Deep CNN-Based Static Modeling of Soft Robots Utilizing Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

Soft continuum robots, inspired by the adaptability and agility of natural soft-bodied organisms like octopuses and elephant trunks, present a frontier in robotics research. However, exploiting their full potential necessitates precise modeling and control for specific motion and manipulation tasks. This study introduces an innovative approach using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for the inverse quasi-static modeling of these robots within the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) framework. The ANCF effectively represents the complex non-linear behavior of soft continuum robots, while the CNN-based models are optimized for computational efficiency and precision. This combination is crucial for addressing the complex inverse statics problems associated with ANCF-modeled robots. Extensive numerical experiments were conducted to assess the performance of these Deep CNN-based models, demonstrating their suitability for real-time simulation and control in statics modeling. Additionally, this study includes a detailed cross-validation experiment to identify the most effective model architecture, taking into account factors such as the number of layers, activation functions, and unit configurations. The results highlight the significant benefits of integrating Deep CNN with ANCF models, paving the way for advanced statics modeling in soft continuum robotics.