Westwood Robotics was founded in 2018 by a team of roboticists from UCLA’s Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa), and specializes in dynamic robotic systems and cutting-edge proprioceptive actuators. Read more >>
Among its notable creations are the BRUCE child-sized humanoid robot, the BEAR series of actuators, and the THEMIS full-size humanoid robot, which epitomizes Westwood’s commitment to advancing robotics for real-world applications.
Central to THEMIS’s development has been the integration of advanced inertial sensing technology, enabling precise motion control and dynamic stability.
This article explores how the 3DM-CV7-AHRS inertial sensor from MicroStrain by HBK is leveraged by Westwood Robotics to address key challenges in humanoid robotics and push the boundaries of robotic performance.
Navigating the Challenges of Humanoid Robotics
Humanoid robotics represents one of the most complex fields in engineering, requiring a seamless blend of mechanics, electronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Robots like THEMIS are tasked with performing dynamic movements such as walking, running, and even parkour maneuvers.
These activities demand solutions to several critical challenges:
- Dynamic stability: Maintaining balance during complex movements requires precise real-time orientation data.
- Structural flexibility: Designing systems that are both lightweight and durable while integrating advanced technologies.
- Control complexity: Coordinating multiple joints with precision through advanced algorithms.
- Human-robot interaction: Ensuring safe and intuitive operation in shared spaces.
For THEMIS, achieving dynamic balance and motion stability under varying conditions is paramount. This requirement underscores the importance of robust sensor integration, where the 3DM-CV7-AHRS plays a transformative role.
Enhancing Stability with the 3DM-CV7-AHRS
The 3DM-CV7-AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) from MicroStrain is a compact inertial measurement unit (IMU) that provides high-accuracy data on orientation (roll, pitch, yaw) and acceleration. Its integration into THEMIS has been pivotal in enhancing the robot’s stability and responsiveness.
By leveraging advanced sensor fusion algorithms, the 3DM-CV7-AHRS delivers a reliable and stable estimate of THEMIS’s orientation. This data is seamlessly fed into the robot’s control systems, enabling precise navigation, balance, and movement.
Xiaoguang Zhang, Founder and CEO of Westwood Robotics, commented, “We experience seamless precision with the 3DM-CV7-AHRS sensor on the THEMIS humanoid robot. Configuring this IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is a breeze, ensuring a user-friendly setup process. What sets it apart is its ability to deliver reliable data at an impressive speed of 1 kHz, a crucial factor for real-time applications.
“Whether navigating intricate movements or responding swiftly to changes in the environment, the 3DM-CV7-AHRS sensor elevates our experience in development and experiments with THEMIS, providing unparalleled accuracy and responsiveness in every interaction.”
Key attributes of the 3DM-CV7-AHRS that make it ideal for humanoid robotics include:
- Accuracy: Centimeter-level precision for orientation and navigation tasks.
- Compact design: Lightweight and easily integrated into robotic platforms, maintaining design flexibility.
- Ease of integration: Built-in APIs and software libraries streamline its incorporation into the Robot Operating System (ROS) architecture.
These features reduce development time while enhancing THEMIS’s ability to execute complex maneuvers with human-like agility.
From Concept to Application: THEMIS in Action
The integration of the 3DM-CV7-AHRS sensor elevates THEMIS’s performance by enabling:
- Dynamic balance: Maintaining equilibrium during complex tasks such as running or sudden directional changes.
- Stability in real-time: Adapting to rapid shifts in terrain or environmental conditions.
- Efficient control: Streamlining movement coordination across multiple joints.
THEMIS exemplifies Westwood Robotics’ vision of creating versatile, humanoid robots capable of performing general-purpose tasks. With a top running speed of 10 km/h and advanced motion capabilities, THEMIS is designed for dynamic, real-world applications, from navigating challenging environments to performing high-precision tasks alongside humans.
Driving Innovation with BRUCE and Open-Source Collaboration
In addition to THEMIS, Westwood Robotics has developed BRUCE, the world’s only child-sized humanoid robot open platform. Designed as a collaborative research tool, BRUCE aims to foster innovation within the global robotics community.
Its open-source architecture encourages knowledge-sharing and accelerates advancements in control algorithms, sensor integration, and humanoid design.
The BEAR (Back-drivable Electromechanical Actuator for Robotics) series further enhances both BRUCE and THEMIS, delivering precise actuation that supports dynamic movements while maintaining energy efficiency.
Future Horizons: Redefining Humanoid Robotics
By integrating systems like Microstrain’s 3DM-CV7-AHRS, these robots are not only becoming more capable but are also establishing new standards for precision, adaptability, and safety. This enables Westwood Robotics’ advancements in sensing, actuation, and design to pave the way for the next generation of humanoid robots.
THEMIS’s ability to perform with human-like finesse opens doors to applications across industries:
- Manufacturing: Enhancing automation with tasks requiring fine motor skills.
- Healthcare: Assisting in physical therapy and patient interaction.
- Search and rescue: Navigating hazardous environments where human intervention is risky.
Meanwhile, BRUCE’s open-source initiative ensures that researchers and developers worldwide have access to cutting-edge platforms, driving collaboration and accelerating breakthroughs in robotics.
The role of Microstrain’s 3DM-CV7-AHRS in enabling real-time stability and precision showcases how collaboration between innovative companies can push the boundaries of humanoid robotics.
From BRUCE’s collaborative research platform to THEMIS’s real-world capabilities, Microstrain and Westwood Robotics are redefining what humanoid robots can achieve.
Read the original article, or visit the HBK Microstrain website for more information.
