Abstract: Disclosed is a legged locomotion robot which is structurally simple and is provided with a tiptoe portion in a foot at a low cost. The legged locomotion robot includes an upper body; two locomotive legs connected to the upper body through a joint; and a locomotive foot connected to a tip end of the leg through a joint; wherein the foot is provided with a foot sole serving as a ground contacting portion of the foot, a curved portion is formed at a predefined distance from a tip end of the foot sole, crossing the foot sole laterally, and the curved portion is configured to be thinner than a tiptoe portion of the foot sole.

Abstract: A leg type mobile robot, in which a downsizing and wait-saving of floor reaction force detector to be installed on the foot is enabled. The center Pb of the force sensor is disposed on the position Pa where the distance to the remotest position of ground area provided on the bottom of each plate spring part S1 to S4 is minimum in the standing-still state of the robot R, and the distance L1, L2, L3, and L4 to the remotest point of the ground area of each plate spring part S1, S2, S3, and S4 is equal. The center Pc of the ankle joint is offset in a rearward direction with respect to the position Pa in a plane view.

Abstract: A supplementary support structure, which supports the body of a robot (1), comprises a contact component (7) which is disposed in a part near a joint (2c) on the distal end, having a hand (3) disposed thereon, of an arm (2) of the robot (1) so as to come into contact with a surface on which the robot (1) is supported, such as a floor surface, and a member which lies between the part having the contact component (7) disposed therein and the proximal end of the arm (2). Thus, the supplementary support structure can avoid an increase in the weight of the hand resulting from the support structure, thus eliminate an extra load on a driving system for the hand or the arm, and thus achieve the simplification and size reduction of the driving system. Moreover, the support structure can increase the degree of freedom of the shape or functional design of the hand and thus improve the functioning of the robot.

Abstract: An ambulatory vehicle having legs and configured for transporting a load is disclosed. The ambulatory vehicle includes a load that is able to shift the center of gravity of the ambulatory vehicle along a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis of a beam assembly. Additionally, leg assemblies of the ambulatory vehicle are configured to exchange places along the length of the beam assembly. Further, the vehicle is able to perform a number of gaits including a slow stable gait and faster dynamic gaits comprising striding, trotting, and bounding. The ambulatory vehicle is able to navigate rough terrain and steep slopes and navigate submerged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assistant apparatus for surmounting a barrier, which comprises a carrier body, an assistant mechanism, and a sensing/driving apparatus. The assistant mechanism, disposed at a side of the carrier body, having an assistant block disposed at the end thereof, functions to place the assistant block on the ground between the carrier body and the barrier so that the carrier body is capable of surmounting the barrier through the assistance of the assistant block. The sensing/driving apparatus, coupled to the assistant mechanism, functions to drive the assistant mechanism to generate the adjusting movement according to whether the barrier is detected or not. By means of the design of the present invention, the assistant block is adopted to reduce the height surmounted by the carrier each time so that the carrier is capable of surmounting the barrier section by section.

Abstract: A guided transport unit and methods of guiding the transport unit for moving a superstructure in precise angular movements over a surface are disclosed. The guided transport unit comprises a skid pad, a vertical displacing member engaged with the skid pad, a base operatively associated with the vertical displacing member, and a directional actuator. The base includes a planar element for engaging the surface over which the superstructure is transported, and a carrier for moving the vertical displacing member and skid pad relative to the surface. The directional actuator controls and secures the relationship among the vertical displacing member, the base, and the skid pad for positioning the base in a predetermined direction to engage the surface, setting the carrier to move each skid pad in a predetermined direction across the planar element of the base, and repositioning the base in another direction for movement of the guided transport unit.

Abstract: A method for moving a processing device, a frame of a processing device and a processing device, which is moved on a base. The processing device comprises at least one processing unit and a frame, to which the processing unit is attached, as well as at least four legs articulated to the frame. The legs comprise support plates settable against the base. The legs are settable into a support phase, where the support plate settles against the base and into a transfer phase, where the support plate is off the base. The processing device is moved without lowering the frame onto the base so that the legs are controlled to settle to the support phase and the transfer phase alternately so that at least three legs are in the support phase when the processing device moves.

