Autonomous humanoid robot locomotion based on neural networks

This paper proposed a new method for humanoid robot gait generation based on several objective functions. The proposed method is based on multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. In our work, we considered two competing objective functions: MCE and MTC. Based on simulation and experimental results, we conclude: Multiobjective evolution is efficient because optimal humanoid robot gaits with completely different characteristics can be found in one simulation run. The nondominated solutions in the obtained Pareto-optimal set are well distributed and have satisfactory diversity characteristics. The optimal gaits generated by simulation gave good performance when they were tested in the real hardware of "Bonten-Maru" humanoid robot. The optimal gait reduces the energy consumption and increases the stability during the robot motion. In the future, it will be interesting to investigate if the robot can learn in real time to switch between different gaits based on the environment conditions. In uneven terrains MTC gaits will be more

(2004). Robo-Erectus: a low-cost autonomous humanoid soccer robot. Advanced Robotics: Vol. 18, No. 7, pp. 717-720.

Humanoid robots can imitate human behaviour and provide interactive services to humans due to their humanoid form, especially humanoid wheeled robots that can perform more complex tasks with the additional mobility. With the development of robotics technology, humanoid robots have been used increasingly in the domestic environment where the robot needs to interact with unknown environments. This requires the robot to have both the ability to track with high accuracy and the ability to comply with complex environments. It is known that the robots with impedance control can have a superior performance in terms of compliance with unknown contact environments. However, the mobility of humanoid robots with wheels complicates the dynamic model of robots, which makes the development of impedance control challenging. In this letter, a whole-body impedance control approach for humanoid wheeled robots is proposed, with fuzzy adaptive systems to compensate for the uncertain dynamics of the controlled system. This approach realizes safe interaction and compliant operation with unknown environments including humans. Additionally, the experimental results conducted on a humanoid wheeled robot illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

This work is part of an ongoing work for sign language tutoring with imitation based turn-taking and interaction games with humanoid robots. The aim of the project is to motivate the children with communication problems to understand and imitate the signs implemented by the humanoid robots. In this study, we implemented selected words from Turkish Sign Language Dictionary on autonomous humanoid robots (NAO H-25 and Robovie R3). We also examined the effects of interaction games on sign language teaching between participants with different age groups and the humanoid robot.

A behavior strategy of humanoid robot for obstacle avoidance based on four infrared sensors is proposed and implemented on an autonomous humanoid robot. A mechanical structure with 26 degrees of freedom is design so that an implemented small-size humanoid robot named TWNHR-Ⅲ is able to accomplish five walking motions. Three walking experiments are presented to illustrate that the proposed biped structure lets TWNHR-Ⅲ can move forward, turn, and slip. One electronic compass and four infrared sensors are mounted on TWNHR-Ⅲ to obtain the head direction of the robot and detect obstacles, respectively. Based on the obtained information from these sensors, a decision tree method is proposed to decide one behavior from five movements: walk forward, turn right and left, and slip right and left. Two MATLAB simulations and one real experiment are presented to illustrate that the robot can avoid obstacles autonomously and go to the destination effectively.

In this article, the authors present a new method for humanoid robot motion planning, satisfying multiple objectives. In this method, the multiple objectives humanoid robot motion is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem, considering each objective as a separate fitness function. Three different objectives are considered: (1) minimum energy consumption; (2) stability; and (3) walking speed. The advantage of the proposed method is that, in a single run of multiobjective evolution, generated humanoid robot motions satisfy each objective separately or multiple objectives simultaneously. Therefore, the humanoid robot can switch between different gaits based on environmental conditions. The results show that humanoid robot gaits generated by multiobjective evolution are similar to that of humans. To further verify the performance of optimal motions, they are transferred to the “Bonten-Maru” humanoid robot.

