Switching Max-Plus Models for Legged Locomotion

Reference

G. A. D. Lopes, R. Babuška, B. De Schutter, and A. J. J. van den Boom, "Switching max-plus models for legged locomotion," Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO 2009), Guilin, China, pp. 221-226, Dec. 2009.

Abstract

We present a new class of gait generation and control algorithms based on the Switching Max-Plus modeling framework that allows for the synchronization of multiple legs of walking robots. Transitions between stance and swing phases of each leg are modeled as discrete events on a system described by max-plus-linear state equations. Different gaits and gait parameters can be interleaved by using different system matrices. Switching in max-plus-linear systems offers a powerful collection of modeling, analysis, and control tools that, in particular, allow for safe transitions between different locomotion gaits that may involve breaking/enforcing synchronization or changing the order of leg lift off events. Experimental validation of the proposed algorithms is presented by the implementation of various horse gaits on a simple quadruped robot.

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BibTeX

@inproceedings{LopBab:09-045,
   author    = {Lopes, Gabriel A. D. and Babu{\v{s}}ka, Robert and De Schutter,
                Bart and van den Boom, A. J. J.},
   title     = {Switching Max-Plus Models for Legged Locomotion},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on
                Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO 2009)},
   address   = {Guilin, China},
   pages     = {221--226},
   month     = dec,
   year      = {2009}
   }


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