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Dynamic simulation of autonomous legged locomotion

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Published:01 September 1990Publication History
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Abstract

Accurate simulation of Newtonian mechanics is essential for simulating realistic motion of joined figures. Dynamic simulation requires, however, a large amount of computation when compared to kinematic methods, and the control of dynamic figures can be quite complex. We have implemented an efficient forward dynamic simulation algorithm for articulated figures which has a computational complexity linear in the number of joints. In addition, we present a strategy for the coordination of the locomotion of a six-legged figure - a simulated insect - which has two main components: a gait controller which sequences stepping, and motor programs which control motions of the figure by the application of forces. The simulation is capable of generating gait patterns and walking phenomena observed in nature, and our simulated insect can negotiate planar and uneven terrain in a realistic manner. The motor program techniques should be generally applicable to other control problems.

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          cover image ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics
          ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics  Volume 24, Issue 4
          Aug. 1990
          377 pages
          ISSN:0097-8930
          DOI:10.1145/97880
          Issue’s Table of Contents
          • cover image ACM Conferences
            SIGGRAPH '90: Proceedings of the 17th annual conference on Computer graphics and interactive techniques
            September 1990
            452 pages
            ISBN:0897913442
            DOI:10.1145/97879

          Copyright © 1990 ACM

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          • Published: 1 September 1990

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