Researchers at Cornell University have unveiled a groundbreaking quadrupedal robot that utilizes a small internal combustion engine for propulsion. In a recent publication in the journal Science, the team explained the technology behind this innovative creation. By harnessing explosive power, even small engines can produce significant force. The bug-sized robot showcased remarkable strength by carrying a load 22 times heavier than its own weight.
To enable the robot’s movement, the researchers developed a propulsion device consisting of an expandable elastic membrane, electrodes, and a small fuel injection tube. These components were carefully assembled using 3D printing technology. The elastic membrane, composed of flame-resistant material, safeguards against wear caused by explosions. When an electric spark occurs at the electrode, the membrane rapidly expands, generating an impressive force of 9.5N in just 0.5 milliseconds. This expansion and contraction can occur up to 100 times per second, providing the robot with remarkable agility and endurance. Even after operating for approximately 8.5 hours, the device exhibited no noticeable performance degradation.
Measuring a mere 29 millimeters in length and weighing just 1.5 grams, this advanced quadrupedal robot not only successfully carried a load 22 times its own weight but also showcased its impressive leaping ability. Jumping vertically to a height of 59cm while carrying a heavy load on its back, the robot demonstrated a level of mobility previously unseen in robots of such small proportions.
Ryan Truby, a materials science and engineering researcher at Northwestern University, commended the actuators used in the robot, stating, “Due to their remarkable circularity, speed, and strength, these actuators provide small robots with locomotion capabilities that were previously only possible in much larger counterparts.”
With future research plans aimed at improving precision movement and addressing the reliance on a power line connection, the researchers envision potential applications for the robot in disaster areas and challenging terrains. Robert Shepard, co-author of the paper and director of Cornell University’s Organic Robotics Laboratory, expressed his enthusiasm for the future, stating his desire to utilize these small yet powerful actuator assemblies as versatile muscles for large robots. He believes that combining ten thousand of these actuators with a rigid skeleton would result in the creation of an agile and swift hybrid robot suitable for land-based operations.
The development of this quadrupedal robot marks a significant breakthrough in robotic technology, showcasing the potential for small robots to achieve locomotion capabilities previously reserved for larger counterparts. With further advancements on the horizon, the future of robotics is poised to revolutionize various industries and sectors.
A quadrupedal robot based on an internal combustion engine unveiled by researchers at Cornell University. The elastic body attached to the leg repeats expansion and contraction in response to the explosion and transmits power. [사진=IEEE Spectrum]
A paper published by researchers at Cornell University in the journal Science on the 14th explained the technology for moving a robot with a small internal combustion engine. Thanks to explosive power, even small engines can give great force. The advanced bug-sized quadrupedal robot walked while carrying a load 22 times heavier than its own weight.
The researchers created a propulsion device by assembling an expandable elastic membrane, electrodes, and a small fuel injection tube using a 3D printer. The elastic membrane is made of flame resistant material to prevent wear from explosions. When a small electric spark occurs at the electrode, it expands to a force of 9.5N within 0.5 milliseconds. Repeater can expand and contract up to 100 times per second. It was installed inside the robot and operated for about 8.5 hours without any noticeable performance degradation.
The advanced quadrupedal robot is 29 millimeters long and weighs 1.5 grams. He walked around carrying a load 22 times heavier than his own weight. He also performed a feat of jumping 59cm vertically while carrying a heavy load on his back.
“Because of their high circularity, speed and strength, actuators can provide locomotion capabilities to small robots that were previously possible in much larger robots,” said Ryan Truby, a materials science and engineering researcher at Northwestern University.
The research team plans to make it move and run more precisely through follow-up research. We are also trying to improve the fact that it can only be moved when a power line is connected. This is for moving in disaster areas or other difficult terrain.
Robert Shepard, co-author of the paper and director of the Organic Robotics Laboratory at Cornell University, told IEEE Spectrum, “A project I’d like to explore in the future is using small, powerful actuator assemblies as versatile muscles for large robots,” adding , “Ten thousand of these actuators on a rigid skeleton. “If we do this, we can create an agile and fast hybrid robot on land,” he claimed.
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