Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2021, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (2): 306-318.doi: 10.1007/s42235-021-0026-y

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Gait Optimization of a Quadruped Robot Using Evolutionary Computation

Jihoon Kim1, Dang Xuan Ba2, Hoyeon Yeom1, Joonbum Bae1*   

  1. 1. Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, South Korea
    2. Automatic Control, HoChiMinh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), HoChiMinh City 71307, Vietnam
  • 收稿日期:2020-07-24 修回日期:2021-01-24 接受日期:2021-01-28 出版日期:2021-03-10 发布日期:2021-03-28
  • 通讯作者: Joonbum Bae E-mail:jbbae@unist.ac.kr
  • 作者简介:Jihoon Kim1, Dang Xuan Ba2, Hoyeon Yeom1, Joonbum Bae1*

Gait Optimization of a Quadruped Robot Using Evolutionary Computation

Jihoon Kim1, Dang Xuan Ba2, Hoyeon Yeom1, Joonbum Bae1*   

  1. 1. Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, South Korea
    2. Automatic Control, HoChiMinh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), HoChiMinh City 71307, Vietnam
  • Received:2020-07-24 Revised:2021-01-24 Accepted:2021-01-28 Online:2021-03-10 Published:2021-03-28
  • Contact: Joonbum Bae E-mail:jbbae@unist.ac.kr
  • About author:Jihoon Kim1, Dang Xuan Ba2, Hoyeon Yeom1, Joonbum Bae1*

摘要: Evolutionary Computation (EC) has strengths in terms of computation for gait optimization. However, conventional evolutionary algorithms use typical gait parameters such as step length and swing height, which limit the trajectory deformation for optimization of the foot trajectory. Furthermore, the quantitative index of fitness convergence is insufficient. In this paper, we perform gait optimization of a quadruped robot using foot placement perturbation based on EC. The proposed algorithm has an atypical solution search range, which is generated by independent manipulation of each placement that forms the foot trajectory. A convergence index is also introduced to prevent premature cessation of learning. The conventional algorithm and the proposed algorithm are applied to a quadruped robot; walking performances are then compared by gait simulation. Although the two algorithms exhibit similar computation rates, the proposed algorithm shows better fitness and a wider search range. The evolutionary tendency of the walking trajectory is analyzed using the optimized results, and the findings provide insight into reliable leg trajectory design.

关键词: bionic robot, evolutionary computation, genetic algorithm, gait optimization, parameter perturbation, convergence index

Abstract: Evolutionary Computation (EC) has strengths in terms of computation for gait optimization. However, conventional evolutionary algorithms use typical gait parameters such as step length and swing height, which limit the trajectory deformation for optimization of the foot trajectory. Furthermore, the quantitative index of fitness convergence is insufficient. In this paper, we perform gait optimization of a quadruped robot using foot placement perturbation based on EC. The proposed algorithm has an atypical solution search range, which is generated by independent manipulation of each placement that forms the foot trajectory. A convergence index is also introduced to prevent premature cessation of learning. The conventional algorithm and the proposed algorithm are applied to a quadruped robot; walking performances are then compared by gait simulation. Although the two algorithms exhibit similar computation rates, the proposed algorithm shows better fitness and a wider search range. The evolutionary tendency of the walking trajectory is analyzed using the optimized results, and the findings provide insight into reliable leg trajectory design.

Key words: bionic robot, evolutionary computation, genetic algorithm, gait optimization, parameter perturbation, convergence index