Abstract
This paper presents the design and control of a quadruped robot equipped with a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) bionic active torso based on a parallel mechanism. Inspired by the compliant and flexible torsos of quadrupedal mammals, the proposed torso structure enhances locomotion performance by enabling coordinated motion between the torso and legs. A complete kinematic model of the bionic torso and the whole body of the quadruped robot is developed. To address the variation in inertial properties caused by torso motion, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy with a variable center of mass (CoM) is proposed for integrated whole-body motion control. Comparative simulations under trot gait are conducted between rigid-torso and active-torso configurations. Results show that the active torso significantly improves gait flexibility, postural stability, and locomotion efficiency. This study provides a new approach to enhancing biomimetic locomotion in quadruped robots through active torso-leg coordination.