Abstract: A legged mobile robot and a control program for the robot cancel a spin force, which is generated by motions of a lower body (242), a leg (2) or the like, by a twisting motion of an upper body (241) relative to the lower body (242) and a swinging motion of an arm (80).

Abstract: Disclosed is a legged locomotion robot which is structurally simple and is provided with a tiptoe portion in a foot at a low cost. The legged locomotion robot includes an upper body; two locomotive legs connected to the upper body through a joint; and a locomotive foot connected to a tip end of the leg through a joint; wherein the foot is provided with a foot sole serving as a ground contacting portion of the foot, a curved portion is formed at a predefined distance from a tip end of the foot sole, crossing the foot sole laterally, and the curved portion is configured to be thinner than a tiptoe portion of the foot sole.

Abstract: A bio-inspired device is provided designed to scale smooth vertical surfaces using anisotropic frictional materials. The device draws its inspiration from geckos and other climbing lizards and employs similar compliance and force control strategies to climb (or hang onto) smooth vertical surfaces including glass, tile and plastic panels. Foremost among the design features embodied in the device are multiple levels of compliance, at length scales ranging from centimeters to micrometers, to allow the device to conform to surfaces and maintain large real areas of contact so that adhesive forces can support it. Structures within the feet ensure even stress distributions over each toe and facilitate engagement and disengagement of the adhesive materials. A force control strategy works in conjunction with the anisotropic adhesive materials to obtain sufficient levels of friction and adhesion for climbing with low attachment and detachment forces.

Abstract: A gait generating system for a mobile robot determines a gait parameter that defines a gait of a mobile robot 1 to be generated by updating a value of a priority parameter of the gait parameter such that it approaches in steps to an original required value from a value of a priority gait parameter of a predetermined base gait parameter until it agrees with the original required value. Each time the value is updated, a search object parameter among non-priority parameters other than the priority parameter is determined in an exploratory manner such that a boundary condition of a gait is satisfied on a dynamic model of the robot 1, and a gait parameter that includes the determined search object parameter and the updated priority parameter is newly determined. The gait of the mobile robot 1 is generated using a gait parameter newly determined when the priority parameter is finally made to agree with the required value, and the dynamic model.

Abstract: A magnetic on-off robotic attachment device (MOORAD) (100, 300, 400, 624, 624?, 660, 676, 804) is used to make a number of systems, such as a mobile apparatus (608, 644, 668, 700, 700?), a belt mechanism (800) and a sensor device (504, 508, 656). The MOORAD allows the respective system to be removably magnetically attached to a ferromagnetic structure/object (228, 420, 604, 604?, 720A-B, 720A?-B?, 848). Each MOORAD generally includes a dipole magnet (104, 304A-B, 404) movable relative to first and second ferromagnetic portions (112, 116, 316A-D, 408, 412) that are separated by corresponding magnetically insulating portions (120, 320A-C, 416) so as to change that MOORAD between off and on states.

Abstract: A leg type mobile robot includes a foot joined to a distal end of a leg through a second joint. The foot includes a foot flat portion having a ground contact end of the foot, a movable portion joined to the second joint and configured to be movable in a first direction with respect to the foot flat portion, a shock absorber comprising first and second end portions allowed to move closer to or away from each other in a second direction, the first end portion of the shock absorber being joined to a first point of the movable portion, and a motion direction conversion mechanism configured to convert a motion of the movable portion in the first direction to a motion of the second end portion of the shock absorber in the second direction with respect to the first point of the movable portion.

Abstract: A system for positioning a transportable and relocatable equipment having at least four walking assemblies attached to transportable and relocatable equipment each walking assembly has a walking pad, roller tread for rolling the roller bearing surface, a lift assembly connected to the central collar, a rotatable motion gear assembly disposed around the lifting assembly, a motor for actuating the rotatable motion gear assembly, a pivoting collar disposed around the rod operated by a controlling means with a processor, a push pull travelling system for receiving fluid and extending a specified distance causing movement of the equipment in a first direction, and enabling the walking assemblies to raise, reorient, lower, and travel of the transportable and relocatable heavy equipment in a second direction using the treads.

