Abstract
Biologically inspired control approaches based on central pattern generators (CPGs) with neural oscillators have been drawing much attention for the purpose of generating rhythmic motion for biped robots with human-like locomotion. This article describes the design of a neural-oscillator-based gait-rhythm generator using a network of Matsuoka oscillators to generate a walking pattern for biped robots. This includes the proper consideration of the oscillator’s parameters, such as a time constant for the adaptation rate, coupling factors for mutual inhibitory connections, etc., to obtain a stable and desirable response from the network. The article examines the characteristics of a CPG network with six oscillators, and the effect of assigning symmetrical and asymmetrical coupling coefficients among oscillators within the network structure under different possible inhibitions and excitations. The kinematics and dynamics of a five-link biped robot have been modeled, and its joints are actuated through simulation by the torques output from the neural rhythm generator to generate the trajectories for hip, knee, and ankle joints. The parameters of the neural oscillators are tuned to achieve flexible trajectories. The CPG-based control strategy is implemented and tested through a simulation.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Grillner S, Wallen P, Brodin L (1991) Neuronal network generating locomotor behavior in lamprey: circuitry, transmitters, membrane properties, and simulation. Annu Rev Neurosci 14:169–199
Nakamura Y, Sato M, Ishii S (2003) Reinforcement learning for biped robot. Procceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Adaptive Motion of Animals and Machines (AMAM2003), ThP-II-5, Kyoto, Japan, Mar. 4–8, 2003
Nakanishi J, Morimoto J, Endo G, et al. (2004) Learning from demonstration and adaptation of biped locomotion. Robotics Auton Syst 47:79–91
Williamson M (1999) Robot arm control exploiting natural dynamics. PhD Thesis, MIT, Cambridge
Taga G, Yamaguchi Y, Shimizu H (1991) Self-organized control of bipedal locomotion by neural oscillators in unpredictable environment. Biol Cybern 65:147–159
Matsuoka K (1987) Mechanisms of frequency and pattern control in the neural rhythm generators. Biol Cybern 56:345–353
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Liu, G.L., Habib, M.K., Watanabe, K. et al. Central pattern generators based on Matsuoka oscillators for the locomotion of biped robots. Artif Life Robotics 12, 264–269 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10015-007-0479-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10015-007-0479-z