An approach is presented whereby small, unmanned aircraft can land on walls. The approach is demonstrated with a plane that uses an ultrasonic sensor to initiate a pitch-up maneuver as it flies toward a wall. The plane contacts the wall with spines that engage asperities on the surface. A non-linear suspension absorbs the kinetic energy while keeping the spines attached. A planar dynamic model is used to evaluate pitch-up maneuvers and determine suspension parameters that satisfy constraints on the contact forces for a range of flight velocities. Simulations conducted using the model are compared with data obtained using high-speed video and a force plate embedded in a wall.
Combined jumping and gliding locomotion, or 'jumpgliding', can be an efficient way for small robots or animals to travel over cluttered terrain. This paper presents functional requirements and models for a simple jumpglider which formalize the benefits and limitations of using aerodynamic surfaces to augment jumping ability. Analysis of the model gives insight into design choices and control strategies for higher performance and to accommodate special conditions such as a slippery launching surface. The model informs the design of a robotic platform that can perform repeated jumps using a carbon fiber spring and a pivoting wing. Experiments with two different versions of the platform agree with predictions from the model and demonstrate a significantly greater range, and lower cost-of-transport, than a comparable ballistic jumper.
We describe an approach whereby small unmanned aircraft can land and perch on outdoor walls. Our prototype uses an ultrasonic sensor to initiate a pitch-up maneuver as it flies toward a wall. As it begins to stall, it contacts the wall with compliant "feet" equipped with rows of miniature spines that engage asperities on the surface. A nonlinear hierarchical suspension absorbs the kinetic energy and controls contact forces in the normal and tangential directions to keep spines engaged during the landing process. Future work will include powered take-offs and maneuvering in contact with the wall.
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