Blind walking of a planar bipedal robot on sloped terrain

Abstract

Simple intuitive control strategies can be used to compel bipedal robots to walk over sloped terrain. We describe an algorithm for walking dynamically and steadily over sloped terrain with unknown slope gradients and transition locations. The algorithm is developed based on geometric considerations. The overall algorithm is very simple and does not require the biped to have an extensive sensory system for walking over moderate slopes. The ground is detected blindly using only foot contact switches. Using a few simple strategies, we have compelled a simulated 7-link planar biped to walk up and down slopes and over rolling terrain.