Learning Robust Autonomous Navigation and Locomotion for Wheeled-legged Robots

In our new Science Robotics paper, we introduce an autonomous navigation system developed for our wheeled-legged quadrupeds, designed for fast and efficient navigation within large urban environments. Driven by neural network policies, our simple, unified control system enables smooth gait transitions, smart navigation planning, and highly responsive obstacle avoidance in populated urban environments.

With the Swiss-Mile prototype robot, we have conducted kilometer-scale missions for months and proved the feasibility of our system for real-world applications.

[yoyomemory]

Wow! this version of robot dog is amazing!!

[TinyShaman]

This is brilliant. I absolutely love the combination of wheeled and legged locomotion, and the way they interact and complement each other, not just switch. Can't wait to see these things learn and become more agile and graceful.

[JoJoNumbarOne]

Good job! When it's in all wheel mode, maybe you can use some mechanical locks to fix the joints to save more electricity for the acutator on these joints. Keep only the necessary ones unlocked for steering left/right

[rodrigobarraza]

Amazing work guys. Been following your progress for a long time. My favorite robot dog of all!

[zambani]

I've always said that the robot that we will ultimately use for general purpose won't look like a human and have normal fingers and legs. If you gonna build something to physically assist us why start with a human frame with its known limitations. These guys have it right. Take the best parts of as many species and vehicles as possible.

[claudiabaran-konarska]

I love the idea. Pure leg-walking is so inefficient

[zazouille]

Great job. The combination of modes is amazing!

[kennethattans]

This is a game changer in autonomous navigation. Kudos to the team who made this possible.

[gufran_]

Congratulation 🎉 to the team who designed this revolutionary concept of locomotion.

[bracodescanner]

I'd love to know how you picked a scalable framework. Looks great.

[johneisnor]

What is the runtime for this robot before needing to be recharged? I could see something like this doing security for a compound, or, search and rescue etc, but only if it had several hours of charge

[Pedestrian_A]

This idea is impressive. I wonder how much this can extend the battery life compared to full walking mode.

[plaguedoctor]

why not make the robot able to lock the wheels when going up stairs or such?

[Tech_Planet]

Easily the most advanced robotic dog platform!

[likekim]

So how much is it? You can also put a saddle on it

[Garry-pdgw]

Thanks for building a thought It had . It works better than I thought, top marks A++

[Charles-Darwin]

can you train it to skate along like an inline skater? I could see it hitting narrow gaps just balancing on one side and tucking in the the other wheel set

[WaveOfDestiny]

I'm just in love with this thing, i don't get why everyone makes robots with normal feet when you can have this and waste less energy and be faster, especially if you can switch configuration. Are feet just more stable at this stage of learning?.

[sylvanobenard]

It reminds me of the wheelers from the movie return to OZ

[laviedealain]

Speed, climbing and jumping !!! That's amazing !