Teaching robots to move naturally and smoothly is easier said than done. Researchers at EPFL’s Biorobotics Laboratory are testing new algorithms to improve humanoids’ ability to walk in a more natural fashion. For testing these idea, COMAN, a 95-cm-tall humanoid is used for studying walking.
The robot has joints that are integrated with elastic elements, giving it more flexibility when performing tasks. Here is now the team pulls this off:
The control algorithm uses sophisticated computer programs to carefully analyze the date received from the robot – including its position, velocity, joint angles, etc. – and sends appropriate commands to the motors, telling them what to do in order to maintain the robot’s balance
The algorithms used are geared towards carrying rescue missions, moving objects and exoskeletons for the disabled.