Autonomous Motion
Note: This department has relocated.

Learning, planning, and control for quadruped locomotion over challenging terrain

2010

Article

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We present a control architecture for fast quadruped locomotion over rough terrain. We approach the problem by decomposing it into many sub-systems, in which we apply state-of-the-art learning, planning, optimization, and control techniques to achieve robust, fast locomotion. Unique features of our control strategy include: (1) a system that learns optimal foothold choices from expert demonstration using terrain templates, (2) a body trajectory optimizer based on the Zero- Moment Point (ZMP) stability criterion, and (3) a floating-base inverse dynamics controller that, in conjunction with force control, allows for robust, compliant locomotion over unperceived obstacles. We evaluate the performance of our controller by testing it on the LittleDog quadruped robot, over a wide variety of rough terrains of varying difficulty levels. The terrain that the robot was tested on includes rocks, logs, steps, barriers, and gaps, with obstacle sizes up to the leg length of the robot. We demonstrate the generalization ability of this controller by presenting results from testing performed by an independent external test team on terrain that has never been shown to us.

Author(s): Kalakrishnan, M. and Buchli, J. and Pastor, P. and Mistry, M. and Schaal, S.
Book Title: International Journal of Robotics Research
Volume: 30
Number (issue): 2
Pages: 236-258
Year: 2010

Department(s): Autonomous Motion
Research Project(s): Inverse Optimal Control
Bibtex Type: Article (article)

Cross Ref: p10420
Note: clmc
URL: http://www-clmc.usc.edu/publications/K/kalakrishnan-IJRR2010.pdf

BibTex

@article{Kalakrishnan_IJRR_2010,
  title = {Learning, planning, and control for quadruped locomotion over challenging terrain},
  author = {Kalakrishnan, M. and Buchli, J. and Pastor, P. and Mistry, M. and Schaal, S.},
  booktitle = {International Journal of Robotics Research},
  volume = {30},
  number = {2},
  pages = {236-258},
  year = {2010},
  note = {clmc},
  doi = {},
  crossref = {p10420},
  url = {http://www-clmc.usc.edu/publications/K/kalakrishnan-IJRR2010.pdf}
}