Abstract: An assist device 11 is equipped with a spring means 21 (gas spring), and a piston 24 in a cylinder 23 moves upward or downward according to a relative displacement motion (flexing or stretching motion) of a thigh 4 and a crus 5 at a knee joint 8 of a leg 3 of a robot. Air chambers 25 and 26 above and below the piston 24 are filled with gases. If a flexing degree at the knee joint 8 is a predetermined value or less, then the air chambers 25 and 26 are brought into communication through a groove 28 in the cylinder 23, and the spring means 21 does not generate an elastic force, but if the flexing degree exceeds the predetermined value, then the air chambers 25 and 26 are hermetically sealed from each other and the spring means 21 produces an elastic force, the elastic force acting on the knee joint 8 as assisting driving force. A burden on a joint actuator of a leg can be reduced, while reducing energy consumption of the robot by using a small and simple construction.

Abstract: Provided is a foot structure for a humanoid robot capable of effectively keeping its balance in a pause state or action. The foot structure includes a support; a plurality of lower structures having an upper member connected to a bottom of the support; a plurality of lower members having a plurality of independent portions each movably connected to the upper member; and a revolute joint for coupling the upper member and the lower member. Since a contact between the foot structure and the floor is smoothly made, a shock is prevented from being transferred to a body of the humanoid robot. Also, a vibration generated when the humanoid robot steps on the floor is eliminated, so that the humanoid robot can pose a stable and smooth gate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a walking robot and a method of controlling the same, in which one method is selected from a ZMP control method and a FSM control method. Based on characteristics of a motion to be performed, the current control mode of the walking robot is converted into a different control mode, and the motion is performed based on the converted control mode, to enhance the efficiency and performance of the walking robot. The method includes receiving an instruction to perform a motion; selecting any one mode, which is determined to be more proper to perform the instructed motion, out of a position-based first control mode and a torque-based second control mode; and performing the instructed motion according to the selected control mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a walking robot and a method of controlling the same, in which impedance control and torso tilt control are achieved complementarily such that impedance can be adjusted according to the tilt of a torso or the tilt of the torso can be adjusted according to the impedance. The method includes measuring a moment of a foot; measuring a tilt of a torso; adjusting the scale of the measured moment based on the tilt of the torso, and controlling the foot based on the scale-adjusted moment; and adjusting the scale of the measured tilt based on a ZMP variation amount of the foot, and controlling the tilt of the torso based on the scale-adjusted ZMP variation amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a walking robot having an improved driving structure for a pitch-direction femoral joint and a knee joint. The walking robot includes a pitch-direction actuator driving the pitch-direction femoral joint to rotate a femoral link relative to a body in a pitch direction, and a power transmission unit transferring driving force of the pitch-direction actuator to the knee joint to rotate the lower leg link relative to the femoral link in the pitch direction.

Abstract: A walking robot, in which driving structures of a pitch direction hip joint and a knee joint of a leg are enhanced. The walking robot includes a trunk, and a plurality of legs connected to the trunk, at least one leg among the plurality of legs includes a thigh link, a calf link provided at the lower portion of the thigh link, a pitch direction hip joint connecting the trunk and the thigh link and rotating the thigh link against the trunk in a pitch direction, and a knee joint connecting the thigh link and the calf link and rotating the calf link against the thigh link in the pitch direction. The pitch direction hip joint and the knee joint are interlocked with each other and are driven by one interlocking actuator.

Abstract: There is provided an actuator control device for force-controlling a joint driving actuator according to a commanded joint force command value ?a. The actuator control device includes a joint value detecting means for detecting a joint value q at an output stage of the actuator, an action force detecting means for detecting an action force ?e in a joint driving direction at the output stage of the actuator, and a driving force determining means for determining an instructed driving force ? to the actuator, on the basis of an ideal response model of the actuator which specifies the relationship of a joint value acceleration target value achieved as the actuator responds ideally when the joint force command value ?a, the action force ?e, and a joint value velocity obtained by time-differentiating the joint value q are given.

