An optimization approach to rough terrain locomotion

— We present a novel approach to legged locomotion over rough terrain that is thoroughly rooted in optimization. This approach relies on a hierarchy of fast, anytime algorithms to plan a set of footholds, along with the dynamic body motions required to execute them. Components within the planning framework coordinate to exchange plans, cost-to-go estimates, and “certificates” that ensure the output of an abstract highlevel planner can be realized by deeper layers of the hierarchy. The burden of careful engineering of cost functions to achieve desired performance is substantially mitigated by a simple inverse optimal control technique. Robustness is achieved by real-time re-planning of the full trajectory, augmented by reflexes and feedback control. We demonstrate the successful application of our approach in guiding the LittleDog quadruped robot over a variety of rough terrains.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: ICRA
• Authors: Matthew Zucker, James A. Bagnell, Christopher G. Atkeson, James Kuffner
• Keywords: Dynamic Body Motions, ICRA 2010, Inverse Optimal Control, Robotics, Rough Terrains