Innovative “Reconfigurable Continuous Track Robot” Shows Off Flexibility and Versatility
When one envisions tracked robots, the mind often conjures up images of bomb disposal units or military machinery. However, researchers Tal Kislasi and David Zarrouk have developed a remarkable prototype that takes tracked robotics to a new level: a “reconfigurable continuous track robot.”
Neat party trick!
At first glance, the robot resembles a simple tracked creature, resembling a worm. As the motors activate, the track seamlessly moves, propelling the robot across the ground. But its standout feature lies in its ability to flex up and down, mimicking a snake as it elevates to survey its surroundings.
This adaptable robot can tilt itself to ascend steps, navigate over small obstacles, and even stretch to bridge gaps by holding itself aloft as it inches forward.
The robot can selectively lock each link (or not) as it passes by.
So, how is this flexibility achieved? The robot can selectively lock the individual links of its outer track in different orientations. As these links slide over the front of the robot, a small actuator engages to lock each link at a 20-degree angle, keep it straight, or allow it to remain loose.
This ingenious ability to lock multiple links into a rigid structure enables the robot to extend from the ground, form a solid beam, or contour to varying terrains as necessary. A mechanism at the rear of the robot releases the links as needed, allowing continued flexibility as it moves.
With its innovative design, this reconfigurable continuous track robot opens up exciting possibilities for future tracking technology, and we look forward to seeing such capabilities integrated into advanced tracked robotic systems. The advantages of tracked drive trains, which we’ve discussed before, make this development particularly promising in various practical applications.
