Trajectory generation for kinematic legged robots

Abstract

We present a general trajectory generation scheme for a class of "kinematic" legged robots. The method does not depend upon the number of legs, nor is it based on foot placement concepts. Instead, our method is based on an extension of a nonlinear trajectory generation algorithm for smooth systems to the legged case, where the relevant mechanics are not smooth. Our extension is based on the realization that legged robot configuration spaces are stratified. The algorithm is illustrated with a simple example.