Boston Dynamics, Inc.

Google Inc.

Gabriel Nelson

Kevin Blankespoor

Neil Neville

Benjamin Stephens

Marco Da Silva

A robotic device includes a control system. The control system receives a first measurement indicative of a first distance between a center of mass of the machine and a first position in which a first leg of the machine last made initial contact with a surface. The control system also receives a second measurement indicative of a second distance between the center of mass of the machine and a second position in which the first leg of the machine was last raised from the surface. The control system further determines a third position in which to place a second leg of the machine based on the received first measurement and the received second measurement. Additionally, the control system provides instructions to move the second leg of the machine to the determined third position.

Generalized coordinate surrogates for integrated estimation and control

A method for estimating a ground plane includes receiving a pose of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame, receiving one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface, and determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and the ground surface. The ground plane estimation includes a ground surface contour approximation. The method further includes determining a distance between a body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation and causing adjustment of the pose of the robotic device with respect to the ground surface based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

Systems and methods for ground plane estimation

An example implementation includes (i) receiving sensor data that indicates topographical features of an environment in which a robotic device is operating, (ii) determining, for a particular topographical feature of the environment in a direction of travel of the robotic device, a height of the particular topographical feature and a distance between the robotic device and the particular topographical feature, (iii) estimating a ground plane extending from the robotic device in the direction of travel toward the particular topographical feature, the ground plane fitting to the determined distance and height, (iv) determining a grade of the estimated ground plane, and (v) directing the robotic device to adjust pitch in proportion to the determined grade.

Ground plane compensation for legged robots

Example systems and methods for estimating a ground plane are provided. An example method may include determining an orientation of a body of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame. The method may also include determining the location of one or more contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface. The method may also include determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the determined orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the determined locations of the one or more contact points. The method may also include determining a distance between the body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation. The method may also include providing instructions to adjust a position and/or orientation of the robotic device based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

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Waltham, MA, United States of America

Gabriel Nelson