Model-based motion optimization for quadruped robots with an actuated articulated torso

In recent years, the deployment of ground-based mobile robots has gained more and more interest in various domains. In contrast to other types of mobile robots, legged robots can traverse irregular terrains, climb stairs, and step over obstacles. However, these unique properties intensify the energy demand and require highly advanced perception...

Robust Jumping with an Articulated Soft Quadruped via Trajectory Optimization and Iterative Learning

Quadrupeds deployed in real-world scenarios need to be robust to unmodelled dynamic effects. In this work, we aim to increase the robustness of quadrupedal periodic forward jumping (i.e., pronking) by unifying cutting-edge model-based trajectory optimization and iterative learning control. Using a reduced-order soft anchor model, the...

Embodying Quasi-Passive Modal Trotting and Pronking in a Sagittal Elastic Quadruped

Animals rely on the elasticity of their tendons and muscles to execute robust and efficient locomotion patterns for a vast and continuous range of velocities. Replicating such capabilities in artificial systems is a long-lasting challenge in robotics. By taking advantage of a pitch dynamics decoupling spring potential, this work aims to...

Robotic Monitoring of Habitats: the Natural Intelligence Approach

In this paper, we first discuss the challenges related to habitat monitoring and review possible robotic solutions. Then, we propose a framework to perform terrestrial habitat monitoring exploiting the mobility of legged robotic systems. The idea is to provide the robot with the Natural Intelligence introduced as the combination of the...

Modelling the hybrid dynamics of a hexapedal robot: Predicting the Zebro's path using an identified leg-ground slippage model

Legged locomotion is a discrete event system (DES) due to the ever changing contact states of each leg. As such, it requires a nonlinear modelling method to predict the trajectory of a legged robot. One such robot has been focused on throughout this thesis; the six legged "Zebro''. With its half-circular legs, the Zebro is well suited for...

Insect-inspired robots: Bridging biological and artificial systems

This review article aims to address common research questions in hexapod robotics. How can we build intelligent autonomous hexapod robots that can exploit their biomechanics, morphology, and computational systems, to achieve autonomy, adaptability, and energy efficiency comparable to small living creatures, such as insects? Are insects good...

Rolling in the Deep: Hybrid Locomotion for Wheeled-Legged Robots Using Online Trajectory Optimization

Wheeled-legged robots have the potential for highly agile and versatile locomotion. The combination of legs and wheels might be a solution for any real-world application requiring rapid, and long-distance mobility skills on challenging terrain. In this paper, we present an online trajectory optimization framework for wheeled quadrupedal robots...

Trajectory Optimization For Hybrid Walking-Driving Motions On Wheeled Quadrupedal Robots

Wheeled-legged (hybrid) robots have the potential for highly agile and versatile locomotion in any real-world application requiring rapid, long-distance mobility skills on challenging terrain. The ability to walk and drive simultaneously is an attractive feature of these hybrid systems, but is unexplored in literature. This thesis work presents...

The impact of event-triggered control on the energy consumption of a legged robot

In event-triggered control (ETC) the control task is only executed when needed to ensure performance or stability. A well known property of ETC is that it can reduce the number of control task executions while retaining similar performance. A large amount of research is focused on how ETC can be used to achieve energy savings in wireless...

Machine and behaviour co-design of a powerful minimally actuated hopping robot

This thesis presents the first steps of a design study on the robust hopping and balancing robot Skippy. The purpose of the overall design study is to challenge a new design approach for robots with high physical performance. This approach comprises an iterative study of machine (physical system) and behaviour (action strategy) co-design. Skippy...

Design of Magnetic Variable stiffness actuator for legged hopper

In rough and highly unstructured terrain, legged locomotion exhibits remarkable capabilities when compared to wheeled systems. The mobility of the wheeled systems are restricted to continuous path with small obstacle, legged locomotion requires only few proper footholds to compromise those obstacle, this makes legged locomotion ideal for...

Capturability-Based Analysis and Control of Legged Locomotion

This three-part paper discusses the analysis and control of legged locomotion in terms of N-step capturability: the ability of a legged system to come to a stop without falling by taking N or fewer steps. We consider this ability to be crucial to legged locomotion and a useful, yet not overly restrictive criterion for stability. Part 1...

Fall detection in walking robots by multi-way principal component analysis

Large disturbances can cause a biped to fall. If an upcoming fall can be detected, damage can be minimized or the fall can be prevented. We introduce the multi-way principal component analysis (MPCA) method for the detection of upcoming falls. We study the detection capability of the MPCA method in a simulation study with the simplest walking...

Essentials of dynamic walking; analysis and design of two-legged robots

One of the main challenges in the design of human-like walking robots (useful for service or entertainment applications as well as the study of human locomotion) is to obtain dynamic locomotion, as opposed to the static form of locomotion demonstrated by most of the current prototypes. A promising concept is the idea of passive dynamic walking;...