Impedance control based force-tracking algorithm for interaction robotics tasks: An analytically force overshoots-free approach

In the presented paper an analytically force overshoots-free approach is described for the execution of robotics interaction tasks involving a compliant (of unknown geometrical and mechanical properties) environment. Based on the impedance control, the aim of the work is to perform force-tracking applications avoiding force overshoots that may result in task failures. The developed algorithm shapes the equivalent stiffness and damping of the closed-loop manipulator to regulate the interaction dynamics deforming the impedance control set-point. The force-tracking performance are obtained defining the control gains analytically based on the estimation of the interacting environment stiffness (performed using an Extended Kalman Filter). The method has been validated in a probing task, showing the avoidance of force overshoots and the achieved target dynamic performance.