Model-Based 3D Shape Reconstruction of Soft Robots via Distributed Strain Sensing

Proprioception in soft robots is essential for enabling autonomous behaviors, allowing them to navigate and interact safely in unstructured environments. Previous sensorization-based shape reconstruction methods, which often rely on machine learning techniques, have limitations in their broad applicability for different robotic systems and environments. In this work, we present a shape reconstruction scheme enabled by sparsely distributed soft strain sensors on the surfaces of soft robots, combined with a model-based reconstruction framework. Our approach utilizes miniaturized stretchable capacitive strain sensors with large stretchability and low hysteresis, which can be easily attached to soft robot surfaces for accurate local strain measurements. These measurements are fed into an optimization algorithm with embedded mechanical constraints. Our approach can predict all deformation modes in a soft bar with a maximum displacement error of less than 4% of the bar length and accurately reconstruct the shapes of soft pneumatic grippers during grasping actions. Additional reconstructions of a bioinspired arm in complex contact scenarios further demonstrate the versatility of our approach. This shape reconstruction scheme using distributed strain sensors offers a convenient and broadly applicable solution for enhancing proprioception in soft robots.