This paper presents a novel methodology for whole-body geometric calibration of large humanoid robots using only embedded sensors and a single plane. The approach leverages an admittance controller to establish stable 3-point contacts between the robot's gripper and a flat surface, enabling data collection for calibration without external measurement systems. We introduce the IROC algorithm, an efficient combinatorial optimization method that automatically selects optimal calibration postures by maximizing the determinant of the Fisher information matrix. The algorithm provides a deterministic ranking of postures based on their information content and can determine the minimal number of postures required for effective calibration. Experimental validation on the TALOS humanoid robot demonstrates significant improvements in positioning accuracy, with end-effector errors reduced by a factor of 2.3. The method is particularly suitable for routine calibration procedures in robotics laboratories and offers a practical solution for maintaining accurate geometric models of complex anthropomorphic systems.
The main contributions of this paper are:
The geometric calibration problem involves identifying kinematic parameters that relate joint encoder readings to end-effector poses. For a humanoid robot, the kinematic model can be expressed as:
\(\mathbf{p} = f(\mathbf{q}, \boldsymbol{\theta})\)
where \(\mathbf{p}\) is the end-effector pose, \(\mathbf{q}\) are the joint angles measured by encoders, and \(\boldsymbol{\theta}\) represents the geometric parameters to be identified.
When the robot makes contact with a plane, the contact points must satisfy the plane equation. For a 3-point contact, this provides three independent constraints that can be used to formulate the calibration equations. The measurement equation becomes:
\(\mathbf{0} = \mathbf{g}(\mathbf{q}, \boldsymbol{\theta}) + \mathbf{w}\)
where \(\mathbf{g}(\mathbf{q}, \boldsymbol{\theta})\) represents the constraint violations and \(\mathbf{w}\) is measurement noise.
Linearizing around nominal parameter values gives the standard observation equation:
\(\mathbf{y} = \mathbf{R_B} \boldsymbol{\delta\theta} + \mathbf{w}\)
where \(\mathbf{R_B}\) is the Jacobian matrix relating parameter errors to constraint violations, and \(\boldsymbol{\delta\theta}\) are the parameter corrections to be estimated.
Optimal posture selection is crucial for efficient calibration. The D-optimal criterion maximizes the determinant of the Fisher information matrix, providing the best parameter estimation accuracy for a given number of measurements. The Fisher information matrix for a set of postures is:
\(\mathbf{I_B} = \sum_{i=1}^{N} \mathbf{R_B}_i^T \mathbf{W} \mathbf{R_B}_i\)
where \(\mathbf{R_B}_i\) is the Jacobian for posture \(i\), \(\mathbf{W}\) is a weighting matrix, and \(N\) is the number of postures.
The IROC algorithm provides an efficient way to rank postures by their information content. The algorithm incrementally builds an optimal set by:
This approach provides a deterministic ranking that avoids local optima issues common in traditional optimization methods. The algorithm's computational efficiency makes it suitable for real-time posture evaluation and selection.
The experimental setup uses TALOS making 3-point contacts between its gripper and a flat table while maintaining balance. The robot uses an admittance controller to establish and maintain stable contact. The control flowchart shows the state machine for contact detection and maintenance.
Fig. 1: Control flowchart for contact establishment and maintenance using admittance control.
Planar contact is achieved by ensuring all three fingers are in contact with the table, using admittance control to enforce zero moments at the wrist. Data collection occurs once stable 3-point contact is established, recording joint encoders and force sensor data.
Fig. 2: Experimental setup showing TALOS making 3-points contacts between its gripper and a flat table.
The calibration process was performed using 31 optimal postures selected by the IROC algorithm. After calibration, the residual errors were significantly reduced. The absolute position errors decreased from \(9.19 \pm 11.64\) mm to \(2.88 \pm 3.89\) mm, and the orientation errors decreased from \(1.12 \pm 1.34\)° to \(0.31 \pm 0.41\)° for roll, and from \(1.02 \pm 1.20\)° to \(0.33 \pm 0.42\)° for pitch.
Fig. 3: Values of the translational and rotational identified parameters.
Figure 3 shows the identified geometric parameters. Translational parameters varied from -6 to +6 mm, while rotational parameters ranged from -1.5° to +1.5°. Notably, 50 parameters were set to zero as they were not identifiable due to the kinematic structure, with joint offsets being the largest rotational parameters.
Cross-validation was performed using nine random postures not used in calibration. The TALOS robot executed these postures with both nominal and calibrated models. The results showed significant improvements when using the calibrated model.
Fig. 4: Comparison of residual values during validation: (a) position along z-axis, (b) roll angle, (c) pitch angle.
The mean absolute errors decreased by an average factor of 2.3: position error from 9.89 mm to 4.54 mm, roll error from 1.18° to 0.56°, and pitch error from 0.98° to 0.34°.
If you use this work in your research, please cite:
@techreport{nguyen2025humanoid,
title={Humanoid Robot Whole-body Geometric Calibration with Embedded Sensors and a Single Plane},
author={Nguyen, Thanh D V and Bonnet, Vincent and Fernbach, Pierre and Daney, David and Lamiraux, Florent},
year={2025},
institution={HAL},
url={https://hal.science/hal-05169055}
}