An example implementation includes (i) receiving sensor data that indicates topographical features of an environment in which a robotic device is operating, (ii) processing the sensor data into a topographical map that includes a two-dimensional matrix of discrete cells, the discrete cells indicating sample heights of respective portions of the environment, (iii) determining, for a first foot of the robotic device, a first step path extending from a first lift-off location to a first touch-down location, (iv) identifying, within the topographical map, a first scan patch of cells that encompass the first step path, (v) determining a first high point among the first scan patch of cells; and (vi) during the first step, directing the robotic device to lift the first foot to a first swing height that is higher than the determined first high point.

An example implementation includes (i) receiving sensor data that indicates topographical features of an environment in which a robotic device is operating, (ii) processing the sensor data into a topographical map that includes a two-dimensional matrix of discrete cells, the discrete cells indicating sample heights of respective portions of the environment, (iii) determining, for a first foot of the robotic device, a first step path extending from a first lift-off location to a first touch-down location, (iv) identifying, within the topographical map, a first scan patch of cells that encompass the first step path, (v) determining a first high point among the first scan patch of cells; and (vi) during the first step, directing the robotic device to lift the first foot to a first swing height that is higher than the determined first high point.

Example systems and methods for estimating a ground plane are provided. An example method may include determining an orientation of a body of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame. The method may also include determining the location of one or more contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface. The method may also include determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the determined orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the determined locations of the one or more contact points. The method may also include determining a distance between the body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation. The method may also include providing instructions to adjust a position and/or orientation of the robotic device based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

A link position and attitude estimating unit 53 (54) of a controller 40 of a mobile robot 1 sequentially estimates the actual position and attitude of a first particular link 2 by using input parameters which at least include at least one of a desired attitude of an in-contact-with-ground link 13 and an observation value of the actual attitude of the first particular link 2, a desired position of the in-contact-with-ground link 13, and an observation value of the actual displacement amount of each joint. The driving force for each joint is adjusted by using the estimated values.

A link position and attitude estimating unit 53 (54) of a controller 40 of a mobile robot 1 sequentially estimates the actual position and attitude of a first particular link 2 by using input parameters which at least include at least one of a desired attitude of an in-contact-with-ground link 13 and an observation value of the actual attitude of the first particular link 2, a desired position of the in-contact-with-ground link 13, and an observation value of the actual displacement amount of each joint. The driving force for each joint is adjusted by using the estimated values.

A robotic torso sensing system and method includes: a robotic torso comprising a mobile torso, the robotic torso further comprising a fixed torso; a motor configured to move the mobile torso; a torso encoder configured to provide information to the motor; a master controller operably connected to the motor, the master controller configured to control the motor, the master controller operably connected to the torso encoder, the master controller further configured to control the mobile torso; and a sensor configured to measure a position of the mobile torso, the sensor further configured to transmit the measurement to the master controller.

A method for modeling a robot simplified for stable walking control of a bipedal robot provides a robot model that is simplified as a virtual pendulum model including a virtual body, two virtual legs connected to the body at a virtual pivot point (VPP) that is set at a position higher than the center of mass (CoM) of the body, and virtual feet connected to the two legs, respectively, to step on the ground. A ground reaction force, which acts on the two legs, acts towards the VPP, thereby providing a restoring moment with respect to the CoM such that stabilization of the posture of the body naturally occurs.

An example method may include i) detecting a disturbance to a gait of a robot, where the gait includes a swing state and a step down state, the swing state including a target swing trajectory for a foot of the robot, and where the target swing trajectory includes a beginning and an end; and ii) based on the detected disturbance, causing the foot of the robot to enter the step down state before the foot reaches the end of the target swing trajectory.

A robot for legged locomotion incorporating passive dynamics with touchdown and takeoff control and method.

A robot for legged locomotion incorporating passive dynamics with touchdown and takeoff control and method.