Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dubied, Mathieu, Tiso, Paolo, Katzschmann, Robert K.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.01031
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866911449197051904
author Dubied, Mathieu
Tiso, Paolo
Katzschmann, Robert K.
author_facet Dubied, Mathieu
Tiso, Paolo
Katzschmann, Robert K.
contents The efficient optimization of actuated soft structures, particularly under complex nonlinear forces, remains a critical challenge in advancing robotics. Simulations of nonlinear structures, such as soft-bodied robots modeled using the finite element method (FEM), often demand substantial computational resources, especially during optimization. To address this challenge, we propose a novel optimization algorithm based on a tensorial parametric reduced order model (PROM). Our algorithm leverages dimensionality reduction and solution approximation techniques to facilitate efficient solving of nonlinear constrained optimization problems. The well-structured tensorial approach enables the use of analytical gradients within a specifically chosen reduced order basis (ROB), significantly enhancing computational efficiency. To showcase the performance of our method, we apply it to optimizing soft robotic swimmer shapes. These actuated soft robots experience hydrodynamic forces, subjecting them to both internal and external nonlinear forces, which are incorporated into our optimization process using a data-free ROB for fast and accurate computations. This approach not only reduces computational complexity but also unlocks new opportunities to optimize complex nonlinear systems in soft robotics, paving the way for more efficient design and control.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_01031
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle AquaROM: shape optimization pipeline for soft swimmers using parametric reduced order models
Dubied, Mathieu
Tiso, Paolo
Katzschmann, Robert K.
Robotics
The efficient optimization of actuated soft structures, particularly under complex nonlinear forces, remains a critical challenge in advancing robotics. Simulations of nonlinear structures, such as soft-bodied robots modeled using the finite element method (FEM), often demand substantial computational resources, especially during optimization. To address this challenge, we propose a novel optimization algorithm based on a tensorial parametric reduced order model (PROM). Our algorithm leverages dimensionality reduction and solution approximation techniques to facilitate efficient solving of nonlinear constrained optimization problems. The well-structured tensorial approach enables the use of analytical gradients within a specifically chosen reduced order basis (ROB), significantly enhancing computational efficiency. To showcase the performance of our method, we apply it to optimizing soft robotic swimmer shapes. These actuated soft robots experience hydrodynamic forces, subjecting them to both internal and external nonlinear forces, which are incorporated into our optimization process using a data-free ROB for fast and accurate computations. This approach not only reduces computational complexity but also unlocks new opportunities to optimize complex nonlinear systems in soft robotics, paving the way for more efficient design and control.
title AquaROM: shape optimization pipeline for soft swimmers using parametric reduced order models
topic Robotics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.01031