Randomization in Robot Tasks

This article explores the role of randomization in the solution of robot manipulation tasks. Randomization refers to the ran dom selection and execution of an action from a collection of possible actions. The intention is that this collection contains some actions that are useful for making progress toward ac complishing a task, but that the precise identity of these useful actions is unknown. Randomization offers one approach for ensuring progress in a probabilistic sense. An example of randomization is given by the strategy of shaking a bin containing a part in order to orient the part in a desired stable state with some high probability. Another exam ple consists of using reliable sensory information to bring two parts close together, then relying on short random motions to actually mate the two parts once the part motions lie below the available sensing resolution. Further examples include tapping parts that are tightly wedged, twirling gears before trying to mesh them, and vibrating parts to facilitate a mating operation. Randomization is also useful for mobile robot navigation and as a means of guiding the design process. Randomization is u