Experimental Study on Passive Dynamic Bipedal Walking: Comparing Test Platforms and Effects of Parameter Changes on Gait Patterns

Passive dynamic walking is a gait developed, partially or in whole, by the energy provided by gravity. An improved kneed bipedal walking mechanism was designed and built to study passive gait patterns. The first aim of this study is to determine if testing a passive dynamic biped walker on a ramp is equivalent to testing on a treadmill. Based on the small difference between the gait patterns measured on the two test platforms, testing on a treadmill is equivalent to testing on a ramp. Measurement of the gait parameters were then conducted on the treadmill to evaluate the effects of the treadmill angle of inclination, mass distribution of the biped, treadmill belt speed and length of flat feet. Our experimental results are presented and compared with previous experimental and simulation results. Research on passive dynamic bipedal walking helps to develop an understanding of walking mechanics. Moreover, experimental passive dynamic walking results provide information to validate mathematical models of passive dynamic walking.