NSF SHF 1514372:
Automating Robot Programming Through Constraint Solving and Motion Planning

The project aims to develop a high-level programming framework, called Robosynth, for personal robots. Here, rather than writing low-level code that defines how a robot must perform a task, the user of the robot writes a specification that defines what is to be accomplished. Given this specification and a model of the robot's environment, Robosynth automatically synthesizes a program that can be executed on the robot. So long as the environment behaves according to the assumed model, all executions of this program are guaranteed to satisfy the user-defined requirements.This approach and its derivatives can make robot programming accessible to a vast untapped body of inexperienced programmers. The technical highlights of the project are the specification language using which users interact with Robosynth, and the algorithms that Robosynth uses for automatic code synthesis. These algorithms simultaneously reason about a logical task level that is concerned with the high-level goals of the robot, as well as a continuous motion level concerned with navigating and manipulating a physical space. At the task level, Robosynth leverages recent methods for analyzing complex systems of logical constraints, for example SMT-solving and symbolic solution of graph games. Motion-level reasoning is performed using sampling-based motion planning techniques.

Related Publications

1. Y. Wang, S. Chaudhuri, and L. E. Kavraki, “Bounded Policy Synthesis for POMDPs with Safe-Reachability Objectives,” in Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, Stockholm, Sweden, 2018, pp. 238–246.
   
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   BibTeX

   ×

   @inproceedings{wang2018bounded-policy-synthesis,
       abstract = {Planning robust executions under uncertainty is a fundamental challenge for building
         autonomous robots. Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) provide a
         standard framework for modeling uncertainty in many applications. In this work, we study
         POMDPs with safe-reachability objectives, which require that with a probability above some
         threshold, a goal state is eventually reached while keeping the probability of visiting
         unsafe states below some threshold. This POMDP formulation is different from the traditional
         POMDP models with optimality objectives and we show that in some cases, POMDPs with
         safe-reachability objectives can provide a better guarantee of both safety and reachability
         than the existing POMDP models through an example. A key algorithmic problem for POMDPs is
         policy synthesis, which requires reasoning over a vast space of beliefs (probability
         distributions). To address this challenge, we introduce the notion of a goal-constrained
         belief space, which only contains beliefs reachable from the initial belief under desired
         executions that can achieve the given safe-reachability objective. Our method compactly
         represents this space over a bounded horizon using symbolic constraints, and employs an
         incremental Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver to efficiently search for a valid
         policy over it. We evaluate our method using a case study involving a partially observable
         robotic domain with uncertain obstacles. The results show that our method can synthesize
         policies over large belief spaces with a small number of SMT solver calls by focusing on the
         goal-constrained belief space.},
     publisher = {International Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems},
     address = {Stockholm, Sweden},
     author = {Wang, Yue and Chaudhuri, Swarat and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     keywords = {planning from high-level specifications; uncertainty},
     booktitle = {Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and
         Multiagent Systems},
     series = {AAMAS 2018},
     title = {Bounded Policy Synthesis for {POMDP}s with Safe-Reachability Objectives},
     year = {2018},
     url = {http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3237383.3237424},
     acmid = {3237424},
     pages = {238--246}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   Planning robust executions under uncertainty is a fundamental challenge for building autonomous robots. Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) provide a standard framework for modeling uncertainty in many applications. In this work, we study POMDPs with safe-reachability objectives, which require that with a probability above some threshold, a goal state is eventually reached while keeping the probability of visiting unsafe states below some threshold. This POMDP formulation is different from the traditional POMDP models with optimality objectives and we show that in some cases, POMDPs with safe-reachability objectives can provide a better guarantee of both safety and reachability than the existing POMDP models through an example. A key algorithmic problem for POMDPs is policy synthesis, which requires reasoning over a vast space of beliefs (probability distributions). To address this challenge, we introduce the notion of a goal-constrained belief space, which only contains beliefs reachable from the initial belief under desired executions that can achieve the given safe-reachability objective. Our method compactly represents this space over a bounded horizon using symbolic constraints, and employs an incremental Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver to efficiently search for a valid policy over it. We evaluate our method using a case study involving a partially observable robotic domain with uncertain obstacles. The results show that our method can synthesize policies over large belief spaces with a small number of SMT solver calls by focusing on the goal-constrained belief space.
   Details
2. N. T. Dantam, Z. K. Kingston, S. Chaudhuri, and L. E. Kavraki, “An Incremental Constraint-Based Framework for Task and Motion Planning,” International Journal of Robotics Research, 2018.
   