Abstract: Ground contact portions are categorized in a tree structure manner such that all of the ground contact portions of a mobile body (mobile robot) equipped with three or more ground contact portions become leaf nodes and that an intermediate node exists between the leaf nodes and a root node having all the leaf nodes as its descendant nodes. On each node (a C-th node) having child nodes, the correction amounts of the desired relative heights of the ground contact portions of the C-th node are determined such that at least the difference between an actual posture inclination and a desired posture inclination of a predetermined portion, such as a base body, (posture inclination difference) is approximated to zero, and joints of the mobile body 1 are operated so that a desired relative height obtained by combining the correction amounts is satisfied.

Abstract: A leg type mobile robot (R) including an body (R2), legs (R1) each connected to the body (R2) via a first joint (12, 13), and foots (R17) each connected to an end part of the leg part (R1) via a second joint (15, 16), the foot (17) including a foot portion (61) having a lower end part having a ground area (64, 66) grounded on a floor surface, the foot portion (61) including a plate spring part (62) supporting empty weight while bending at the time of being grounded.

Abstract: The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple-point grounding type foot portion supporting mechanism having excellent reliability, in which the respective supporting points passively follow unevenness of the grounding surface such as a road surface, and which is capable of quickly supporting foot bottoms at polygonal points and preventing falling over even on a grounding surface having level differences by fixing the supporting points when all supporting points are grounded.

Abstract: An ambulatory vehicle having legs and configured for transporting a load is disclosed. The ambulatory vehicle includes a load that is able to shift the center of gravity of the ambulatory vehicle along a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis of a beam assembly. Additionally, leg assemblies of the ambulatory vehicle are configured to exchange places along the length of the beam assembly. Further, the vehicle is able to perform a number of gaits including a slow stable gait and faster dynamic gaits comprising striding, trotting, and bounding. The ambulatory vehicle is able to navigate rough terrain and steep slopes and navigate submerged.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems including a limbed vehicle having a plurality of controllably movable limbs (e.g., a limbed machine, limbed robot, etc.) and a plurality of spaced posts that the limbed vehicle may travel on using the limbs. As non-limiting examples, such disclosed embodiments of systems may be used to service an agriculture field, to enable travel over an environmentally-sensitive area or an area impassable by a conventional wheeled or tracked vehicle, and may be used in many other different applications. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of operating a limbed vehicle to travel on a plurality of spaced posts.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems including a limbed vehicle having a plurality of controllably movable limbs (e.g., a limbed machine, limbed robot, etc.) and a plurality of spaced posts that the limbed vehicle may travel on using the controllably movable limbs. As non-limiting examples, such disclosed embodiments of systems may be used to service an agriculture field, to enable travel over an environmentally-sensitive area or an area impassable by a conventional wheeled or tracked vehicle, and may be used in many other different applications. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of operating a limbed vehicle to travel on a plurality of spaced posts, limbed vehicles, post networks, and posts.

Abstract: The legged mobile robot the foot comprises a foot main body connected to each leg, a toe provided at a fore end of the foot main body to be bendable with respect to the foot main body, and a bending angle holder capable of holding a bending angle of the toe in a bendable range of the toe. In addition, a legged mobile robot control system is configured to hold the bending angle of the toe at a first time point which is a liftoff time of the leg from a floor or earlier thereof, and to release the bending angle at a second time point after the leg has lifted off the floor to restore the toe to a initial position. With this, the bending angle at the time of liftoff can continue to be held after liftoff, whereby the robot can be prevented from becoming unstable owing to the toe contacting the floor immediately after liftoff. In addition, stability during tiptoe standing can be enhanced.

Abstract: An impact absorbing mechanism, provided to a foot 5 of an extremity of each of two movable legs 2 of a bipedal walking robot 1 having the two movable legs 2, includes: an upper base plate 5-a joined to a foot joint 4 of each of the movable legs 2; a lower base plate 5b positioned below the upper base plate, and being opposite to the upper base plate; and three elastic members 6 anisotropic in terms of elasticity, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the yaw axis YA extending in a direction perpendicular to the upper base plate 5a, between the upper base plate 5a and the lower base plate 5b, each of which allows the lower base plate 5b to make elastic displacement relative to the upper base plate 5a in the same direction as axis YA extends, while each of which inhibits the lower base plate 5b from making elastic displacement relative to the upper base plate 5a in directions orthogonal to the yaw axis direction, and which join the upper base plate 5a and the lower base pl

