Robotic Locomotion and Whole Body Manipulation

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is pursuing research to increase the dynamic mobility in autonomous robotics platforms to enable agile traversal of complex environments. Physics-based multi-bodied models are used to construct simulations which aid the development of control authorities and fundamental understanding of the dynamics that govern the robotic system. These controls are transitioned to physical platforms where verification and refined tuning are demonstrated. Iterations between the model and physical platform are continued to further expand and improve performance and efficiency. These techniques are used across multiple platforms such as legged robotics and other high degree of freedom limbed systems. The candidate should be aware of techniques for validation and verification of simulations through experiments. The ARL-RAP is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. The Vehicle Technology Directorate (VTD) is the principal Army organization responsible for the pursuit of mobility-related science and technologies leading to advanced capabilities and improved reliability for Army air and ground vehicles. The mission is accomplished through in-house basic and applied research, and from collaborations with other ARL functions, RDECOM, Navy, Air Force, academia and industry leaders.