Abstracting perception and manipulation in end-user robot programming using Sikuli

Michael Kasper, Nikolaus Correll, Tom Yeh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

We propose a programming paradigm for robotics that has the potential to drastically facilitate robotic programming. Building up on Sikuli, a GUI automation language, we abstract specific robotic perception and control capabilities into first-class objects that are embedded in a simple scripting language. Currently, robotics programming requires a deep understanding of perception, controls and algorithms, knowledge of a specific robot's perception capabilities and kinematics, and finally a substantial amount of software engineering. Although learn-by-demonstration allows also relatively unskilled users to adapt a robot to their needs, this approach is intrinsically limited by the complexity such a program can reach. This paper presents a proof-of-concept for migrating Sikuli from the virtual GUI workspace of computer software to the physical 3D workspace of robotics. It then presents an example use case that illustrates the power of this new approach using a simple script that arranges a set of randomly aligned blocks into a tower using a Baxter robot equipped with an Asus Xtion Pro.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, TePRA 2014
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (Print)9781479946051
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, TePRA 2014 - Woburn, MA, United States
Duration: 14 Apr 201415 Apr 2014

Publication series

NameIEEE Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, TePRA
ISSN (Print)2325-0526
ISSN (Electronic)2325-0534

Conference

Conference2014 IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, TePRA 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWoburn, MA
Period14/04/1415/04/14

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