Towards extreme-environment robotics

At Keio University, the Ishigami Laboratory, in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, is investigating robotic mobility systems. The main mission of this group is to perform fundamental and applied research for application to extreme environments, notably lunar and planetary rovers.


Q "In our lab, we focus on field robotics that works for extreme environments. For example, we investigate theinteraction mechanics between robots and sandy surfaces, taking into account "off-the-road locomotion."Also, because such robots would be deployed in unknown environments, we also work on vision systems such as cameras and laser rangefinders."


In this research, there are three key concepts: vehicle-terrain interaction mechanics, autonomous mobility systems, and robotic device development.


In vehicle-terrain interaction mechanics, the researchers analyze vehicle behavior using a dynamic simulator. They're also developing vehicle-slip compensation systems and in-wheel-sensor systems.


Q "In the study of interaction mechanics, we first focus on a wheel itself using a "single-wheel testbed." We put just one wheel on the testbed, and perform experimental runs to obtain wheel force data under different sets of slip parameters. Meanwhile, we numerically calculate wheel force based on a wheel-sand interaction model we developed. Then, we compare the experimental results with the numerical ones, so we can evaluate how valid the interaction model is. Applying this approach to a whole robot-vehicle system, it is possible to simulate how the robot behaves dynamically in an unknown environment. That's the key approach in this research."


Q "Sand flow investigation has received especially close attention in recent years. In our lab, of course, we've recently taken such an approach, called particle image velocimetry, or PIV, which has been widely used in fluid mechanics. PIV enables us to clearly determine the sand flow, helping to develop a well-defined interaction model."


In the area of autonomous mobility systems, the Ishigami Lab is working on environment recognition using laser rangefinders and camera images, as well as robotlocalization, path planning, teleoperation, and integrated sensory processing systems.


Q "For example, in an unknown environment, there aren't any road signs, saying 'there's an obstacle here,' or 'turn right at the next intersection.' Such obstacles should be detected by onboard cameras, or laser rangefinders which operate based on the time-of-flight principle (measuring the time from a laser emission to detection of the reflected laser.). In our research, we effectively utilize such devices to obtain 3D distance data or 3D environment information. Based on these data, the robot itself decides how to travel. Such systems are called autonomous mobility systems."


Q "One typical point of our lab is, I would say, we're focusing on mechanics as well as autonomous mobility, applying both hardware and software approaches.. In general, one lab has one specific point of interest for research, and looks more deeply into that, but in our lab, we work on mechanics and also on autonomous mobility systems, so we pursue several topics in parallel. Robots consist of integrated technology, so we consider them as total systems.
In addition, another feature of our research is, we consider that field tests are extremely important. We actually take our robots to outdoor environments such as volcanic regions on Izu Oshima and Mt. Aso, and operate them in rough terrain, to test how they act in actual environments."


Q "The field of robotics comprises a variety of technologies. So, rather than sticking to a single academic discipline, we'd like students to do research from a broad perspective."