NASA Tumbling Tetrahedron Robots

erco

Just·found these videos, very thought provoking. These robots can do some things and go some places my beloved Scribbler can't. Somewhat more complex, however.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDT8uE2gpys&NR=1·small robot prototype

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txZMLS7YD6Q big robot concept animation

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·"If you build it, they will come."

SRLM

It looks more like an exercise in dynamics and engineering than a practical robot. It doesn't seem to have any advantage over a robot with legs (their actual production one, anyway). Still, very interesting. I like how it can expand and contract. The AI would have to be very complex to think of which shape and movement pattern to take in which situation.

Cole Logan

Thats it pretty neat. And I wonder what actuator they are using on the little prototype.

Beau Schwabe

I like the idea, however the unit seems to expend a great deal of energy without much net gain of travel. At least that's what I get from the first video.

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Beau Schwabe

IC Layout Engineer
Parallax, Inc.

Whit

erco said...
Just·found these videos, very thought provoking. These robots can do some things and go some places my beloved Scribbler can't. Somewhat more complex, however.

Yes. Somewhat. The second video is amazing. I like for exactly the reason you say. They make you think in new ways. Thanks for posting these erco.

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Post Edited (Whit) : 12/23/2008 2:43:05 PM GMT

SLUG-1

wow, i like the concept rendering thats a neat idea. an ATV robot that looks totally alien! moves like blob. i wonder if they could use that technology to make self erecting buildings and so on!!! very neat!