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi} } @article {1245, title = {Variable Impedance Actuators: Moving the Robots of Tomorrow}, year = {2012}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {B. Vanderborght and A Albu-Schaeffer and A. Bicchi and E. Burdet and D. G. Caldwell and R. Carloni and M. G. Catalano and G. Ganesh and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and S. Haddadin and A. Jafari and M. Laffranchi and D. Lefeber and F. Petit and S. Stramigioli and N G Tsagarakis and M. Van Damme and R. Van Ham and L. C. Visser and S. Wolf} } @conference {1243, title = { Velvet fingers: A dexterous gripper with active surfaces}, booktitle = {International Conference of Intelligent Robots and Systems - IROS 2012}, year = {2012}, month = {October 7 - 12}, pages = {1257 - 1263 }, address = {Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {V. Tincani and M. G. Catalano and E. Farnioli and M. Garabini and G. Grioli and G Fantoni and A. Bicchi} } @conference {SCGGB11, title = {The Hand Embodied}, booktitle = {Automatica.it 2011}, year = {2011}, note = {

poster presentation

}, month = {September, 7 - 9}, address = {Pisa, Italy}, keywords = {Haptics, Robotics}, author = {A. Serio and M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M Gabiccini and A. Bicchi} } @conference {GCGSSBMBP11, title = {Variable stiffness actuators: muscles for the next generation of robots}, booktitle = {Automatica.it 2011}, year = {2011}, note = {

poster presentation

}, month = {September, 7 - 9}, address = {Pisa, Italy}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {G. Grioli and M. G. Catalano and M. Garabini and F. Bonomo and A. Serio and P Salaris and F. A. W. Belo and M. Mancini and A. Bicchi and A. Passaglia} } @conference {CGGBB11, title = {VSA - CubeBot. A modular variable stiffness platform for multi degrees of freedom systems}, booktitle = {2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation}, year = {2011}, month = {May 9 - 13}, pages = {5090 - 5095}, address = {Shangai, China}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and M. Garabini and F. Bonomo and M. Mancini and N G Tsagarakis and A. Bicchi} } @conference {FBCABB-ICRA10, title = {Design and Control of a Novel 3D Casting Manipulator}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2010)}, year = {2010}, month = {May 3 - 8}, pages = {4169 - 4174}, address = {Anchorage, Alaska}, keywords = {Embedded Control, Robotics}, author = {A. Fagiolini and F. A. W. Belo and M. G. Catalano and S. Alicino and F. Bonomo and A. Bicchi} } @conference {CSB-ICRA10, title = {Design for Variable Stiffness Actuation based on Enumeration and Analysis of Performance}, booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2010)}, year = {2010}, month = {May 3 - 8}, pages = {3285 - 3291}, address = {Anchorage, Alaska}, keywords = {Embedded Control, Robotics}, author = {M. G. Catalano and R. Schiavi and A. Bicchi} } @conference {CGBSB10, title = {VSA-HD: From the Enumeration Analysis to the Prototypical Implementation}, booktitle = {IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent RObots and Systems}, year = {2010}, month = {October}, pages = {3676 - 3681}, address = {St. Louis MO USA}, keywords = {Embedded Control, Robotics}, author = {M. G. Catalano and G. Grioli and F. Bonomo and R. Schiavi and A. Bicchi} } @conference {ACBBGSFB-IROS09, title = {A Rough-Terrain, Casting Robot for the ESA Lunar Robotics Challenge}, booktitle = {Proc. IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent RObots and Systems}, year = {2009}, month = {October, 11 - 15}, pages = {3336-3342}, address = {St. Louis MO USA}, abstract = {

This paper describes the design and implementation of DAVID, a lunar vehicle developed for the European Space Agency (ESA) Lunar Robotics Challenge, presenting severe terrain negotiation and sample acquisition challenges. We discuss in some detail two of the main innovative aspects of our entry to the challenge, i.e. the locomotion system and the sample acquisition system. Motivated by the challenge specifications, a range of different locomotion systems were considered, among which we chose a simple, rugged and effective wheeled system. We provide an account of the choice of five different types of wheels, which were designed, analyzed and experimentally tested in conditions similar to the challenge. The system eventually turned out to be very effective in negotiating 89\% slopes of volcanic terrain on the challenge site, Mount Teide in Tenerife. To reduce the distance to be traveled on the difficult terrain and avoid risks in reaching the lowest parts of a crater, the vehicle was endowed with an innovative sample acquisition system, i.e. a casting manipulator. Casting manipulation is a technique in which the end-effector is thrown, the sample material is acquired, and the end-effector is retrieved using a light tether that acts as a

}, keywords = {Robotics}, author = {S. Alicino and M. G. Catalano and F. Bonomo and F. A. W. Belo and G. Grioli and R. Schiavi and A. Fagiolini and A. Bicchi} } @article {3648, title = {Skin stretch haptic feedback to convey closure information in anthropomorphic, under-actuated upper limb soft prostheses}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Haptics ( Early Access )}, author = {E. Battaglia and J. Clark and M. Bianchi and M. G. Catalano and A. Bicchi and M. K. O{\textquoteright}Malley} }