Energy-Efficient Dual-Mode Robot ATOM Flies and Rolls Using Just Two Actuators
Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a dual-mode robot named ATOM, which operates with only two actuators for both flight and ground movement. This design promotes energy efficiency, addressing a common shortcoming seen in many existing robotic systems.
Design and Functionality of ATOM
ATOM features a mono-wing structure, allowing it to fly and traverse complex terrains. This design marks a notable improvement over traditional hybrid robots that typically depend on multiple motors and gear systems, which increase weight and energy consumption. The streamlined configuration of ATOM enables it to perform takeoffs, directional flight, and rolling movement on the ground using its two counter-rotating actuators.
Advanced Capabilities
The robot’s design facilitates spinning motion during flight, enabling clockwise or counterclockwise rotations—a capability not often found in mono-wing designs. For ground navigation, ATOM utilizes its structural framework and incorporates a reverse thrust mechanism for enhanced control during turns.
Challenges in Robotics
The pursuit of energy-efficient robots that can function effectively in both aerial and terrestrial environments has historically faced various challenges. Previous models were hindered by issues such as ground friction and the need for additional parts that added weight and reduced efficiency. Earlier hybrid designs often struggled to right themselves after landing incorrectly, requiring human intervention for recovery.
Innovation in Design
ATOM addresses these challenges with its wheeled frame, which minimizes drag on rough surfaces and enhances maneuverability. Its ability to fly in either rotational direction adds to its versatility, and its intelligent design enables it to recover from diverse orientations without external assistance.
Potential Applications
The potential applications for ATOM are significant. Its efficient mobility and recovery features make it suitable for search and rescue missions, where it could navigate through debris to find survivors in disaster situations. Additionally, it may be used for environmental monitoring, collecting data in sensitive ecosystems while providing both aerial and ground surveillance in urban environments.
Conclusion
The development of ATOM underscores a significant trend in robotics, illustrating that effective design can often be achieved through simplicity and functionality rather than complexity.
(Source: Interesting Engineering)
