We present a real-time algorithm which can recover the 3D trajectory of a monocular camera, moving rapidly through a previously unknown scene. Our system, which we dub MonoSLAM, is the first successful application of the SLAM methodology from mobile robotics to the "pure vision" domain of a single uncontrolled camera, achieving real time but drift-free performance inaccessible to structure from motion approaches. The core of the approach is the online creation of a sparse but persistent map of natural landmarks within a probabilistic framework. Our key novel contributions include an active approach to mapping and measurement, the use of a general motion model for smooth camera movement, and solutions for monocular feature initialization and feature orientation estimation. Together, these add up to an extremely efficient and robust algorithm which runs at 30 Hz with standard PC and camera hardware. This work extends the range of robotic systems in which SLAM can be usefully applied, but also opens up new areas. We present applications of MonoSLAM to real-time 3D localization and mapping for a high-performance full-size humanoid robot and live augmented reality with a hand-held camera

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MonoSLAM: Real-Time Single Camera SLAM

We introduce a new method of a biped walking pattern generation by using a preview control of the zero-moment point (ZMP). First, the dynamics of a biped robot is modeled as a running cart on a table which gives a convenient representation to treat ZMP. After reviewing conventional methods of ZMP based pattern generation, we formalize the problem as the design of a ZMP tracking servo controller. It is shown that we can realize such controller by adopting the preview control theory that uses the future reference. It is also shown that a preview controller can be used to compensate the ZMP error caused by the difference between a simple model and the precise multibody model. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a simulation of walking on spiral stairs.

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Biped walking pattern generation by using preview control of zero-moment point

Bipedal locomotion is among the most difficult challenges in control engineering. Most books treat the subject from a quasi-static perspective, overlooking the hybrid nature of bipedal mechanics. Feedback Control of Dynamic Bipedal Robot Locomotion is the first book to present a comprehensive and mathematically sound treatment of feedback design for achieving stable, agile, and efficient locomotion in bipedal robots.In this unique and groundbreaking treatise, expert authors lead you systematically through every step of the process, including:Mathematical modeling of walking and running gaits in planar robotsAnalysis of periodic orbits in hybrid systemsDesign and analysis of feedback systems for achieving stable periodic motionsAlgorithms for synthesizing feedback controllersDetailed simulation examplesExperimental implementations on two bipedal test bedsThe elegance of the authors' approach is evident in the marriage of control theory and mechanics, uniting control-based presentation and mathematical custom with a mechanics-based approach to the problem and computational rendering. Concrete examples and numerous illustrations complement and clarify the mathematical discussion. A supporting Web site offers links to videos of several experiments along with MATLAB® code for several of the models. This one-of-a-kind book builds a solid understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of truly dynamic locomotion in planar bipedal robots.

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Feedback Control of Dynamic Bipedal Robot Locomotion

A development of humanoid robot HRP-2 is presented in this paper. HRP-2 is a humanoid robotics platform, which we developed in phase two of HRP. HRP was a humanoid robotics project, which had run by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan from 1998FY to 2002FY for five years. The ability of the biped locomotion of HRP-2 is improved so that HRP-2 can cope with uneven surface, can walk at two third level of human speed, and can walk on a narrow path. The ability of whole body motion of HRP-2 is also improved so that HRP-2 can get up by a humanoid robot's own self if HRP-2 tips over safely. In this paper, the appearance design, the mechanisms, the electrical systems, specifications, and features upgraded from its prototype are also introduced.

Humanoid robot HRP-2

In this paper, the development of humanoid robot HRP-3 is presented. HRP-3, which stands for Humanoid Robotics Platform-3, is a human-size humanoid robot developed as the succeeding model of HRP-2. One of features of HRP-3 is that its main mechanical and structural components are designed to prevent the penetration of dust or spray. Another is that its wrist and hand are newly designed to improve manipulation. Software for a humanoid robot in a real environment is also improved. We also include information on mechanical features of HRP-3 and together with the newly developed hand. Also included are the technologies implemented in HRP-3 prototype. Electrical features and some experimental results using HRP-3 are also presented.

Humanoid robot HRP-3

This paper presents a prototype humanoid robotics platform developed for HRP-2. HRP-2 is a new humanoid robotics platform, which we have been developing in phase two of HRP HRP is a humanoid robotics project, which has been launched by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan from 1998FY to 2002FY for five years. The ability of the biped locomotion of HRP-2 is improved so that HRP-2 can cope with rough terrain in the open air and can prevent the possible damages to a humanoid robot's own self in the event of tipping over. The ability of whole body motion of HRP-2 is also improved so that HRP-2 can get up by a humanoid robot's own self even tough HRP-2 tips over. In this paper, the mechanisms and specifications of developed prototype humanoid robotics platform, and its electrical system are introduced.

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Design of prototype humanoid robotics platform for HRP

This paper presents the development of humanoid robotics platform - 4 (or HRP-4 for short). The high-density implementation used for HRP-4C, the cybernetic human developed by AIST, is also applied to HRP-4. HRP-4 has a total of 34 degrees of freedom, including 7 degrees of freedom for each arm to facilitate object handling and has a slim, lightweight body with a height of 151 [cm] and weight 39 [kg]. The software platform OpenRTM-aist and a Linux kernel with the RT-Preempt patch are used in the HRP-4 software system. Design concepts and mechanisms are presented with its basic specification in this paper.

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Humanoid robot HRP-4 - Humanoid robotics platform with lightweight and slim body

A development of humanoid robot HRP-3P, which is a humanoid robot HRP-3 prototype, is presented in this paper HRP-3 is under development as the succession humanoid to HRP-2, which we developed in phase two of HRP (humanoid robotics project) One of futures of HRP-3P is that its main mechanical and structural components are designed for protection against dust and water Another is that node controllers are developed for realization of distributed control system Real-time communication on Ethernet is also newly developed for communication between main controller and node controllers In this paper, mechanical features and electrical features are presented with specifications of HRP-3P

Kazuhiko Akachi

Papers

Humanoid robot HRP-2

Humanoid robot HRP-3

Design of prototype humanoid robotics platform for HRP

Humanoid robot HRP-4 - Humanoid robotics platform with lightweight and slim body

Development of humanoid robot HRP-3P