Aladdin: Semi-Autonomous Module for Robotic Door Opening

Honeybee Robotics and iRobot propose to develop technologies that will enable small UGVs to open doors semi-autonomously. These technologies will be integrated in a modular Aladdin Payload that can be retrofitted onto existing general-purpose robots with manipulator arms without extensive hardware modifications. In Phase I of the Aladdin Project, we will perform experiments using a PackBot EOD and a compliant gripper to evaluate the feasibility of our door-opening end-effector and develop a proof-of-concept implementation of semi-autonomous door-opening using a click-to-grip operator interface. In Phase II, we will develop a fully-operational, fully-integrated Aladdin Payload enabling a PackBot EOD to quickly move through an indoor environment containing closed doors under semi-autonomous control. Because our system leverages existing hardware, sensors, and controls approaches, demonstration of a robust, cost effective, modular door-opening system by the end of Phase II will be possible, a critical step in the development of a system that can be adapted to UGVs in general.