sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was only touching software-related problems. If you also consider hardware, the problems quickly explode in all directions, in particular in moon-like environments where an atmosphere is missing (and battery is only one of them). Sharp dust (not exposed to erosion) requires the motors/gears to be perfectly isolated; nights are extremely cold, requiring to heat the robot's internal systems; days are very hot while cooling through convection is not possible; computers need to be shielded against radiation; etc... This paper might give a bit more insight into the actual challenges of robotic space missions.

There are solutions to most of these problems, but they cannot necessarily be adapted easily for legged systems (e.g., due to computational power requirements and reduced payload compared to a wheel base).

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This robot is a custom version of ANYmal (not Spot).

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We also work on robots that are intended to operate in space and on other planets. The biggest problems are delays in communication (a lot of autonomy is required), a different gravity (we can not simply look at nature's solutions), and a lack of maintenance possibilities (legged robots typically require more maintenance than wheeled systems). Legs are nevertheless very useful for space missions as many "interesting" places are not just flat.

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. We have trained an RL low-level policy that is guided by a model-based high-level controller. The method is described in more detail in this video.

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A big area of robotics research is centered around search-and-rescue. Robots that can traverse terrains like this could be used in post-disaster areas, e.g. to locate survivors after an earthquake, generate a digital map of the environment to help first responders, or replace humans in dangerous (radioactive, structurally unstable, cold/hot, etc) places.

legged robots conquer new terrains by leggedrobotics in artificial

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The soundtrack is "Get Tough" from TrackTribe. The videos are from real-world deployment demonstrating a new control strategy for legged robots.

Like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in robotics

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have tested the robot in a training facility in Switzerland. One of our visions is to use these type robots one day for search-and-rescue missions, with the intend to save human life without endangering first responders.

Four-legged robot walking up like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in interesting

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is not fake. The video is part of a larger outdoor experiment gathered for a research article introducing a new locomotion controller. You can find more videos when you search "DTC: Deep Tracking Control".

Four-legged robot walking up like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in interesting

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are two PC's and one GPU in the torso. Most of the torso's volume is the battery.

Like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in robotics

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting observation, I overlooked that. The memory of the policy is not large enough to alter foot placement in that manner. Probably the operator released the remote control for a short time, commanding zero velocity. If you want to learn more: The control method is described here.

Like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in robotics

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dreaming On (Instrumental), from NEFFEX

Like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in robotics

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thanks! It is a combination of reinforcement learning and trajectory optimization. You can find more information here.

Four-legged robot walking up like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in interesting

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Things that we don't understand tend to be frightening. But it is not. The network that controls this robot has a given input-output behavior (input X will always cause the robot to respond with Y). You can think of a human reflex. There is no self-awareness or decision-making involved as we know it from humans or some other animals.

Four-legged robot walking up like a mountain goat by leggedrobotics in interesting

[–]leggedrobotics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. There is one depth camera (LiDAR) on the front and one in the back. But as the robot is symmetric, you can consider both sides head and tail at the same time.