   pdf publisher bibtex abstract details

   BibTeX

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   @article{dantam2018incremental-tmp,
       abstract = {We present a new constraint-based framework for task and motion planning (TMP). Our
         approach is extensible, probabilistically-complete, and offers improved performance and
         generality compared to a similar, state-of-the-art planner. The key idea is to leverage
         incremental constraint solving to efficiently incorporate geometric information at the task
         level. Using motion feasibility information to guide task planning improves scalability of
         the overall planner. Our key abstractions address the requirements of manipulation and
         object rearrangement. We validate our approach on a physical manipulator and evaluate
         scalability on scenarios with many objects and long plans, showing order-of-magnitude gains
         compared to the benchmark planner and improved scalability from additional geometric
         guidance. Finally, in addition to describing a new method for TMP and its implementation on
         a physical robot, we also put forward requirements and abstractions for the development of
         similar planners in the future.},
     title = {An Incremental Constraint-Based Framework for Task and Motion Planning},
     journal = {International Journal of Robotics Research},
     year = {2018},
     author = {Dantam, Neil T. and Kingston, Zachary K. and Chaudhuri, Swarat and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     doi = {10.1177/0278364918761570},
     keywords = {planning from high-level specifications}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   We present a new constraint-based framework for task and motion planning (TMP). Our approach is extensible, probabilistically-complete, and offers improved performance and generality compared to a similar, state-of-the-art planner. The key idea is to leverage incremental constraint solving to efficiently incorporate geometric information at the task level. Using motion feasibility information to guide task planning improves scalability of the overall planner. Our key abstractions address the requirements of manipulation and object rearrangement. We validate our approach on a physical manipulator and evaluate scalability on scenarios with many objects and long plans, showing order-of-magnitude gains compared to the benchmark planner and improved scalability from additional geometric guidance. Finally, in addition to describing a new method for TMP and its implementation on a physical robot, we also put forward requirements and abstractions for the development of similar planners in the future.
   Details
3. N. T. Dantam, S. Chaudhuri, and L. E. Kavraki, “The Task Motion Kit,” Robotics and Automation Magazine, 2018.
   
   pdf publisher bibtex abstract details

   BibTeX

   ×

   @article{dantam2018task-motion-kit,
       author = {Dantam, Neil T. and Chaudhuri, Swarat and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     title = {The Task Motion Kit},
     journal = {Robotics and Automation Magazine},
     publisher = {IEEE},
     year = {2018},
     doi = {10.1109/MRA.2018.2815081},
     keywords = {planning from high-level specifications}
   }
   

   Details
4. S. Butler, M. Moll, and L. E. Kavraki, “A General Algorithm for Time-Optimal Trajectory Generation Subject to Minimum and Maximum Constraints,” in Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics, 2016.
   
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   @inproceedings{butler2016a-general-algorithm-for-time-optimal-trajectory,
       abstract = {This paper presents a new algorithm which generates time-optimal trajectories given
         a path as input. The algorithm improves on previous approaches by generically handling a
         broader class of constraints on the dynamics. It eliminates the need for heuristics to
         select trajectory segments that are part of the optimal trajectory through an exhaustive,
         but efficient search. We also present an algorithm for computing all achievable velocities
         at the end of a path given an initial range of velocities. This algorithm effectively
         computes bundles of feasible trajectories for a given path and is a first step toward a new
         generation of more efficient kinodynamic motion planning algorithms. We present results for
         both algorithms using a simulated WAM arm with a Barrett hand subject to dynamics
         constraints on joint torque, joint velocity, momentum, and end effector velocity. The new
         algorithms are compared with a state-of-the-art alternative approach.},
     author = {Butler, Stephen and Moll, Mark and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     booktitle = {Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics},
     month = dec,
     title = {A General Algorithm for Time-Optimal Trajectory Generation Subject to Minimum and
         Maximum Constraints},
     year = {2016},
     keywords = {kinodynamic systems}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   This paper presents a new algorithm which generates time-optimal trajectories given a path as input. The algorithm improves on previous approaches by generically handling a broader class of constraints on the dynamics. It eliminates the need for heuristics to select trajectory segments that are part of the optimal trajectory through an exhaustive, but efficient search. We also present an algorithm for computing all achievable velocities at the end of a path given an initial range of velocities. This algorithm effectively computes bundles of feasible trajectories for a given path and is a first step toward a new generation of more efficient kinodynamic motion planning algorithms. We present results for both algorithms using a simulated WAM arm with a Barrett hand subject to dynamics constraints on joint torque, joint velocity, momentum, and end effector velocity. The new algorithms are compared with a state-of-the-art alternative approach.
   Details
5. N. T. Dantam, K. Bøndergaard, M. A. Johansson, T. Furuholm, and L. E. Kavraki, “Unix Philosophy and the Real World: Control Software for Humanoid Robots,” Frontiers in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, vol. 3, Mar. 2016.
   