Abstract: A desired trajectory of a vertical component of a translation floor reaction force of a legged mobile robot 1, a vertical component of a total center-of-gravity acceleration or a body acceleration's vertical component of the robot 1 is determined, and a desired vertical position of a total center-of-gravity or body of the robot 1 is determined in such a manner that the vertical component of the translation floor reaction force, the vertical component of the total center-of-gravity acceleration or the body acceleration's vertical component agrees with the desired trajectory (that is, a dynamical equilibrium condition in the vertical direction is satisfied). Since the movement of the total center-of-gravity or the like in the vertical direction is determined after the desired trajectory of the vertical component of the translation floor reaction force or the like, a desired gait for the robot 1 suitable not only for walking but also for running can be generated.

Abstract: A virtual wheel provides a leg pair as a conveyance mechanism for a land vehicle. The virtual wheel propels the vehicle across a surface using a repetitive motion of the legs that contact the ground as would a wheel, due to their geometry. Vehicle embodiments include at least two-, three-, four- and six-wheeled vehicles, both transverse and in-line. Additionally, the invention provides a bipedal walking robot. One embodiment provides a robotic mule—a payload-carrying vehicle. The invention combines the flexible mobility of bipedal vehicles with the stability and functionality of very large-wheeled vehicles.

Abstract: A lifting and steering assembly for permitting a vehicle to be turned in a small area. The lifting and steering assembly includes at least one turning assembly for being coupled to the vehicle. The turning assembly comprises a shaft member is selectively extended from the vehicle whereby the turning assembly selectively engages the support surface to lift a portion of the vehicle off of the support surface. The turning assembly comprises an engaging means for engaging the support surface when shaft member of the turning assembly is extended from the vehicle. The engaging means is coupled to the shaft member. The engaging means is for advancing along the support surface to rotate the portion of the vehicle lifted off the support surface around a portion of the vehicle still in contact with the support surface.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot having an electric motor installed at a location between a foot and each leg to drive the ankle joint, a force sensor installed at the location between the foot and each leg to detect a floor reaction force acting from a floor surface on which the foot lands, and a cushioning member attached to the foot sole to cushioning impact that occurs when the foot lands on the floor surface, conductive members are disposed in depressions formed at the cushioning member, such that the conductive members contact the floor surface when the cushioning member contracts, thereby discharging and removing static electric charge electrified on the foot.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus allows a plurality of mobile robots to carry out tasks at a reduced or minimized cost as a whole with consideration given to costs derived from an encounter with an obstacle is provided. An action optimization controller provided in the robot control apparatus generates an instruction for optimizing actions of the plurality of mobile robots so that the plurality of mobile robots carry out the tasks at a minimized cost, based upon locomotion plan information indicative of locomotion plans of the plurality of mobile robots. A possibility that any robots have an encounter with an obstacle is determined by comparing distances from the robots to the obstacles. A locomotion plan implementation cost is calculated with consideration given to the possibility of encounter, and thus an optimum route is selected based upon the locomotion plan implementation cost with the encounter-derived cost. In accordance with the optimum route, the locomotion plan for the robot is modified.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot, each hip joint that connects a body with a thigh link comprises a first rotary shaft that provides a degree of freedom to rotate about a yaw axis, a second rotary shaft that provides a degree of freedom to rotate about a roll axis, and a third rotary shaft that provides a degree of freedom to rotate about a pitch axis, and in addition thereto, a fourth rotary shaft that provides a redundant degree of freedom. Owing to this configuration, the amount of body bending and the movable range of the legs can be increased, thereby improving the degree of posture and gait freedom.

