Team of researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have come up with a bipedal robot that performs the twin function of walking and flying. The researchers team claims that their latest creation is not just agile but also capable of complex movements.
Bipedal Robot called Leonardo is part-walking robot, part-flying drone is built in such a way that it can balance itself on a slackline, hop around, or even ride a skateboard.
Researchers Said :
Design and develop by Caltech’s Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST), the robot’s multi-joint legs and propeller-base thrusters help it achieve a fine degree of control over its balance.
Soon-Jo Chung, Bren Professor of Aerospace and Control and Dynamical Systems Said :
The team drew inspiration from nature, adding that the birds can fly as well navigate telephone lines. “A complex yet intriguing behaviour happens as birds move between walking and flying,” says Chung, who is also the corresponding author of the study, adding that the researchers wanted to understand and learn from that.
Soon-Jo Chung explain further that the way Leonardo uses synch control of distribute propeller-base thrusters and leg joints is akin to a human in a jet suit controlling his/her legs and feet while landing and taking off.
“We wanted to study the interface of walking and flying from the dynamics and control standpoint.”
The researchers team said that bipedal robots are capable of tackling complex terrains just as humans move while jumping or running or even climbing stairs.
When it comes to rough terrain, it becomes difficult for these machines.
But that’s when the flying feature of Leonardo comes to the rescue if it can’t walk or jump on the ground, it can simply fly over it.
There are some limitations too.
Not only does Leonardo consume excessive energy when it flies, but also possesses only limited payload capacity.
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