The DLR C-runner: Concept, design and experiments

Abstract

Legged locomotion requires highly dynamic and efficient actuation as well as robust environment interaction. In the past years soft robots with elastic actuation have been investigated and their fitness for cyclic tasks and safe and robust environment interaction has been shown. To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of series elastic actuation, variable impedance actuation as well as multi-articular elastic coupling in legged locomotion, we developed a two legged human size test-bed. These modular robotic legs give the possibility to evaluate and directly compare different elastic actuation concepts on a single system. Hopping and bipedal modal motion experiments where performed to proof the concept.