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42 Modern Robotics

at once. The algorithms could then be fine-tuned to synchronize the
three aspects of motion under a wide range of conditions.
The simplest form of locomotion is where only one leg moves at
a time. To walk like a human or a cat, however, it is necessary to
have more than one leg moving simultaneously. Raibert solved this
problem by combining two or even four legs into a single “virtual
leg,” where the individual legs are coordinated so they act like the
simpler single leg model.

Boston Dynamics

Practical walking robots would have to have far more extensive
capabilities than those in the Leg Lab’s simple walking demonstra-
tions. In the real world, robots would have to navigate around fur-
niture and people . . . or clamber over rock-strewn terrain. Vision
systems and artificial intelligence would be needed for the robot
to “know” how to adjust its stride to fit the kind of surface it was
traveling over.
In 1992, Raibert began to move from the academic world to
the realm of industry. He became president of an innovative soft-
ware company called Boston Dynamics. The company special-
ized in simulations of human movement for the government and
military.
In particular, Raibert applied his concepts of robot motion to
the problem of generating realistic animated simulations of motion
for simulations, games, and even movies. Using his software, a
special-effects designer would not have to animate each tiny stage
painstakingly in the motion of, for example, a dinosaur. He or she
could simply set the necessary parameters, tell the software where
the dinosaur should move on the screen, and have the animation
sequence generated automatically.
Using a product called Di-Guy, makers of games and simulations
can easily add lifelike human characters. The product has become
quite popular with the military, which can use pre-built characters,
including various types of soldiers and specialists such as landing
signal officers and “first responders,” complete with protective
masks and other gear.