Dynamic Modeling of a Quadruped With a Robotic Tail Using Virtual Work Principle

Abstract

For utilizing robotic tail to stabilize and maneuver a quadruped, it is important to understand the mechanism of how the tail motion influences the quadruped motion which requires obtaining an analytic dynamic model. This paper presents a systematic methodology for modeling the dynamics of a general quadruped (capable of all 6 DOF motions) with a robotic pendulum tail based on the virtual work principle. The formulation of this model is motivated by robotic tail research, it can also be used as an alternative approach to model the quadruped dynamics other than using Lagrangian and Newton-Euler based methods. Numerical simulations are also conducted to verify both the forward and the inverse model.