Autonomous Manipulation

Autonomous manipulation research focuses on enabling robots to interact with and manipulate objects in unstructured environments without human intervention. Current efforts concentrate on improving perception (using 3D vision and tactile sensing), developing robust control algorithms (including imitation learning with transformers and bilateral control), and integrating advanced planning techniques (leveraging large language models for high-level reasoning). This field is crucial for advancing robotics in various sectors, from planetary exploration and industrial automation to assistive technologies, by enabling robots to perform complex tasks reliably and efficiently.