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   BibTeX

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   @article{dantam2016unix,
       author = {Dantam, Neil T. and B{\o}ndergaard, Kim and Johansson, Mattias A. and Furuholm, Tobias and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     title = {Unix Philosophy and the Real World: Control Software for Humanoid Robots},
     journal = {Frontiers in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence},
     keywords = {other robotics},
     month = mar,
     year = {2016},
     volume = {3},
     doi = {10.3389/frobt.2016.00006},
     abstract = {Robot software combines the challenges of general purpose and real-time software,
         requiring complex logic and bounded resource use. Physical safety, particularly for dynamic
         systems such as humanoid robots, depends on correct software. General purpose computation
         has converged on unix-like operating systems -- standardized as POSIX, the Portable
         Operating System Interface -- for devices from cellular phones to supercomputers. The
         modular, multi-process design typical of POSIX applications is effective for building
         complex and reliable software. Absent from POSIX, however, is an interproccess communication
         mechanism that prioritizes newer data as typically desired for control of physical systems.
         We address this need in the Ach communication library which provides suitable semantics and
         performance for real-time robot control. Although initially designed for humanoid robots,
         Ach has broader applicability to complex mechatronic devices -- humanoid and otherwise --
         that require real-time coupling of sensors, control, planning, and actuation. The initial
         user space implementation of Ach was limited in the ability to receive data from multiple
         sources. We remove this limitation by implementing Ach as a Linux kernel module, enabling
         Ach's high-performance and latest-message-favored semantics within conventional POSIX
         communication pipelines. We discuss how these POSIX interfaces and design principles apply
         to robot software, and we present a case study using the Ach kernel module for communication
         on the Baxter robot.}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   Robot software combines the challenges of general purpose and real-time software, requiring complex logic and bounded resource use. Physical safety, particularly for dynamic systems such as humanoid robots, depends on correct software. General purpose computation has converged on unix-like operating systems – standardized as POSIX, the Portable Operating System Interface – for devices from cellular phones to supercomputers. The modular, multi-process design typical of POSIX applications is effective for building complex and reliable software. Absent from POSIX, however, is an interproccess communication mechanism that prioritizes newer data as typically desired for control of physical systems. We address this need in the Ach communication library which provides suitable semantics and performance for real-time robot control. Although initially designed for humanoid robots, Ach has broader applicability to complex mechatronic devices – humanoid and otherwise – that require real-time coupling of sensors, control, planning, and actuation. The initial user space implementation of Ach was limited in the ability to receive data from multiple sources. We remove this limitation by implementing Ach as a Linux kernel module, enabling Ach’s high-performance and latest-message-favored semantics within conventional POSIX communication pipelines. We discuss how these POSIX interfaces and design principles apply to robot software, and we present a case study using the Ach kernel module for communication on the Baxter robot.
   Details
6. N. T. Dantam, Z. K. Kingston, S. Chaudhuri, and L. E. Kavraki, “Incremental Task and Motion Planning: A Constraint-Based Approach,” in Robotics: Science and Systems, 2016.
   