This paper presents a new design for formation control on a group of autonomous humanoid robots with obstacle and collision avoidance ability that inspired by human walking behavior in a pedestrian crowd. This human walking behavior model is known as Social Force Model (SFM) and has been widely used to predict individual movement in a crowd in many variety of situation. We combine consensus algorithm with virtual structure approach for formation control and SFM for obstacle and collision avoidance. In this research, we induced some factors in SFM into consensus equation and then implemented into a group of humanoid robots. The aim of the integration is to create a group of robots that are capable of carrying out its collective tasks while still able to maintain its safety. The use of perception effect, distinct obstacle and collision avoidance function on the algorithm will differentiate algorithm with the others. The attractive feature of this new design is the various behaviors of robots to go back to their initial formation after they avoid obstacles. In the case of robot is trapped in a crowded situation (singularity condition), robot will still trying to look a new position, until it find a condition that allow him to move forward. We verify the proposed algorithm by some simulations and experiments.

In 2013 the Editor of Journal of Vibration and Control and SAGE became aware of a peer review ring involving assumed and fabricated identities that appeared to centre around Peter Chen at National Pingtung University of Education, Taiwan (NPUE). SAGE and the Editor then began a complex investigation into the case during the rest of 2013 and 2014. Following an unsatisfactory response from Peter Chen, NPUE was notified. NPUE were serious in addressing the Journal and SAGE’s concerns. NPUE confirmed that the institution was investigating Peter Chen. SAGE subsequently uncovered a citation ring involving the above mentioned author and others. We regret that individual authors have compromised the academic record by perverting the peer review process and apologise to readers. On uncovering problems with peer review and citation SAGE immediately put steps in place to avoid similar vulnerability of the Journal to exploitation in the future. More information may be found at www.sagepub.co.uk/JVC_Statement_2014 . The Journal and SAGE understand from NPUE that Peter Chen has resigned his post at NPUE. The following articles are retracted because after thorough investigation evidence points towards them having at least one author or being reviewed by at least one reviewer who has been implicated in the peer review ring and/or citation ring. All authors have had an opportunity to respond to the allegations and proposed actions. OnlineFirst articles (these articles will not be published in an issue) Chen CY, Chen T-H, Chen Y-H, Yu S-E and Chung P-Y (2013) Information technology system modeling an integrated C-TAM-TPB model to the validation of ocean tidal analyses Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 7 May 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312472924 Chang R-F, Chen CY, Su F-P and Lin H-C (2013) A two-step approach for broadband digital signal processing technique Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 26 April 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312472925 Chen TH, Chang CJ, Yu SE, Chung PY and Liu C-K (2013) Nonlinear information analysis and system management technique: the influence of design experience and control complexity Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 12 April 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312473321 Chen CY, Shih BY, Chen YH, Yu SE and Liu YC (2013) The exploration of a 3T flow model using vibrating NXT: II. Model validation Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 10 April 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312470481 Chen CY, Shih BY, Chen YH, Yu SE and Liu YC (2013) The exploration of 3T flow model using vibrating NXT: I. model formulation Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 6 February 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312467360 Lin M-L and Chen C-W (2013) Stability analysis of fuzzy-based NN modeling for ecosystems using fuzzy Lyapunov methods Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 6 February 2013. doi: 10.1177/1077546312466687 Chen CY, Chen TH, Chen YH and Chiu J (2012) A multi-stage method for deterministic-statistical analysis: a mathematical case and measurement studies Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 20 December 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312466579 Shih BY, Lin MC and Chen CY (2012) Autonomous navigation system for radiofrequency identification mobile robot e-book reader Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 13 December 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312466578 Chang RF, Chen CY, Su FP, Lin HC and Lu C-K (2012) Multiphase SUMO robot based on an agile modeling-driven process for a small mobile robot Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 13 December 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312464993 Shih B-Y, Lin Y-K, Cheng M-H, Chen C-Y and Chiu C-P (2012) The development of an application program interactive game-based information system Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 12 December 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312464682 Chen C-Y, Chang C-J and Lin C-H (2012) On dynamic access control in web 2.0 and cloud interactive information hub: technologies Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 12 December 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312464992 Shin BY, Chen CY and Hsu KH (2012) Robot cross platform system using innovative interactive theory and selection algorithms