We propose a model-based reinforcement learning algorithm for biped walking in which the robot learns to appropriately place the swing leg. This decision is based on a learned model of the Poincare map of the periodic walking pattern. The model maps from a state at the middle of a step and foot placement to a state at next middle of a step. We also modify the desired walking cycle frequency bas...

2 State of the Art Previous studies indicated that introducing adaptable compliance to dynamic walking is beneficial to modulating walking performance and extending the versatility [1-3]. However, in most of these studies, the stiffness is changed off-line. The transition of different walking patterns in real time was not investigated. Our previous study [4] has demonstrated walking pattern tra...

This paper proposed a new method to analyze the human walking by using a 3-wheels rollator walker instrumented with encoders and a 3D accelerometer/gyrometer. In order to develop the walking quality index and monitor the health state of elderly people at home, the walking of 23 young adults and 25 elderly people (> 69 years) with the help of the walker, are compared. Besides of the comparison o...

In this paper, we extend state of the art Model Predictive Control (MPC) approaches to generate safe bipedal walking on slippery surfaces. In this setting, we formulate walking as a trade off between realizing a desired walking velocity and preserving robust foot-ground contact (slippage and tipover avoidance). Exploiting this formulation inside MPC, we show that safe walking on various terrain...

Active joint torques are the primary source of power and control in dynamic walking motion. However the amplitude, rate, timing and phasic behavior of the joint torques necessary to achieve a natural and stable performance are difficult to establish. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and stable behavior of an actively controlled bipedal walking simulation wherein the nat...

OBJECTIVE We examined the connections (1) between the design of the built environment and walking, (2) between the design of the built environment and obesity, and (3) between walking and obesity and income in urban settings in China. METHODS Six neighborhoods with different built environment characteristics, located in the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Hangzhou, were studied. Data on walkin...

Several insects require both olfactory and visual cues during odour-source localisation to successfully locate an odour source. In the male silkmoth, Bombyx mori, detection of the female sex pheromone triggers a programmed walking pattern, starting from a surge (straight-line walking) followed by zigzag walking. Although pheromone-triggered behaviour in silkmoths is well understood, the role of...