Abstract: An assist device 11 is equipped with a spring means 21 (gas spring), and a piston 24 in a cylinder 23 moves upward or downward according to a relative displacement motion (flexing or stretching motion) of a thigh 4 and a crus 5 at a knee joint 8 of a leg 3 of a robot. Air chambers 25 and 26 above and below the piston 24 are filled with gases. If a flexing degree at the knee joint 8 is a predetermined value or less, then the air chambers 25 and 26 are brought into communication through a groove 28 in the cylinder 23, and the spring means 21 does not generate an elastic force, but if the flexing degree exceeds the predetermined value, then the air chambers 25 and 26 are hermetically sealed from each other and the spring means 21 produces an elastic force, the elastic force acting on the knee joint 8 as assisting driving force. A burden on a joint actuator of a leg can be reduced, while reducing energy consumption of the robot by using a small and simple construction.

Abstract: Powered wheeled vehicle (1), capable of travelling both on level ground and over uneven surfaces, comprising at least one driving tread (BR11) as well as two pairs of front wheels (R61) and rear wheels (R21), of which at least one is a driving pair, wherein each wheel of the driving wheel pair is mounted on a swing arm, each arm of the swing arms (B21) of the rear wheels (R21) is secured to an actuator (V2) for placing said wheels in at least two positions, namely: a first lower position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels is below the ground-engaging surface of the tread so that said wheeled vehicle is moved by the wheels alone, and a second position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels remains in contact with the ground so that the vehicle is moved by a combination of the tread and said driving wheels.

Abstract: The characteristics of actuators themselves and the characteristics of controllers for the actuators are dynamically or statically controlled to achieve stable and highly efficient movements. In a stage in which a leg in the flight state is uplifted such that the reactive force from the floor received by the foot sole of the leg is zero, the characteristics of the respective actuators for the knee joint pitch axis and the ankle pitch and roll axes of the leg in the flight state are set for decreasing the low range gain, increasing the quantity of phase lead and for decreasing the viscous resistance of the actuators, in order to impart mechanical passiveness and fast response characteristics. The followup control for the high frequency range may be achieved as the force of impact at the instant of touchdown is buffered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator which is characterized in that the kinematic connection between the motor and the working element of the robot comprises a mobile link which is pivot fixed to the base of the actuator, a runner which is mounted to the mobile link and which may slide radially along the length thereof and a lever arm which is kinematically connected to the motor and which is hinge-connected to the runner by means of a pin. In this way, the rotation axes of the mobile link, the lever arm and the pin are parallel and said mobile link is kinematically connected to the working element. The distance between the lines that run alongside the rotation axis of the mobile link and the rotation axis of the lever arm may be greater or smaller than the length of the lever arm.

Abstract: Based on a detected or estimated value of an actual posture of a predetermined part, such as a body 3, of a robot 1 and a deviation the actual posture from a posture of a desired gait, a posture rotational deviation's variation is determined as the temporal variation of the deviation, and the position of the robot 1 (for example, the position where the robot comes into contact with a floor) is estimated on the assumption that the robot 1 rotates about a rotation center by the rotational deviation's variation. In addition, in accordance with the difference between the estimated position and the estimated position of the robot 1 determined by an inertial navigation method using an accelerometer or the like, the estimated position of the robot 1 determined by the inertial navigation method is corrected, thereby improving the precision of the estimated position.

Abstract: A bipedal robot of the present invention has a trunk consisting of an upper trunk and a lower trunk which are rotatable around a rotation axis relative to one another. The upper trunk has shoulders on the right and left sides. An arm is provided at each shoulder. A pair of right and left legs is attached to lower ends of the lower trunk. A storage battery is mounted to the back of the upper trunk, positioned within a shoulder width. The storage battery is positioned below the top of a head mounted on the upper trunk. When the robot walks a narrow passage or corridor having a width slightly larger than the width thereof, for example, this arrangement prevents the storage battery from interfering with the passage or the like.

Abstract: Provided is an anthropomorphic robot having two legs and which is capable of walking upright. Each of the two legs has a foot which comprises an upper plate on which an ankle joint is installed and which is similar to a foot of a human, and a lower plate attached to a lower surface of the upper plate and having a plurality of contact portions which contact a ground and which are separated from one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, highly mobile small robots called “Mini-WHEGS™” that can run and jump. They are derived from our larger WHEGS™(“wheel-like lecis”) series of robots, which benefit from abstracted cockroach locomotion principles. Part of their success is derived from the three spoked appendages, called “WHEGS™”, which combine the speed and simplicity of wheels with the climbing mobility of legs. To be more compact than the larger WHEGS™ vehicles, Mini-WHEGS™ uses four wheel-like legs in an alternating diagonal gait. These 9 cm long robots can run at sustained speeds of over 10 body lengths per second and climb obstacles that are taller than their leg length. They can run forward and backward, on either side. Their robust construction allows them to tumble down a flight of stairs with no damage and carry a payload equal to twice their weight. A jumping mechanism enables Mini-WHEGS™ to surmount much larger obstacles such as stair steps.

