Modular state-based behavior control for safe human-robot interaction: A lightweight control architecture for a lightweight robot

Abstract

In this paper we present a novel control architecture for realizing human-friendly behaviors and intuitive state based programming. The design implements strategies that take advantage of sophisticated soft-robotics features for providing reactive, robust, and safe robot actions in dynamic environments. Quick access to the various functionalities of the robot enables the user to develop flexible hybrid state automata for programming robot behaviors. The real-time robot control takes care of all safety critical aspects and provides reactive reflexes that directly respond to external stimuli.