Laelaps was a Greek mythological dog who never failed to catch what she was hunting. It is casted into the stars, by Zeus, as the constellation Canis Major. Team's logo is inspired by the symbol of the constellation.
Legged Robots Team
Research team of Prof. Papadopoulos Group at Control Systems Lab - NTUA
Background
Quadruped animals show incredible motion capabilities in terms of speed, agility and energy efficiency. By employing dynamically stable motion gaits, they are able to achieve high speeds, while by adapting the stiffness of their muscles they are able to maintain
Vision
The development of legged robots with capabilities close to those of animals opens new and valuable possibilities, such as reaching distant points through rough or slopped terrains, detecting survivors in earthquake ruins or workers in mine tunnels, helping in fire-fighting
Approach
Our work includes analytical, simulation and experimental thrusts. The analytical work focuses on spatial dynamic modelling and passive dynamics analysis of highly articulated, variable compliance quadrupeds, and on robust nonlinear control methods for achieving given speeds in traversing known but
Recent Work
Our recent work focuses on the design, development and control of legged systems that move with efficiency, agility and speed. Custom made optimal actuators have been designed and manufactured to enable capabilities close to those of quadruped animals. Optimal planners and controllers have been also designed to drive our robots in such unpredictable environments.