for Android application Journal of Vibration and Control Epub ahead of print 13 November 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312463757 Articles published in an issue Chen C-W (2014) Applications of neural-network-based fuzzy logic control to a nonlinear time-delay chaotic system Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (4): 589-605. Epub ahead of print 5 November 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312461370 Chen C-W (2014) A review of intelligent algorithm approaches and neural-fuzzy stability criteria for time-delay tension leg platform systems Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (4): 561-575. Epub ahead of print 5 November 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312463759 Chen C-Y, Chang C-J and Lin C-H (2014) On dynamic access control in web 2.0 and cloud interactive information hub: trends and theories Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (4): 548-560. Epub ahead of print 5 November 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312463762 Lin M-L and Chen C-W (2014) Stability conditions for ecosystem modeling using the fuzzy Lyapunov method Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (2): 290-302. Epub ahead of print 23 October 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312451301 Chen C-H, Kuo C-M, Hsieh S-H and Chen C-Y (2014) Highly efficient very-large-scale integration (VLSI) implementation of probabilistic neural network image interpolator Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (2): 218-224. Epub ahead of print 22 October 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312458822 Chen C-Y (2014) Wave vibration and simulation in dissipative media described by irregular boundary surfaces: a mathematical formulation Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (2): 191-203. Epub ahead of print 22 October 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312464258 Chen C-H, Yao T-K, Dai J-H and Chen C-Y (2014) A pipelined multiprocessor system- on-a-chip (SoC) design methodology for streaming signal processing Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (2): 163-178. Epub ahead of print 16 October 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312458821 Lin M-L and Chen C-W (2014) Fuzzy neural modeling for n-degree ecosystems using the linear matrix inequality approach Journal of Vibration and Control 20 (1): 82-93. Epub ahead of print 8 October 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312458533 Chen C-H, Wu W-X and Chen C-Y (2013) Ant-inspired collective problem-solving systems Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (16): 2481-2490. Epub ahead of print 18 September 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312456231 Chen C-H, Yao T-K, Kuo C-M and Chen C-Y (2013) Evolutionary design of constructive multilayer feedforward neural network Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (16): 2413-2420. Epub ahead of print 12 September 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312456726 Chen C-W (2013) Applications of the fuzzy-neural Lyapunov criterion to multiple time-delay systems Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (13): 2054-2067. Epub ahead of print 16 August 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312451034 Chung P-Y, Chen Y-H, Walter L and Chen C-Y (2013) Influence and dynamics of a mobile robot control on mechanical components Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (13): 1923-1935. Epub ahead of print 20 July 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312452184 Chen C-W (2013) Neural network-based fuzzy logic parallel distributed compensation controller for structural system Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (11): 1709-1727. Epub ahead of print 22 June 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312442233 Chen C-W, Yeh K, Yang H-C, Liu KFR and Liu C-C (2013) A critical review of structural system control by the large-scaled neural network linear-deferential-inclusion-based criterion Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (11): 1658-1673. Epub ahead of print 18 June 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312443377 Chen C-H, Kuo C-M, Chen C-Y and Dai J-H (2013) The design and synthesis using hierarchical robotic discrete-event modeling Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (11): 1603-1613. Epub ahead of print 27 June 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312449645 Chang CJ, Chen CY and Chou I-T (2013) The design of information and communication technologies: telecom MOD strength machines Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (10): 1499-1513. Epub ahead of print 27 June 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312449644 Shih B-Y, Chen C-Y, Li K-H, Wu T-Y, Chen G-Y (2013) A novel NXT control method for implementing force sensing and recycling in a training robot Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (10): 1443-1459. Epub ahead of print 1 June 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312446361 Chen C-W, Chen P-C and Chiang W-L (2013) Modified intelligent genetic algorithm-based adaptive neural network control for uncertain structural systems Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (9): 1333-1347. Epub ahead of print 31 May 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312442232 Chen C-Y, Shih B-Y, Shih C-H and Wang L-H (2013) Enhancing robust and stability control of a humanoid biped robot: system identification approach. Journal of Vibration and Control 19 (8): 1199-1207. Epub ahead of print 26 April 2012. doi: 10.1177/1077546312442947 Chang C-J, Chen C-Y and Huang C-W (2013) Applications for medical recovery using wireless control of a bluetooth ball with a hybrid G-sensor and human-computer interface technology Journal of Vi

