Simulation and Numerical Parameter Identification of a Biologically Inspired Bipedal Robot with Passive Elements

The goal of the project is to investigate the influence of elastic mechanisms on technical, bipedal locomotion. In particular, the paper presents the parameter identification for a biologically inspired two-legged robot model. The simulation model consists of a rigid body model equipped with rubber straps. The arrangement of the rubber straps is based on the arrangement of certain muscle groups in a human being. The parameters of the elastic elements are identified applying numerical optimisation. Thus two optimisation algorithms are investigated and compared with respect to robustness and computing time. Moreover, different objective functions are defined and discussed. The behaviour of the resulting configuration of the system is explored in terms of biomechanics.