Bionic­Kangaroo

Year

2014

The idea

The BionicKangaroo can recover energy when jumping, store it in its Achilles tendon and release it again for the next jump.

The objective

The energy efficiency and dynamics of the BionicKangaroo are enabled by a combination of drive concepts: Pneumatics provide jumping power, and electrics make for precision.

Technical data

• Height: 100 cm
• Weight: 7 kg
• Jump distance: max. 80 cm
• Jump height: max. 40 cm
• Supply pressure: 8 bar
• Body shell: foam material
• Kinematics: laser-sintered components with carbon reinforcement
• Operating principle: gesture control via myo-armband
• Range: 50 m Bluetooth

Function

In preparation for a jump, the Achilles tendon of the BionicKangaroo is pneumatically preloaded. By leaning forward, the robotic animal shifts its centre of gravity. As soon as a certain angle is reached, the solenoid valves are activated and compressed air flows into the lightweight cylinders in the hind legs. The energy stored in the tendon is released and the kangaroo jumps. When landing, the tendon tightens again. The control and regulation technology evaluates sensor data, measured values, and the angle of attack and generates corresponding signals.

Energy supply

The energy level is constantly monitored. Lithium-polymer batteries provide the necessary power. The compressed air for the cylinders is supplied by a refillable 200-bar high-pressure accumulator.

Operating principle

The operator sends movement commands using gestures in an intuitive human-machine interac-tion by beckoning the BionicKangaroo, pointing it in the right direction or asking it to turn around or sit down. A sensor armband registers the muscle activity and coordinates of the operator’s arm and transmits the signals to the control units of the robotic animal via Bluetooth.

Material

BionicKangaroo