Retraction notice

Many bridges in Taiwan have been in use from the period that Taiwan was governed by the Japanese, over 50 years ago, which is the average ultimate usable lifetime of such structures. Three-quarters of the bridges on major highways have been in use for more than 20 years and numerous bridges on country roads have also been in use for more than 20 years. In other words, most of the bridges in Taiwan are aging and may require repair or replacement. Ambient vibration tests are utilized to measure the response of old bridges, which are difficult to equip with accelerometers. The Fourier transform method is traditionally used to gain important information about ambient vibration records. However, the development of information technology over the last 20 years has meant that there are more kinds of signal management technologies, including the wavelet and Hilbert—Huang transform (HHT) methods. In this study we investigate the characteristics of aging bridges by comparison with their structural properties. We analyze their ambient vibration, and discuss the possible influence of the frequency function. Long-term environmental impacts create many structural problems, but with traditional methods examination of bridge health is difficult. Therefore, in our HHT management system, we examine destroyed bridges. The characteristics and behavior of bridges subjected to random loading can be understood by analysis with the random decrement technique and the frequency response function method.

Retraction notice

Even though many humanoid robots have been developed and they have locomotion ability, their balancing ability is not sufficient. In the future, humanoid robots will work and act within the human environment. At that time, the humanoid robot will be exposed to various disturbances. This paper proposes a balancing strategy for hopping humanoid robots against various magnitude of disturbance. The proposed balancing strategy for a hopping humanoid robot consists of two controllers, the posture balance controller and the landing position controller. The posture balance controller is used for small disturbances, and its role is to maintain stability by controlling the ankle torque of the robot. On the other hand, if disturbance is large, the landing position controller, which changes the landing position of the swing foot, works with the posture balance controller simultaneously. In this way, the landing position controller reduces large disturbances, and the posture balance controller controls the remaining disturbances. The landing position controller is derived by the principle of energy conservation. An experiment conducted with a real humanoid robot, HUBO2, verifies the proposed method. HUBO2 made a stable and continuous hopping action with the proposed balancing strategy overcoming various disturbances placed in the way of the robot.

Reducing the uncanny valley by dehumanizing humanoid robots

Bipedal humanoid robots have complex dynamics and they are intrinsically unstable. Although, bipedal robots have a similar kinematic architecture to a human and they are the most appropriate type of robots to operate in human environments, developing a humanoid robot that has robust is a difficult task. This paper proposes an omnidirectional walking engine that takes into account the push recovery strategies. The walking engine has a hierarchical structure and tries to fade the complexities of the dynamic walking. In addition, it can adapt to another platform with few changes. We enhanced the Linear Inverted Pendulum Plus Flywheel Model to release the height constraint of the center of mass. This enhancement allows a more human-like motion and provides more stable walking. The proposed walking engine has been successfully tested on a real humanoid soccer robot. The experimental results show the performance of this controller to generate stable walking. The average speed of walking that we have achieved was 20cm/sec.

Emotional expressiveness in robots has attracted increased research interest, and development of this technology has progressed in recent years. A wide variety of methods employing facial expressions, speech, body movements, and colors indicating emotional expression have been proposed. Although previous studies explored how emotional expressions are recognized and affect human behavior, cooperative and competitive human-robot relationships have not been well studied. In some cases, researchers have examined how cooperative relationships can be influenced by agents that exhibit detailed facial expressions on a screen. It remains unclear whether and how expressive whole-body movements of real humanoid robots influence cooperative decision-making. To explore this, we conducted an experiment in which participants played a finite iterated prisoner’s dilemma game with a small humanoid robot that exhibits multimodal emotional expressions through limb motions, LED lights, and speech. Results showed that participants were more cooperative when the humanoid robot showed emotional expression. This implies that real humanoid robots that lack ability to show sophisticated facial expressions can form cooperative relationships with humans by using whole-body motion, colors, and speech.