Reinforcement Learning Enabled Adaptive Multi-Task Control for Bipedal Soccer Robots

arXiv cs.RO / 4/22/2026

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Key Points

  • The paper presents a modular reinforcement learning framework to enable bipedal soccer robots to adaptively handle multiple tasks while maintaining motion stability in dynamic environments.
  • It separates basic gait generation from complex football behaviors by combining an open-loop feedforward oscillator with an RL-based feedback residual strategy.
  • To avoid control-state conflicts, the approach uses a posture-driven state machine that cleanly switches between the Ball-Seeking and Kicking Network (BSKN) and the Fall Recovery Network (FRN).
  • The FRN is trained using a progressive force-attenuation curriculum learning strategy, improving fall-recovery performance without destabilizing other skills.
  • Unity simulations show strong real-world-like adaptability (including restricted corner scenarios) and fast autonomous fall recovery with an average recovery time of 0.715 seconds.

Abstract

Developing bipedal football robots in dynamiccombat environments presents challenges related to motionstability and deep coupling of multiple tasks, as well ascontrol switching issues between different states such as up-right walking and fall recovery. To address these problems,this paper proposes a modular reinforcement learning (RL)framework for achieving adaptive multi-task control. Firstly,this framework combines an open-loop feedforward oscilla-tor with a reinforcement learning-based feedback residualstrategy, effectively separating the generation of basic gaitsfrom complex football actions. Secondly, a posture-driven statemachine is introduced, clearly switching between the ballseeking and kicking network (BSKN) and the fall recoverynetwork (FRN), fundamentally preventing state interference.The FRN is efficiently trained through a progressive forceattenuation curriculum learning strategy. The architecture wasverified in Unity simulations of bipedal robots, demonstratingexcellent spatial adaptability-reliably finding and kicking theball even in restricted corner scenarios-and rapid autonomousfall recovery (with an average recovery time of 0.715 seconds).This ensures seamless and stable operation in complex multi-task environments.