Towards optimal hybrid control solutions for gait patterns of a quadruped

We consider the problem of finding optimal gaits for a quadruped robot. Paths are sought which minimize the actuation energy required for walking in an attempt to approximate natural motion. The number of possible gaits for a quadruped is quite large when one considers varied orders of leg motion, different liftoff times, and various ground contact combinations for the legs. The problem is treated as a fully nonlinear optimal hybrid path planning problem on a 22dimensional state space. Modeling aspects, our numerical approach, and experimental results are discussed in this paper.

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