Airbug

Year

2001

The idea

This walking robot is designed based on the motoric model of the beetle.

The objective

Rather than an exoskeleton, the Airbug has pneumatic muscles.

Technical data

• Height: 180 cm
• Width: 150 cm
• Weight: 32 kg
• Pneumatic muscles: 48

Operating principle

The walking robot with intelligent control algorithms has six legs that are moved by pneumatic muscles. Each joint is powered by a pair of antagonistic muscles with active and passive characteristics that enable the Airbug’s elastic, energy-efficient gait.

Movement

The position, torque and stiffness of the individual joints can be controlled almost instantaneously. The adaptable Airbug moves with a so-called tripod gait: at any given time, three legs are in contact with the ground while the other three move through the air.

Application

The Airbug can move over difficult terrain. Within its potential stride length, it can find a secure landing point without deviating too far from its principal direction. As an autonomous machine, it is suitable for use in hazardous industrial environments.