   pdf publisher bibtex abstract details

   BibTeX

   ×

   @inproceedings{dantam2016tmp,
       author = {Dantam, Neil T. and Kingston, Zachary K. and Chaudhuri, Swarat and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     title = {Incremental Task and Motion Planning: A Constraint-Based Approach},
     booktitle = {Robotics: Science and Systems},
     year = {2016},
     abstract = {We present a new algorithm for task and motion planning (TMP) and discuss the
         requirements and abstractions necessary to obtain robust solutions for TMP in general. Our
         Iteratively Deepened Task and Motion Planning (IDTMP) method is probabilistically-complete
         and offers improved performance and generality compared to a similar, state-of-the-art,
         probabilistically-complete planner. The key idea of IDTMP is to leverage incremental
         constraint solving to efficiently add and remove constraints on motion feasibility at the
         task level. We validate IDTMP on a physical manipulator and evaluate scalability on
         scenarios with many objects and long plans, showing order-of-magnitude gains compared to the
         benchmark planner and a four-times self-comparison speedup from our extensions. Finally, in
         addition to describing a new method for TMP and its implementation on a physical robot, we
         also put forward requirements and abstractions for the development of similar planners in
         the future.},
     keywords = {planning from high-level specifications},
     doi = {10.15607/RSS.2016.XII.002}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   We present a new algorithm for task and motion planning (TMP) and discuss the requirements and abstractions necessary to obtain robust solutions for TMP in general. Our Iteratively Deepened Task and Motion Planning (IDTMP) method is probabilistically-complete and offers improved performance and generality compared to a similar, state-of-the-art, probabilistically-complete planner. The key idea of IDTMP is to leverage incremental constraint solving to efficiently add and remove constraints on motion feasibility at the task level. We validate IDTMP on a physical manipulator and evaluate scalability on scenarios with many objects and long plans, showing order-of-magnitude gains compared to the benchmark planner and a four-times self-comparison speedup from our extensions. Finally, in addition to describing a new method for TMP and its implementation on a physical robot, we also put forward requirements and abstractions for the development of similar planners in the future.
   Details
7. Y. Wang, N. T. Dantam, S. Chaudhuri, and L. E. Kavraki, “Task and Motion Policy Synthesis as Liveness Games,” in International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling, 2016, pp. 536–540.
   
   pdf publisher bibtex abstract details

   BibTeX

   ×

   @inproceedings{wang2016task,
       author = {Wang, Yue and Dantam, Neil T. and Chaudhuri, Swarat and Kavraki, Lydia E.},
     title = {Task and Motion Policy Synthesis as Liveness Games},
     booktitle = {International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling},
     publisher = {AAAI},
     year = {2016},
     abstract = {We present a novel and scalable policy synthesis approach for robots. Rather than
         producing single-path plans for a static environment, we consider changing environments with
         uncontrollable agents, where the robot needs a policy to respond correctly over the
         infinite-horizon interaction with the environment. Our approach operates on task and motion
         domains, and combines actions over discrete states with continuous, collision-free paths. We
         synthesize a task and motion policy by iteratively generating a candidate policy and
         verifying its correctness. For efficient policy generation, we use grammars for potential
         policies to limit the search space and apply domain-specific heuristics to generalize
         verification failures, providing stricter constraints on policy candidates. For efficient
         policy verification, we construct compact, symbolic constraints for valid policies and
         employ a Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver to check the validity of these
         constraints. Furthermore, the SMT solver enables quantitative specifications such as energy
         limits. The results show that our approach offers better scalability compared to a
         state-of-the-art policy synthesis tool in the tested benchmarks and demonstrate an
         order-of-magnitude speedup from our heuristics for the tested mobile manipulation domain.},
     keywords = {planning from high-level specifications},
     url = {http://www.aaai.org/ocs/index.php/ICAPS/ICAPS16/paper/view/13146},
     pages = {536-540}
   }
   

   Abstract

   ×

   We present a novel and scalable policy synthesis approach for robots. Rather than producing single-path plans for a static environment, we consider changing environments with uncontrollable agents, where the robot needs a policy to respond correctly over the infinite-horizon interaction with the environment. Our approach operates on task and motion domains, and combines actions over discrete states with continuous, collision-free paths. We synthesize a task and motion policy by iteratively generating a candidate policy and verifying its correctness. For efficient policy generation, we use grammars for potential policies to limit the search space and apply domain-specific heuristics to generalize verification failures, providing stricter constraints on policy candidates. For efficient policy verification, we construct compact, symbolic constraints for valid policies and employ a Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver to check the validity of these constraints. Furthermore, the SMT solver enables quantitative specifications such as energy limits. The results show that our approach offers better scalability compared to a state-of-the-art policy synthesis tool in the tested benchmarks and demonstrate an order-of-magnitude speedup from our heuristics for the tested mobile manipulation domain.
   Details