Cooperative Real-Time Inertial Parameter Estimation

Cooperative cargo transport (e.g., two agents moving a table) is trivial for humans, but poses exceptional challenges to robots. One challenge is learning the dynamics properties of unknown cargo, which is critical for safe operations. We present an algorithm to estimate the inertial parameters of an object grasped by one or more robots in real-time. We model each robot's N sub-body system-considering external and joint actuation-using the Recursive Newton-Euler equations. A constrained Unscented Kalman Filter estimates the grasped object's mass, center of mass and moments of inertia. Our approach is validated through simulation using Astrobee, a freeflying robot.