We consider the deterministic modeling, calibration, and model parameter estimation of two commonly employed inertial measurement units based on real test data acquired from a flight motion simulator. Each unit comprises three tri-axial devices: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. We perform the deterministic error modeling and calibration of accelerometers based on an improved measurement model, and the technique we propose for gyroscopes lowers costs by eliminating the need for additional sensors and relaxing the test bed requirement. We present an extended measurement model for magnetometers that reduces calibration errors by modeling orientation-dependent hard-iron errors in a gimbaled angular position-control machine. While we employ the model-based Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm for the parameter estimation of accelerometers and magnetometers, we use a model-free evolutionary optimization algorithm (particle swarm optimization) for estimating the calibration parameters of gyroscopes. Errors are considerably reduced as a result of proper modeling and calibration.

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A long-standing argument in model-based control of locomotion is about the level of complexity that a model should have to define a behavior such as running. Even though goldilocks model based on biomechanical evidence is often sought, it is unclear what complexity level qualifies to be such a model. This dilemma deepens further for bipedal robotic running with point feet, since these robots are underactuated, while tracking center-of-mass (COM) trajectories defined by the spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) model of running allocates all control inputs, leaving angular coordinates of the robot's trunk uncontrolled. Existing work in the literature approach this problem either by trading off COM trajectories against upright trunk posture during stance or by adopting more detailed models that include effects of trunk angular dynamics. In this paper, we present a new approach based on modifying foot placement targets of the SLIP model. Theoretical analysis and numerical results show that the proposed approach outperforms these traditional strategies.