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Cognition-inspired Robot Learning and Manipulation for Assembly in Semi-structured Environments

delete2026-06-26
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PRE
AI
C
Chuang Wang
L
Lie Yang
Z
Ze Lin
G
Gang Chen *
J
Jun Cheng
J
Jianxin Pang
DOI:10.1007/s10514-026-10259-2delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Robotic assembly in semi-structured environments represents a critical challenge in flexible manufacturing. While existing hybrid methods benefit from knowledge-based hierarchies, model-based planning, and data-driven learning, they still struggle with small-batch, precise assembly tasks due to loose coupling between components and high training costs. To address these limitations, we introduce Cognition-inspired Robot Learning and Manipulation (CRLM), a neuro-symbolic framework that tightly couples structured task knowledge, semi-supervised perception, and residual reinforcement learning for efficient skill acquisition and robust execution. Inspired by cognitive apprenticeship theory, CRLM operationalizes three developmental phases—modeling, scaffolding, and fading—through a hierarchical manipulation architecture. Specifically, explicit symbolic stage graphs and Object-Embodiment-Centric (OEC) waypoints provide interpretable task decomposition and safety bounds; semi-supervised visual learning bootstraps global and local object detectors from sparse embodied data; and a residual fine policy trained via structured-to-semi (STS) transfer learns contact-aware corrections from multimodal visual and force feedback. By integrating these components into a coherent developmental pipeline rather than treating them as isolated sequential blocks, CRLM achieves robust contact-rich assembly with minimal human engineering. Simulation experiments demonstrate substantial improvements of 13% in success rate and 15.4% reduction in completion steps compared to competing methods. Real-world experiments on peg-in-hole and gear-insertion tasks further validate the system’s effectiveness for jigless assembly in semi-structured environments.
Keywords:
Robotic assembly
Semi-structured environment
Cognition-inspired robot learning
Semi-supervised learning
Residual reinforcement learning

Journal

Autonomous Robots cover
Autonomous Robots
IF:
4.3
Papers:
1.6K
Citations:
5.0K

Organization

N
nanchang university
Scholars:
7.2K
Papers: 2.0K
Citations: 0
U
ubtech robotics
Scholars:
3
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
S
Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology
Scholars:
359
Papers: 200
Citations: 1
S
south china university of technology
Scholars:
6.5W
Papers: 5.0W
Citations: 85
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