Method for developing and controlling a robot to have movements matching an animation character

A method of generating design and control criteria for a robot, comprising:

• from a data storage device, retrieving a set of animation data for a character;
• with a processor on a computer system, extracting data defining a character skeleton for the character from the set of animation data;
• with the processor, setting a set of target features for the robot including defining a kinematic structure based on the extracted data defining the character skeleton and further including defining a range of motion for the robot based on the set of animation data;
• and
• designing mechanics of the robot including a set of structural segments corresponding to the kinematic structure and the range of motion for the robot.

A method for generating and controlling a humanoid robot to provide motions that mimic motion of an animation character, comprising:

• processing animation data for an animation character to obtain a character skeleton and a reference motion for the animation character;
• based on the character skeleton, defining a kinematic structure for a robot;
• based on the reference motion and the character skeleton, defining torque requirements for the robot;
• and
• based on the torque requirements, defining a plurality of actuators to move the kinematic structure of the robot based on the reference motion.