Presents an approach to online, robot-motion planning for moving-object interception. The proposed approach utilizes a navigation-guidance-based technique, that is robust and computationally efficient for the interception of fast-maneuvering objects. Navigation-based techniques were originally developed for the control of missiles tracking free-flying targets. Unlike a missile, however, the end-effector of a robotic arm is connected to the ground, via a number of links and joints, subject to kinematic and dynamic constraints. Also, unlike a missile, the velocity of the robot and the moving object must be matched for a smooth grasp, thus, a hybrid interception scheme, which combines a navigation-based interception technique with a conventional trajectory tracking method is proposed herein for intercepting fast-maneuvering objects. The implementation of the proposed technique is illustrated via numerous simulation examples.

This paper presents a novel approach to online robot-motion planning for moving-object interception. A hybrid scheme, which combines a navigation-based technique with a conventional trajectory tracking method, is proposed for intercepting fast-manoeuvring objects. The implementation of the proposed technique is discussed via a simulation example.