Design of biped robot inspired by cats for fast running

Abstract

A novel design of a biped robot inspired by domestic cats for fast running is introduced. The skeletomuscular system of a cat is analysed and applied to determine the link parameters and the linkage structure of the proposed mechanism. The linkage design of the leg mechanism is explained and a kinematic analysis based on vector loop equations is performed. The effectiveness of the proposed mechanism is verified experimentally. The biped robot runs at an average speed of 2 m/s at a step frequency of 4 Hz. This leg mechanism can facilitate the development of fast running robot systems. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2014.