Boston Dynamic’s Quadruped RobotsBen Reed

Introduction•Boston Dynamics was founded in 1992•Engineering company that originated as a

spinoff form MIT•Specialize in robotics and human

simulation software•Funded largely by DARPA (Defense

Advanced Research Projects Agency)

Quadruped Robots•Quadruped: four legged•5 different quadruped robots•They are all similar in some respects•All unique in other respects

Quadruped Robots Con’tRobot Capacity Range Weight Primary Use

BigDog 340 lbs 6.2 miles 240 lbs Carry Equipment

LittleDog N/A 30 minutes continuous operation

N/A Study movement

LS3 400 lbs 20 miles 850 lbs Carry equipment (Marine Corps)

WildCat unknown unknown unknown

Study movement, Increase speed of robotic movement

Technological Advances• Rough terrain capable

▫BigDog (video)▫LS3

• Advanced autonomy ▫BigDog▫LS3 (video)▫WildCat

• Record holding speed▫Cheetah (video)▫WildCat (video)

• Advanced study of locomotion and movement▫LittleDog (video)

A Closer Look at BigDog• Engine

▫ Leopard go-kart engine▫ One cylinder▫ Two stroke▫ Water cooled

• Hydraulic System▫ Variable displacement hydraulic pump ▫ Custom actuator package▫ Heat exchanger▫ Various filters, manifolds, accumulators, and valves

• Multi-jointed Legs• Advanced Sensors

▫ LIDAR▫ GPS and laser gyros▫ Joint sensors and stereo vision

• Computers and control software

Future Predictions•Continued advanced in quadruped

technology•Rougher steeper terrain•Even more autonomous•Faster, lighter and stronger•More range and quieter

References• Ralber, Marc, Kevin Blankespoor, Gabriel Nelson, and Rob

Playter. "BigDog, the Rough-Terrain Quaduped Robot ." Boston Dynamics. N.p., 08 Apr 2008. Web. 10 Nov 2013.

<http://www.bostondynamics.com/img/BigDog_IFAC_Apr-8-2008.pdf>

• “Backpacking Gear” ProLiteGear. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.prolitegear.com/backpacking_gear.html>

• Owano, Nancy. "Boston Dynamics: Atlas shows balance; WildCat sprints untethered ." Phy.org. 08 Oct 2013: n. page. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. <http://phys.org/news/2013-10-bostondynamicsatlas-wildcat-sprints.html>

• Boston Dynamics. 10 Nov. 2013 < http://bostondynamics.com/>