We present a new version of tactile-sensing finger, GelSlim 3.0, which integrates the ability to sense high-resolution shape, force, and slip in a more compact form factor than previous implementations, designed for cluttered bin-picking scenarios. The novel design integrates real-time model-based algorithms to measure shape, estimate the 3-D contact force distribution, and detect incipient slip. The constraints imposed by the photometric stereo algorithm used for depth reconstruction and the implementation of a planar sensing surface make the miniaturization of previous designs nontrivial. To achieve a compact integration, we optimize the optical path from illumination source to camera. Using an optical simulation environment, we develop an illumination shaping lens and position the source LEDs and camera. The optimized optical configuration is integrated into a finger design composed of a robust and easily replaceable snap-to-fit fingertip module that facilitates manufacture, assembly, use, and repair. To stimulate future research in tactile-sensing and provide the robotics community access to a reliable and easily reproducible tactile finger with a diversity of sensing modalities, we open-source the design, fabrication methods, and software on Github.


Demo

 
 

Build Your Own Sensor

All the hardware and software has been open sourced under the CC-by-NC license so the sensors can easily be reproduced by other research laboratories. We also manufacture and deliver sensors upon request. We no longer manufacture and deliver sensors upon request. Please refer to the link GelSlim Github site for references on how to make your own sensor.

All the sources are hosted on the GelSlim Github site


End-Users

We are proud to see that the GelSlim 3.0 sensors are being utilized in an ever-growing body of research, we highlight some of these works below. To further facilitate these efforts, we have provided GelSlim 3.0 sensors in collaboration with a variety of industry leading robotics research laboratories including: Sony AI, The Everyday Robot Project - Google X, Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, ABB Group and Magna International Inc. If you are interested in collaborating please contact us at themcubelab@gmail.com.


 Paper

GelSlim 3.0: High-resolution Measurement of Shape, Force and Slip in a Compact Tactile-Sensing Finger
I. Taylor, S. Dong and A. Rodriguez
arXiv Preprint
ICRA '22 (Submission)
[Paper] [BibTex]


Authors