Re: Walkers

"K.H.Ranitzsch" wrote:
> 
> I do not have first hand experience with robots, but from the articles
I
> have read over the years, it is easier to do multi-legged ones. It may
> depend on the approach taken, but both neural networks and
hierarchical
> program structures seem to be able to handle the job. Indeed, for
> straight-ahead movement on flat ground, a simple mechanical system
will do.

The big difference between dealing with most multileg robots and singe
and bipedal robots is not so much the number of limbs, but the type of
movement they use. Robots with 4 or more legs can use what is termed
static balance, where the act of having 3 or more supports touching at
any one time keeps the unit in balance. When you have fewer limbs you
have to use dynamic balance where the unit has to continuously adjust
the limb positions to keep if from tumbling over. Static balance is
easier to deal with for walking robots but much much much slower then a
dynamic system.