Two U.S. scientists created a robot that can jump and climb. This smart robot named RHex was likely used as a military robot for use in rough terrain.
University of Pennsylvania robotics teams are at it again, this time coming up with a robot that aggressively expands the range of how many moves can be made to successfully cross rough terrain full of climbing and leaping challenges. (Picture from: http://phys.org/)
The making project of RHex robot has been started about 15 years ago at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. At that time, the researchers from several universities working to create robots that can pass through rough terrain like what animals could do. The robot ability will be very useful for the military's search missions or as a transport to supply logistics and etc.
According to scientists at the time, the robot should legged with wheeled possible, which was also have the animals ability, agile, and able to overcome the blocking hurdles-like stairs and railings. However, until the last RHex project, none of the legged robot that can face the tough terrain than wheeled robots like those developed by engineering lecturer, Daniel Koditschek and his student, Aaron Johnson.
Koditschek and Johnson have developed a mechanism that enables the robot could climb and also jump over the gap or hole. The two of hurdles were always a constraint on previous RHex projects. "This robot is also able to conquer high fence that is usually always managed to block the road and he can maneuver through the fence that is four times higher than his size," said Koditschek while demonstrating the robot, as quoted from page PhysOrg, on August 15, 2013.
Koditschek and Johnson explained that the latest version of the RHex robot uses lightweight carbon fiber material. This allows the robot to make the leap and climb with less power consumption. This robot has great potential for military purposes use. Since the beginning, the RHex project funded by the military technology development in the United States Department of Defense. And for the latest version of the RHex robot (X-RHex Lite) which has obtain funds from the United States Army. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PHYSORG | R&D | ROSALINA | KORAN TEMPO 4317]
