BionicWheelBot

Year

2018

The idea

This robot with intelligent control technology can move either by walking or by rolling, just like the Moroccan flic-flac spider.

The objective

The BionicWheelBot derived its special kinematics and drive technology through bionic learning on the basis of existing scientific models.

Technical data

Length: max. 570 mm
Height: max. 238 mm
Width: max. 796 mm
Leg length: max. 344 mm
Track width: 164 mm
Wheel diameter: 267 mm
Degrees of freedom: 15
Material: 3D-printed polyamide
Battery: lithium-polymer, 7.4 V
Actuators: 14 self-locking worm drives

Function

The remote-controlled BionicWheelBot has eight legs powered by 15 small motors. 14 self-locking worm drives ensure that energy only needs to be expended to move the legs. To change from walking to rolling mode, three legs on each side of the body form a wheel. The rolled-up robot, which uses an inertial sensor for spatial orientation, then extends two legs that are folded up during walking to push itself off the ground.

Mechanical force amplification

The torso and legs of the BionicWheelBot are made of 3D-printed polyamide. To enable it to move its 344-millimetre-long legs with high energy efficiency, they are supported by a spring mechanism: each knee and shoulder joint houses a spring that is pre-tensioned when the respective leg is raised.

Material

BionicWheelBot