Realization of Outdoor Human-carrying Biped Walking by Landing Pattern Modification Method

Abstract

Many researchers have been studying on walking control methods for biped robots. However, the effectiveness of these control methods was not verified in outdoor environments such as pedestrian roads and gravel roads. In this paper, a landing pattern modification method adaptable to uneven terrain in a real environment is proposed which is based on a predictive attitude compensation control and a nonlinear compliance control. This method does not require any other sensors except force sensors. Also, a new biped foot system is described, which can form larger support polygons on uneven terrain than conventional biped foot systems. Using the pattern modification method and the foot system, WL-16R11 (Waseda Leg - No. 16 Refined II) achieved a stable walk on bumpy terrain with 20 mm height and 10 degrees inclination. Furthermore, a stable dynamic walk was realized in outdoor environment, when a human rode it. Through various walking experiments, the effectiveness of the method is confirmed.