CPG Control for Biped Hopping Robot in Unpredictable Environment

A CPG control mechanism is proposed for hopping motion control of biped robot in unpredictable environment. Based on analysis of robot motion and biological observation of animal’s control mechanism, the motion control task is divided into two simple parts: motion sequence control and output force control. Inspired by a two-level CPG model, a two-level CPG control mechanism is constructed to coordinate the drivers of robot joint, while various feedback information are introduced into the control mechanism. Interneurons within the control mechanism are modeled to generate motion rhythm and pattern promptly for motion sequence control; motoneurons are modeled to control output forces of joint drivers in real time according to feedbacks. The control system can perceive changes caused by unknown perturbations and environment changes according to feedback information, and adapt to unpredictable environment by adjusting outputs of neurons. The control mechanism is applied to a biped hopping robot in unpredictable environment on simulation platform, and stable adaptive motions are obtained.

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