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Six-legged walking robot for demanding inspection tasks

LAURON

Since the early nineties, the FZI Research Center for Information Technology has been working on the development of intelligent, multi-legged walking robots. What started as a wooden prototype has evolved into the highly complex autonomous walking robots LAURON V and VI. The name LAURON (German abbreviation of LAUfender ROboter Neuronal gesteuert, signifying “walking robot with neural control”) originates from the first generation, which, in contrast to the current generation, was still controlled by neural networks. The six-legged kinematics allows for reproducing biologically inspired, insect-like walking approaches. They are characterized by robust walking capabilities for demanding inspection tasks. In 2024, the sixth generation will be presented to the public.

Manufacturer-independent

FZI in-house construction without third-party specifications

Flexible equipment

Sensor and actuator
equipment customized for
use and application

Open source

ROS 2 as the basis for flexible control and application

Biologically inspired

Based on the model of a
stick insect

.

With its research focus Applied Artificial Intelligence, the FZI is a scientific leader in the research of interactive diagnostic and service systems and contributes to their implementation in beneficial, tailor-made solutions for industry and society.

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Technical details of Generation V and VI

Six-legged kinematics

  • Six legs
  • Lightweight design

Static stability and mobility even on difficult terrain

Improved adaptability

Lauron V
  • Four degrees of freedom per leg
  • 24 degrees of freedom in total

Robust gripping and mastering of steep inclines

Lauron VI
  • Three degrees of freedom per leg
  • 18 degrees of freedom in total

Option for various controllers, fitting to the surroundings

Flexible sensor technology

  • Swiveling sensor head
  • Mission-specific sensors
  • Laser scanner on the back for 3D mapping

Specific equipment for individual inspection tasks

The complex in-house development of the LAURON series demonstrates the extensive know-how of the FZI Research Center for Information Technology in the development of prototypes and the use of walking robotics.

Videos of Lauron V

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Development of the LAURON series

LAURON VI

LAURON VI will be presented at the CLAWAR conference 2024. It utilizes specific torque-controlled motors equipped with a flexible spring, absorbing hard impacts and making the robot more robust. A full-body control approach ensures the robot’s stability even during complex maneuvers in difficult terrain. The new LAURON generation thus creates an adaptive inspection platform for demanding applications.

LAURON V

LAURON V was presented at the IEEE robotics conference ICRA in 2013. The fifth generation is characterized by an additional rotational joint. The kinematics is aligned closer to the biological model and ensures safe locomotion. LAURON V is applicable for demanding inspection, search, and rescue tasks. His capabilities were put to the test at the DLR SpaceBot Cup in 2012. The robot is located in the FZI House of Living Labs and is currently employed for research purposes.

LAURON IV

LAURON IV was developed in 2004 and is characterized by an improved robustness compared to its predecessor model. In its legs, toothed belts replace the formerly used cable pulls. The robot’s head has two degrees of freedom. Its central body is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. Two embedded PCs and unique motor control electronics are used for control. Three specimens of generation IV were put into operation. They are currently located in various university institutes and museums in Europe.

LAURON III

LAURON III dates back to 1999. Here, a modular and reactive robot control system replaced the neural networks of previous generations. Apart from walking, this robot version was also used to investigate localization, navigation, and environmental modeling. Eight robot systems of this generation were built and sold. One is still located in the FZI House of Living Labs, and another in the Technoseum in Mannheim.

LAURON II

LAURON II dates back to 1994 and was characterized by a revised design and additional foot force and tilt sensors. Heavy legs made of aluminum increased the robot’s weight to 16 kilograms. LAURON II served as a test platform for control strategies and machine learning.

LAURON I

Lauron I was presented to the public at CEBIT in 1994. Its central body was made of aluminum, and its legs were fiber-reinforced plastic. It weighed around 11 kilograms. The robot was controlled by neural networks. The stick insect served as biological inspiration. Today, LAURON I is owned by the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

Thanks to its modular equipment and safe operation, the LAURON system can carry out complex missions autonomously, even in particularly difficult terrain.

Contact

Georg Heppner

Department Manager
Division: Intelligent Systems and Production Engineering

About the FZI

As an independent research institution, the FZI Research Center for Information Technology supports you in finding a solution for your specific requirements. We offer

  • robust, modern robot platforms
  • extensive knowledge of robotics software frameworks
  • contract research, prototype development, or exchange of experience
  • feasibility studies, pilot applications, and evaluation in practice
  • training and further education

LAURON generations in use

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