CompdVision: Combining Near-Field 3D Visual and Tactile Sensing Using a Compact Compound-Eye Imaging System

As automation technologies advance, the need for compact and multi-modal sensors in robotic applications is growing. To address this demand, we introduce CompdVision, a novel sensor that combines near-field 3D visual and tactile sensing. This sensor, with dimensions of 22$\times$14$\times$14 mm, leverages the compound eye imaging system to achieve a compact form factor without compromising its dual modalities. CompdVision utilizes two types of vision units to meet diverse sensing requirements. Stereo units with far-focus lenses can see through the transparent elastomer, facilitating depth estimation beyond the contact surface, while tactile units with near-focus lenses track the movement of markers embedded in the elastomer to obtain contact deformation. Experimental results validate the sensor's superior performance in 3D visual and tactile sensing. The sensor demonstrates effective depth estimation within a 70mm range from its surface. Additionally, it registers high accuracy in tangential and normal force measurements. The dual modalities and compact design make the sensor a versatile tool for complex robotic tasks.