187 research outputs found
Omnidirectional locomotion in a quadruped robot : a CPG-based approach
Quadruped locomotion on rough terrain and un-
predictable environments is still a challenge, where the concept
of Central Pattern Generators (CPG) has brought interesting
ideas.
In this contribution we present a CPG design based on
coupled oscillators, generating the required stepping movements
of a limb for omnidirectional motion. Movements are on-
line modulated through small value changes in the CPG’s
parameters as required to perform the desired omnidirectional
locomotion in a quadruped robot. We also present a method-
ology to modulate the CPG’s parameters, reducing the control
dimensionality, described in terms of the robot’s translational
speed, angular velocity and walking orientation.
Results show the proposed controller is well suited for
the online generation and modulation of the motor patterns
required to achieve the desired omnidirectional walking motion
Gait transition and modulation in a quadruped robot : a brainstem-like modulation approach
In this article, we propose a bio-inspired architecture for a quadruped robot that is able to initiate/stop
locomotion; generate different gaits, and to easily select and switch between the different gaits according
to the speed and/or the behavioral context. This improves the robot stability and smoothness while
locomoting.
We apply nonlinear oscillators to model Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). These generate the
rhythmic locomotor movements for a quadruped robot. The generated trajectories are modulated by a
tonic signal, that encodes the required activity and/or modulation. This drive signal strength is mapped
onto sets of CPG parameters. By increasing the drive signal, locomotion can be elicited and velocity
increased while switching to the appropriate gaits. This drive signal can be specified according to sensory
information or set a priori.
The system is implemented in a simulated and real AIBO robot. Results demonstrate the adequacy of
the architecture to generate and modulate the required coordinated trajectories according to a velocity
increase; and to smoothly and easily switch among the different motor behaviors.The authors gratefully acknowledge Keir Pearson for all the discussions and help. This work is funded by FEDER Funding supported by the Operational Program Competitive Factors COMPETE and National Funding supported by the FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology through project PTDC/EEACRO/100655/2008
Robot phase entrainment on quadruped CPG controller
Central Pattern Generators are used in several kinds of robot locomotion, from swimming and flying, to bipeds,
quadrupeds and hexapods. It is thought that this approach can yield better results in dynamical and natural
environments. In this work we expand a previous quadruped locomotion controller and propose a method
to couple the step cycle phase onto the locomotor CPG of a quadruped robot, creating a feedback pathway
to coordinate the phases of each leg to the phase of the step cycle. This approach is tested in a simulated
quadruped robot and the performed locomotion is evaluated. Results demonstrate that the proposed phase
coupling synchronizes the swing step phase of ipsilateral legs to the respective step phase of the cycle and
show an improvement in stability of the performed walk gait.(undefined
Hexapod locomotion : a nonlinear dynamical systems approach
The ability of walking in a wide variety of terrains
is one of the most important features of hexapod insects. In
this paper we describe a bio-inspired controller able to generate
locomotion and switch between different type of gaits for an
hexapod robot.
Motor patterns are generated by coupled Central Pattern Generators
formulated as nonlinear oscillators. These patterns are
modulated by a drive signal, proportionally changing the oscillators
frequency, amplitude and the coupling parameters among
the oscillators. Locomotion initiation, stopping and smooth gait
switching is achieved by changing the drive signal. We also
demonstrate a posture controller for hexapod robots using the
dynamical systems approach.
Results from simulation using a model of the Chiara hexapod
robot demonstrate the capability of the controller both to
locomotion generation and smooth gait transition. The postural
controller is also tested in different situations in which the
hexapod robot is expected to maintain balance. The presented
results prove its reliability
A bio-inspired postural control for a quadruped robot : an attractor-based dynamic
Postural stability is a requirement for autonomous
adaptive legged locomotion. Neurobiological research lead to the
idea that there are independent central systems for posture and
locomotion, which interact when required.
