A SpiNNaker Application: Design, Implementation and Validation of SCPGs

In this paper, we present the numerical results of the implementation of a Spiking Central Pattern Generator (SCPG) on a SpiNNaker board. The SCPG is a network of current-based leaky integrateand- fire (LIF) neurons, which generates periodic spike trains that correspond to different locomotion gaits (i.e. walk, trot, run). To generate such patterns, the SCPG has been configured with different topologies, and its parameters have been experimentally estimated. To validate our designs, we have implemented them on the SpiNNaker board using PyNN and we have embedded it on a hexapod robot. The system includes a Dynamic Vision Sensor system able to command a pattern to the robot depending on the frequency of the events fired. The more activity the DVS produces, the faster that the pattern that is commanded will be.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TEC2016-77785-

NeuroPod: a real-time neuromorphic spiking CPG applied to robotics

Initially, robots were developed with the aim of making our life easier, carrying out repetitive or dangerous tasks for humans. Although they were able to perform these tasks, the latest generation of robots are being designed to take a step further, by performing more complex tasks that have been carried out by smart animals or humans up to date. To this end, inspiration needs to be taken from biological examples. For instance, insects are able to optimally solve complex environment navigation problems, and many researchers have started to mimic how these insects behave. Recent interest in neuromorphic engineering has motivated us to present a real-time, neuromorphic, spike-based Central Pattern Generator of application in neurorobotics, using an arthropod-like robot. A Spiking Neural Network was designed and implemented on SpiNNaker. The network models a complex, online-change capable Central Pattern Generator which generates three gaits for a hexapod robot locomotion. Recon gurable hardware was used to manage both the motors of the robot and the real-time communication interface with the Spiking Neural Networks. Real-time measurements con rm the simulation results, and locomotion tests show that NeuroPod can perform the gaits without any balance loss or added delay.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TEC2016-77785-

Comparing trotting and turning strategies on the quadrupedal Oncilla Robot

In this paper, we compare three different trotting techniques and five different turning strategies on a small, compliant, biologically inspired quadrupedal robot, the Oncilla. The locomotion techniques were optimized on the actual hardware using a treadmill setup, without relying on models. We found that using half ellipses as foot trajectories resulted in the fastest gaits, as well as the highest robustness against parameter changes. Furthermore, we analyzed the importance of using the scapulae for turning, from which we observed that although not necessary, they are needed for turning with a higher speed

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Prose by Matt Del Busto. Finalist in the 2019 Manuscripts Prose Contest