Reflexes
With the word "reflex" we denote a set of autonomous reactive behaviors that the Create® 3 robot will trigger when it detects obstacles or hazards.
Reflexes are high-priority behaviors and will temporarily override any user-provided command for their short duration.
Reflexes can be enabled or disabled on the Create® 3 using the corresponding ROS 21 parameters exposed by the motion_control ROS 2 node.
Reflex parameters
The reflexes_enabled parameter controls whether reflexes should be executed or not. It accepts boolean values.
When this parameter is set to false, no reflexes will be enabled, regardless of their specific parameters values.
This parameter is set to true by default, so reflexes are generally enabled, but note that individual reflexes can be enabled or disabled via their specific parameters described below.
Bumps reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_BUMP ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the bump reflex.
It will trigger as soon as the robot bumps into an obstacle and it will move the robot away from it.
The reflex will continue until the robot has cleared the bump.
This reflex is enabled by default.
Cliffs reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_CLIFF ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the cliff reflex.
It will trigger as soon as the robot detects a cliff and it will move the robot away from it.
The reflex will continue until the robot has cleared the cliff.
This reflex is enabled by default.
Dock avoidance reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_DOCK_AVOID ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the dock avoidance reflex.
It will trigger as soon as the robot gets close to the dock and tries to move towards it.
The reflex will stop forward movements.
This reflex is disabled by default.
Gyro calibration reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_GYRO_CAL ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the gyro calibration reflex.
It will trigger while the robot is stationary and will try to recalibrate the internal gyroscope.
This reflex is enabled by default.
Panic reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_PANIC ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the panic reflex.
It will trigger when the robot is trapped and unable to clear obstacles or hazards.
The reflex will try more aggressive maneuvers to allow the robot to recover from this situation
This reflex is enabled by default.
Proximity slowdown reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_PROXIMITY_SLOWDOWN ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the proximity slowdown reflex.
It will trigger when the robot's IR sensors detect an obstacle in close proximity.
The reflex will reduce the robot movement speed in order to better prepare for an eventual impact.
This reflex is enabled by default.
Stuck reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_STUCK ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the stuck reflex.
It will trigger when the robot is stuck, i.e. it's pushing against an obstacle and its wheels are losing traction.
The reflex will try aggressive maneuvers to allow the robot to recover from this situation
This reflex is enabled by default.
Virtual Wall reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_VIRTUAL_WALL ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the virtual wall reflex.
It will trigger as soon as the robot detects an iRobot virtual wall it will move the robot away from it.
The reflex will continue until the robot has cleared the virtual wall.
This reflex is enabled by default.
Wheel drop reflex
The reflexes.REFLEX_WHEEL_DROP ROS 2 parameter enables (true) or disables (false) the wheel drop reflex.
It will trigger as soon as the robot detects that one of its wheels is fully extended (dropped).
The robot will drive the other wheel in order to return to a flat surface.
This reflex is enabled by default.