Abstract: A legged mobile robot leg structure is provided in which a lower leg part (24) is connected to the lower end of an upper leg part (23) through a knee joint (27), a foot part (25) having a six-axis force sensor (60) is connected to the lower end of the lower leg part (24) through an ankle joint (28), and the ankle joint (28) supports the foot part (25) so that the foot part (25) can pitch around a lateral axis (Ly) and roll around a fore-and-aft axis (Lx) relative to the lower leg part (24). A pitch motor (34) for making the foot part (25) pitch around the lateral axis (Ly) is supported on the lower leg part (24) at a position above the ankle joint (28), and a roll motor (35) for making the foot part (25) roll around the fore-and-aft axis (Lx) is supported on the lower leg part (24) at a position above the ankle joint (28).

Abstract: A landing shock absorbing device 18 disposed in a foot mechanism 6 of a leg of a robot, wherein an inflatable bag-like member 19 (a variable capacity element) is provided at a ground-contacting face side of the foot mechanism 6. The bag-like member 19 is constructed of an elastic material such as rubber and has a restoring force. An interior portion of the bag-like member 19 is communicated with the atmosphere side through a flow passage 20. During a landing motion of the leg, the bag-like member 19 makes contact with the ground to be compressed, and the air in the interior portion thereof flows out into the atmosphere through the flow passage 20, so that its outflow resistance is generated. Accordingly, a landing shock is reduced. In a lifting state of the leg, the restoring force of the bag-like member 19 allows the bag-like member 19 to be inflated while the air flows into the interior portion thereof.

Abstract: When an operator attempts to move a robot from a current position to a desired position, she/he operates a manipulator lever (26) corresponding to a desired direction of a manipulator (23) of a remote control device (22), for example, a number of times corresponding to a predetermined moving amount in the moving direction. At this point, the moving amount for each moving direction depending on this number of operations is set, and a leg of the robot is actuated according to a setting value of the moving amount for each moving direction to move the robot. The moving amount that can be set by the operation of the manipulator lever (26) has a relatively small moving amount that the robot may be moved by performing a lifting/landing action once for each of the legs of the robot, and a relatively large moving amount requiring multiple walking steps of the lifting/landing action for each leg of the robot.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a selectably operable hydraulic means for laterally shifting one end of a non-moving vehicle in order to provide a desired alignment. The present invention is particularly applicable to vehicle-mounted equipment which has an invariant lateral mounting position on the vehicle and which must be laterally aligned with a stationary workpiece axis. An example of such a need occurs with mobile workover rigs used in well maintenance.

Abstract: An assist device is provided with a spring device that generates an auxiliary driving force, by an elastic energy, acting on a joint of a leg. The spring device includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a piston. Bending/stretching motion between link members and at the joint is transmitted to the spring device through a motion transmission device that includes a link arm. The spring device is provided so that the auxiliary driving force increases as a knee bending angle ? increases until the knee bending angle ? reaches a predetermined angle, and so that, once the knee bending angle ? exceeds the predetermined angle, the auxiliary driving force becomes smaller than or equal to the driving force obtaining at the predetermined angle, effectively reducing a burden on an actuator of the legged mobile robot joint.

Abstract: A human-type link system, such as a humanoid robot having a dynamically feasible motion of the link system that is generated when a reference joint acceleration that is only calculated from a kinematical constraint condition is determined not feasible by an evaluation of external force computed based on an inverse dynamics calculation, or is generated by calculating from a dynamic constraint condition and a kinematical constraint condition simultaneously, the dynamic constraint condition is formulated by using an actuation space inverse inertial matrix that represents the relation of force acting on the link system and the acceleration of the link system caused by the force.