A Trainable CPG Framework for Quadruped Locomotion

Abstract

We present CPG-ENN, a trainable quadruped locomotion framework that combines explicit neural coordination with learned motion realization. A symmetry-based eight-neuron central pattern generator (CPG) supplies gait rhythms, while a pretrained, leg-shared execution neural network (ENN) maps rhythmic signals and trajectory parameters to joint-angle references without online inverse kinematics. A single feedback policy modulates six physically interpretable trajectory variables. The controller tracks planar velocity and yaw-rate commands across walk, trot, pace, bound, and pronk without gait-specific learned controllers or transitionspecific rewards. Simulation yields 99.39% transition success across all 20 directed gait pairs and all source-target speed combinations from {0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0} m/s. Ablations show high cross-gait transition feasibility without transition exposure; exposure mainly refines gait acquisition and velocity transients. Comparisons with AllGaits and Walk These Ways demonstrate accurate gait-speed regulation, and Unitree Go2 experiments validate five gaits and their transitions.