A New Robot Can Crawl, Roll, and Fly

Photo by Alessio Soggetti on Unsplash

Some scientists are studying how animals move and using that knowledge to design robots. They’ve noticed that animals, like certain birds, can use their wings for different purposes, like walking on the ground. They’re really good at using the same body parts in different ways to move around and adapt to different environments. In a recent article published in Nature Communications, the scientists described a robot called the Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot, or M4 for short. The robot can use its components in different ways as wheels, thrusters, hands, and legs. For example, the four wheels can raise up and become drone thrusters. The robot can fly, roll like a wheel, crawl like an insect, crouch, balance itself, tumble, scout, and even grasp things. M4 is also really good at handling tough situations. It can go up steep slopes and move through rough terrains with big obstacles. The robot has computers and sensors inside it, so it can figure out how to adapt to different environments and automatically switch between a ground vehicle and a drone.

Source: Nature Communications

This kind of robot is exciting because it can help us explore dangerous or challenging places, like rough terrains or areas affected by natural disasters. It might even be used for package delivery.

Link: The Research Article
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Summary

The Purpose
To enable a robot to move around challenging places
The Idea 
Use its components in different ways as wheels, thrusters, and legs

Further Possibilities

1. Use the robot for searching natural disaster survivors

By combining various modalities, such as mobility, sensing capabilities, and communication systems, a new robot might be capable of efficiently locating and rescuing survivors in challenging and hazardous environments.

2. Make cars with similar technologies

M4’s advanced mobility mechanisms might be adapted for car design to enhance maneuverability and navigation. We might finally have a flying car.

3. Use the robot for infrastructure inspection and maintenance

M4 might efficiently and effectively assess the condition of infrastructure, detect faults or damage, and facilitate necessary repairs or maintenance activities.

4. Use the robot for outdoor adventure and tourism

M4 might provide access to remote locations, offer guided exploration, ensure safety, and deliver interactive and memorable experiences.

5. Develop a drone racing game based on this robot

M4 may offer a unique gaming experience that combines the excitement of drone racing with the advanced navigation capabilities.

Questions

1. What might be all the scenarios where robots need to navigate complex terrains?
2. What are the drawbacks of being able to convert among multiple modes of locomotion?
3. What would Steve Jobs do with the robot?

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