HyQ

HyQ is a hydraulically actuated, torque-controlled quadruped developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Italy. About 0.98 metres tall and 100 kg, it is a substantial research platform created to study dynamic motion and rough-terrain locomotion, and it has been continually refined since 2011.

The IIT HyQ is powered by eight hydraulic cylinders managed by high-performance servovalves, together with four brushless DC motors and harmonic drives, giving it the force and bandwidth for powerful, dynamic movements. Its sensing combines stereo vision cameras, laser range finders, an inertial measurement unit, and load cells with high-resolution joint encoders. The closed-source stack runs on a Xenomai real-time Linux system with custom simulation and control software, torque-control and compliance algorithms, and force-based path planning.

IIT applies HyQ to inspections and search and rescue, where its robust, torque-controlled legs and hydraulic power let it traverse debris and uneven ground while serving as a testbed for advanced control research. Its hydraulic strength distinguishes this quadruped robot from lighter electric designs, making it well suited to studying high-force interactions and dynamic manoeuvres that demand raw actuator power.

Nexon System supports HyQ-class research platforms across Southeast Asia, providing commissioning, control and task programming support, sensor integration, and researcher training with ongoing support. We help research teams stand up the real-time control and simulation environment, integrate sensing, and translate experimental controllers into repeatable trials. Talk to Nexon to plan an HyQ research deployment.