In this work we propose a posture control system focused
in the standing posture context. We integrate the proposed
posture system with a CPG design based on coupled nonlinear
oscillators.
The proposed system generates movements for posture correction
which are modulated according to sensory information.
We integrate several different responses that individually contribute
to the posture equilibrium. This coordination, competition
and redundancy among the responses is a key element for
adaptive, flexible and fault tolerant motor system.
The control system is validated through a few experiments,
where the robot is subjected to different posture situations
ranging from roll and pitch variations to loss of feet support
Portugal na rota do Tráfico de Seres Humanos
Portugal na rota do Tráfico de Seres Humano
Induction coil gun
This paper describes a device capable of throwing metal rings at a range of a few meters. Part of an iron pipe is inserted on a coil. A conducting non-ferromagnetic ring is inserted in the pipe through its other extremity. An alternating current flowing through the coil creates an alternating magnetic field, which magnetizes the iron pipe. So, an alternating magnetic field is created around the pipe and induces a circumferential current flowing in the ring. This current is repelled by the magnetic field, forcing the ring to jump out of the pipe
Generating trajectories with temporal constraints for an autonomous robot
Trajectory modulation and generation are two fundamental
issues in the path planning problem in autonomous robotics,
specially considering temporal stabilization of the generated movements.
This is a very critical issue in several robotic tasks including:
catching, hitting, and human-robot scenarios.
In this work, we address these problems and focus on generating
movement for a mobile robot, whose goal is to reach a target within
a constant time. We use an Hopf oscillator whose solution controls
velocity, adapted according to temporal feedback. We have also
proposed an adaptive mechanism for frequency modulation of the
velocity profile that enables setting different times for acceleration
and deceleration.
This approach is demonstrated on a DRK8000 mobile robot in
order to confirm the system’s reliability with low-level sensors.(undefined
Timed trajectory generation for a toy-like wheeled robot
In this work, we address temporal stabilization
of generated movements in autonomous robotics. We focus on
generating movement for a mobile robot, that must reach a
target location within a constant time. Target location is online
calculated by using the robot visual system, such that action is
steered by the sensory information. This is a very critical issue
in several robotic tasks including: catching, hitting, and humanrobot
scenarios.
Robot velocity is controlled through an Hopf oscillator,
adapted according to temporal feedback. Timing of the velocity
profile is modulated according to an adaptive mechanism that
enables setting different times for acceleration and deceleration.
Results on a DRK8000 mobile robot confirm the system’s
reliability with low-level sensors
Trends in mortality from pulmonary tuberculosis before and after antibiotics in the Portuguese sanatorium Carlos Vasconcelos Porto (1918-1991): archival evidence and its paleopathological relevance
The comparative study of patients’ profiles and outcomes from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), before and after the discovery of antibiotic therapy, using sanatoria archives is an unexplored approach in paleopathology. Although higher mortality rates are assumed before chemotherapy, scarce information exists regarding the disease’s duration in institutionalized patients and to what extent tuberculous sufferers lived enough to develop skeletal lesions. To fill this gap, 315 clinical files from the former male Sanatorium Carlos Vasconcelos Porto, located in São Brás de Alportel, Portugal, were studied. Two periods of hospitalization were considered: 1931-1944 (n=128, Group 1) and 1955-1961 (n=187, Group 2). The average duration of hospitalization (350.3 days for Group 1 and 371.8 for Group 2) and the crude mortality (18.2% and 11.2%, respectively in Groups 1 and 2) did not differ significantly between groups. However, Cox’s regression revealed significant differences between survival curves, after adjusting for age at admission (14-74 years old), with pre-chemotherapy patients presenting a higher risk of dying during hospitalization (p=0.37, hazard ratio=1.94, IC95%=1.03-3.63). This study also confirms poorer prognoses for pulmonary tuberculosis sufferers hospitalized in sanatoria before antibiotics and reveals that a significant number of patients survived enough time to develop bone lesions
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