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This paper proposes an online bipedal footstep planning strategy that combines model predictive control (MPC) and reinforcement learning (RL) to achieve agile and robust bipedal maneuvers. While MPC-based foot placement controllers have…
Whole-body control (WBC) is a generic task-oriented control method for feedback control of loco-manipulation behaviors in humanoid robots. The combination of WBC and model-based walking controllers has been widely utilized in various…
The control of bipedal robotic walking remains a challenging problem in the domains of computation and experiment, due to the multi-body dynamics and various sources of uncertainty. In recent years, there has been a rising trend towards…
In this paper, we present a new model of biped locomotion which is composed of three linear pendulums (one per leg and one for the whole upper body) to describe stance, swing and torso dynamics. In addition to double support, this model has…
This paper extends the forced-oscillation-based reduced-order model of walking to a model with ankles and feet. A human-inspired paradigm was designed for the ankle dynamics, which results in improved gait characteristics compared to the…
Human-like motion is a primary goal for many robotic assistive devices. Emulating the strategy of the human neuromuscular system may aid the control of such powered devices, yet many challenges remain. In this study, we investigated the…
This work developed a learning framework for perceptive legged locomotion that combines visual feedback, proprioceptive information, and active gait regulation of foot-ground contacts. The perception requires only one forward-facing camera…
Gait control of legged robotic walkers on dynamically moving surfaces (e.g., ships and vehicles) is challenging due to the limited balance control actuation and unknown surface motion. We present a contingent model predictive control (CMPC)…
This work explores an innovative algorithm designed to enhance the mobility of underactuated bipedal robots across challenging terrains, especially when navigating through spaces with constrained opportunities for foot support, like steps…
Animals run robustly in diverse terrain. This locomotion robustness is puzzling because axon conduction velocity is limited to a few ten meters per second. If reflex loops deliver sensory information with significant delays, one would…
This paper presents a multi-phase whole-body model predictive control approach for bipedal walking, combining a detailed whole-body model in the near horizon with a simplified single-rigid-body model in the later prediction steps. This…
Muscle models and animal observations suggest that physical damping is beneficial for stabilization. Still, only a few implementations of mechanical damping exist in compliant robotic legged locomotion. It remains unclear how physical…
Bipedal robots promise the ability to traverse rough terrain quickly and efficiently, and indeed, humanoid robots can now use strong ankles and careful foot placement to traverse discontinuous terrain. However, more agile underactuated…
We are motivated by a study that seeks to better understand the dynamic relationship between muscle activation and paw position during locomotion. For each gait cycle in this experiment, activation in the biceps and triceps is measured…
The application of biomechanic and motor control models in the control of bidedal robots (humanoids, and exoskeletons) has revealed limitations of our understanding of human locomotion. A recently proposed model uses the potential energy…
Flapping-wing robots offer significant versatility; however, achieving efficient multi-modal locomotion remains challenging. This paper presents the design, modeling, and experimentation of a novel tailless flapping-wing robot with three…
Achieving stable bipedal walking on surfaces with unknown motion remains a challenging control problem due to the hybrid, time-varying, partially unknown dynamics of the robot and the difficulty of accurate state and surface motion…
This paper presents a Discrete-Time Model Predictive Controller (MPC) for humanoid walking with online footstep adjustment. The proposed controller utilizes a hierarchical control approach. The high-level controller uses a low-dimensional…
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disorder in childhood and often results in gait abnormalities that hinder mobility and diminish quality of life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has demonstrated potential in enhancing…
We propose a novel mechanism that propagates vibration through soft twisted beams, taking advantage of dynamically-coupled anisotropic stiffness to simplify the actuation of walking robots. Using dynamic simulation and experimental…