Miniature servo valves control quadruped robot

The robot called HyQ or Hydraulically actuated Quadruped was created to help humans in emergency situations and during search and rescue operations in dangerous areas.

The design of the "actively compliant” legs was a key element in the development of HyQ because the miniature valve allowed for the rapid modification of the hydraulic flow to the moving parts, enabling modulation of the rigidity/elasticity of the limbs and absorbing the shock of impact when the legs hit the ground thereby preventing damage to the central body.

Moog’s Miniature Valves (E024-LA) fully satisfied the researchers’ need for compact size hydraulic servo valves capable of guaranteeing high performance oil flow control and maximum strength. The E024 series was originally developed for use on F1 automobiles and its key advantage in motorsport applications is the high ‘power density’ of the technology in an ultra-light weight design, weighing just 92 g (3.24 oz).