February 11, 2010
Biomimetics: Climbing Robots Use Whegs
Researchers at the Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab or the Biomimetics Lab, developed the Whegs series.
Case Western Reserve University used both wheels and legs to create Whegs robots, mini-Whegs, and climbing mini-Whegs. The robots move freely at a relatively high speed and climb over obstacles. And it has the maximum power available on-board utilizing each legs, by using one motor.
Inspired by a six-legged robot with six drive motors called PROLERO (Prototype of Legged Rover), designed in 1996 by A. Martin Alvarez at the European Space Agency, the Mini-Whegs robot is only 8-9 cm long and is capable of 'running' at sustained speeds of over 10 body lengths per second while navigating through rough terrain.
The Climbing Mini-Whegs is a four-wheel-legged robot with compliant, adhesive feet and one drive motor, which can climb vertical glass surfaces using its long tail.
While Whegs robots are 20-inches long that utilizes three-spoke wheel-legs powered by one drive motor. With speeds of up to a 3 body lengths to move and it has second (5.5km/hr) and can climb over obstacles up to 1.5 times higher than its wheel-leg radius. It’s an improved model with built-in body joint for additional capability The result of small, versatile, robot.
Click here to read more about Whegs Robots, Biomimetics, PROLERO
Written by: John
Filed Under: Robot Programming, Robotics
Tags: 5km, Alvarez, Capability, Case Western Reserve, Case Western Reserve University, European Space Agency, Glass Surfaces, Legs, Maximum Power, Obstacles, Prototype, Radius, Robotics Lab, Robots, Rough Terrain, Six Legged Robot, Vertical Glass, Western Reserve University, Wheel, Wheels
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ml2udhaya
February 11, 2010 at 6:39 am
WOW !! Thats impressive. 20 inches long driven by only one motor and a great speed. This should be an excellent invention. Nice article..
renga
February 11, 2010 at 6:40 am
it is a very nice article.
Rhonda
February 11, 2010 at 6:42 am
These kinds of robots are suitable for space missions but i bet they can be good on battle field and intelligence services also.Afghanistan region is nothing but another Mars for US.
vineeth
February 11, 2010 at 6:42 am
It is a very awesome article about Biomimetics.
pandian
February 11, 2010 at 6:43 am
Its an great article. I hearty wish to find more inventions at Biomimetics . it will secure the world