Implementation of a Reconfigurable Robot to Achieve Multimodal Locomotion Based on Three Rules of Configuration

Abstract

SUMMARYIn this paper, we focus on the configuration design of a reconfigurable robot that merges the functions of wheels, tracks, and legs together. A deformable rim is utilized to make the robot wheel reconfigurable to change its locomotion mode. Three rules of configuration design to achieve reconfiguration between different modes are proposed: (1) in wheel mode, the track wheel set should be hidden inside the wheel rim; (2) in track/leg mode, the folded wheel rim should be hidden inside the caterpillar loop; (3) the circumference of the wheel rim in wheel mode should be equal to the length of the track ring in track mode. According to these rules, the configuration of the deformable rim, track wheel set, and telescopic spoke are analyzed and designed. A prototype of the reconfigurable wheel is fabricated by three-dimensional printing, and its functions of locomotion in different modes, the switch between different modes, and its load-bearing ability are tested, verifying the effectiveness of the configuration design. Furthermore, a prototype of the reconfigurable robot is manufactured by computerized numerical control (CNC) machining to verify the structural design of the reconfigurable wheel. Compared to traditional hybrid robots with separate wheels, tracks, and legs, this reconfigurable design lends the multimodal robot both excellent terrain adaptability and a compact structure; thus, it can be widely used as a universal mobile platform in search and rescue missions and explosive object disposal missions.

Adaptable Mobile Robot for Rough Terrain

“…The robot will take care about yourself for safely locomotion. There is also other application, where the intelligent properties of products help to prevent the collisions or other accidents [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

The development of a novel terrestrial/aerial robot: autonomous quadrotor tilting hybrid robot

“…Other researchers [10] proposed a two-wheel rotor cylinder structure, with the four rotors folded into a cylindrical fuselage when rolling on the ground to avoid accidental collisions. All the hybrid robots mentioned above belong to a concept of reconfigurable robots which can alter their structure to adapt to different locomotion modes, and this idea has been applied to plenty of designs of terrestrial/aerial robot [11–15]. Nevertheless, these reconfigurable mechanisms are too complex and space occupied, which squeezes the room for deploying sensors and controllers and restricts the robot from being more autonomous.…”

“…Published by Cambridge University Press. to different locomotion modes, and this idea has been applied to plenty of designs of terrestrial/aerial robot [11][12][13][14][15]. Nevertheless, these reconfigurable mechanisms are too complex and space occupied, which squeezes the room for deploying sensors and controllers and restricts the robot from being more autonomous.…”

Raptor: A Design of a Drain Inspection Robot

“…This paper proposes a novel design of a drain inspection robot, Raptor, equipped with the autonomous drain following functionality. Reconfigurability of a robot can eliminate some of its limitations and increases the robot’s capabilities [ 28 , 29 ]. Thus, the mechanical system of the robot is designed to facilitate manual reconfigurability that can be used to adjust the ground clearance per the requirements.…”