Simplified Grasping and Manipulation with Dextrous Robot Hands

A method is presented for stably grasping 2 dimensional polygonal objects with a dextrous hand when object models are not available. Basic constraints on object vertex angles are found for feasible grasping with two fingers. Local tactile information can be used to determine the finger motion that will reach feasible grasping locations. With an appropriate choice of finger stiffnesses, a hand can automatically grasp these objects with two fingers. The bounded slip of a part in a hand is shown to be valuable for adapting the fingers and object to a stable situation. Examples are given to show the ability of this grasping method to accommodate disturbance forces and to perform simple part reorientations and regrasping operations.