Walking of Biped Robot with Variable Stiffness at the Ankle Joint

Abstract

Achieving versatile and efficient walking on biped robots is an important research objective. The impact between the foot and the ground has significant effects on the walking stability of biped robots. Research on human walking indicates that the joints in human lower limbs show different stiffness values in different phases of walking. Inspired by humans, this paper presents the realization of biped robot walking with variable stiffness at the ankle joint. A walking control scheme which combines PD control and variable impedance control is designed for the biped robot. Results of dynamic walking simulation verified that variable stiffness at the ankle joint could contribute to the improvement of walking stability and energy efficiency.