Fascinated by the innovative design of the wheel-bodied battle droids, Star WarsA researcher has developed a novel robotic design, featuring a single massive wheel and articulating legs that enable steering capabilities by extending or retracting in various configurations. Despite the temptation to crush the Insurgent Alliance outright, this Bots’ agile offspring might potentially be making deliveries in the future.
The Ringbot, a small-scale prototype robot, was conceived and designed by Associate Professor Prof. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, led by Joohyung Kim, conducted a study…
Kim was particularly taken aback not only by the iconic Star Wars franchise, but also by the innovative, full-scale monowheel prototypes that have emerged over time.
In essence, a hoverbike is a vehicle where the rider sits atop a motorized platform situated on a circular rail-like structure – that structure defines the boundaries of the ride. inside of a single huge wheel. The platform remains level with the bottom as the wheel revolves around it, propelling the vehicle forward.
In truth, Kim additionally Drawing inspiration from the innovative design of “wheeled-foot” robots, specifically ETH Zurich’s prototype featuring motorized wheels on each of its four legs. On smooth surfaces, these wheels efficiently transport the robot along its intended path, much like a vehicle. Even on unlevel ground, however, the robot’s wheels maintain traction for functional feet while it navigates by walking.
College of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Ringbot features a sturdy, 515-millimeter-diameter wheel composed of a durable nylon and carbon fiber hybrid rim paired with a reliable elastomeric tire. Located on the rear side of the rim, two self-propelled driving units sit adjacent to each other.
These modules are connected by a flexible, curly cord, typically interacting with the floor of the rim via individual gear wheels. Each module features a retractable, articulated robotic leg that can extend outward, adjustable to point upwards or downwards as needed.
As the modules activate, they set in motion a synchronized dance of gears, culminating in the Ringbot’s central axis spinning fluidly around its core, likened to a pair of industrious hamsters running on their treadmill.
To maintain stability during travel at varying speeds, they robotically adjust the distance between themselves, allowing them to modulate their center of mass laterally as desired. As the need arises to pivot left or right, a corresponding module extends its leg outward, subtly adjusting the robot’s equilibrium in that direction.
The retractable legs enable the Ringbot to be lowered all the way to the ground, ensuring stability when stationary and facilitating smooth pivoting before resuming movement. While tending to their balance, they subtly readjust the tree’s position to prevent it from toppling, much like a skilled motorcyclist would instinctively apply gentle pressure with one foot when navigating a sharp bend. Will the legs be able to automatically right the robotic and prevent it from lying flat on one side at the base?
College of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
During preliminary indoor evaluations, the autonomous Ringbot was controlled via remote command by a human operator, effectively compensating for its impressive speed of 5 kilometres per hour (3 miles per hour).
As autonomous delivery technology advances, a next-generation robot will leverage advanced camera systems, sensor arrays, and GPS navigation to effortlessly navigate busy city streets, transporting goods to businesses or individuals with precision and efficiency. That model may additionally have 4 Wheel-footed legs, allowing it to stroll effortlessly up stairs and traverse obstacles with ease, mimicking the agility of the ANYmal.
“In large metropolises, tourists flock to rent bicycles, capitalizing on the freedom to explore narrow streets and alleyways with ease, thanks to the skillset of these agile vehicles.” “We intend to bolster the functionality of Ringbot, focusing on enhancing its performance in high-density delivery environments, with a goal of streamlining and automating logistics operations.”
Watch the Ringbot in action through our latest video below. The research, partly sponsored by the Hyundai Motor Group, has recently been published in a scholarly journal. .
Ringbot: Monocycle Robotic with Legs
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