Robotic Locus

December 24th, 2015 by

Researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel have developed a miniature robot that can jump up to 11 feet high and 4.5 feet horizontally in one leap. The locust-like robot has been designed to handle search-and-rescue and reconnaissance missions in rough terrain. The robot is called TAUB. It is five inches long and weighs less than one ounce. The plastic body of TAUB is 3-D-printed, its legs are composed of stiff carbon rods, and its torsion springs of steel wire. A small on-board battery powers the robot, which is remotely controlled via an on-board microcontroller. Like a locust, which uses stored mechanical energy to enhance the action of its leg muscles, the robot’s jump is due to its ability to store energy in torsion springs. The researchers are currently working on a gliding mechanism that will enable the robot to extend its jumping range, lower its landing impact, execute multiple steered jumps, and stabilize while airborne.

Source: Tel Aviv University

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