Robot Step-Frequency Control for Smooth Speed Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot control systems struggle to automatically adjust step frequency in response to changing speed requirements, leading to instability and discontinuity in walking motion.

Innovation Solution

A robot control method and apparatus that adjusts step frequency based on target speed information and current state, using conditions such as leg support, speed difference, and average speed to determine when to switch frequencies, ensuring stability and continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the robot walks at low step frequency, then energy consumption is reduced and noise is reduced, but walking speed cannot reach high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwalking speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic step frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring target speed information and current robot state, automatically transitioning between different step frequencies to optimize both energy efficiency and walking speed performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the robot walks at high step frequency, then walking speed can reach high speeds, but energy consumption increases and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewalking speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts step frequency based on real-time speed requirements, using high step frequency only when high walking speed is needed, and switching to low step frequency when energy efficiency is prioritized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the step frequency parameter according to target speed information and current robot state, selecting from multiple discrete step frequency values to achieve optimal balance between speed and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot automatically adjusts step frequency during walking, then speed adaptability is improved, but walking stability may be compromised due to frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adaptabilityVSAvoidwalking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent determines target step frequency in advance based on target speed information before executing the adjustment, and only implements the change when the robot is in a stable supporting state, preventing disruptions during critical walking phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors current robot state including leg support status and current speed, using this feedback to determine the appropriate moment for step frequency adjustment and to verify stability before and after transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If the robot switches step frequency at any moment, then response speed to speed changes is improved, but walking continuity is disrupted causing abrupt movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidwalking continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the target step frequency in advance based on speed requirements but delays the actual switching action until the robot reaches a suitable moment when all legs are in supporting state, ensuring smooth transition without abrupt movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous stable walking by only permitting step frequency transitions when the robot is in a stable supporting state, maintaining the continuity of the walking motion while still achieving timely speed adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4316955B1Robot control method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 BEIJING XIAOMI ROBOT TECH CO LTD
  • EP4316955B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4316955B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5
  • EP4316955B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A robot control method includes: acquiring (S101, S201, S901) target speed information of a robot at a next moment during walking of the robot; and adjusting (S102) a step frequency of the robot according to the target speed information and a current state of the robot.