An energy efficient biped robotic system with passive-dynamic locomotion
includes a body having a frame. An energy recapture mechanism is
suspended within the frame. The energy recapture mechanism includes a
load, a mechanical energy storage mechanism that interconnects the load
and the frame, and a guide means secured to the load and the frame. A
mechanical energy input mechanism interconnects the load with an electric
energy generating mechanism. An output means transfers the generated
electric energy to an energy storage device. The robot also includes a
leg connected to the body portion. The cyclical movement of the leg
during passive-dynamic locomotion is transferred to the load through the
mechanical energy storage mechanism, and the resulting oscillatory
movement of the load is transferred by the mechanical energy input
mechanism to the electric energy generating mechanism. The generated
electric energy is transferred to the energy storage device for use by
the robotic system.