BIOINSPIRED HARDWARE

BIOINSPIRED HARDWARE

Erki Suurjaak

Overview

• bioinspired hardware

• NASA’s exploration systems

• robots Ariel and RHex

• future?

Bioinspired Hardware

• studies processes and mechanisms in nature

• seeks alternative hardware design and implementation

Bioinspired Hardware: Results

• biomorphic robots– mostly insectlike

• computer vision– navigation– shape recognition

• more efficient design for mechanisms– seed pod fliers– adhesive surfaces: beyond velcro

NASAs Biomorphic Explorers

• mobile platforms useful for exploration

• Bioinspired Engineering of Exploration Systems (BEES)

• idea: many small biomorphic explorer machines

Bee-Inspired Vision & Guidance

• amazing results with a handful of neurons

• simple and effective hazard avoidance

• compound eyes give panoramic vision

• simple landing with minimal computation

Dragonflies See the Horizon

• additional eyes (ocelli) see a short spectrum

• UV and green input combined together

• result: correct attitude detected

BEES: Seed Wing Pod Fliers

• plant inspired payload distribution

• 20 cm wingspan

• load around 60 grams

• simpler and smaller than parachutes

• slower descent than parachutes

• 2x smaller shock on impact than parachutes

Other Bio-Inspired Robots: Ariel

• movement inspired by crabs

• capable of negotiating terrain unaccessible for wheeled machines

• capable of underwater movement and resisting wave impact

The Robot Hexapod RHex

• cockroach-inspired

• so far, unsurpassed robotic maneuverability

• speed up to 3 meters

• a possible candidate for Mars 2007

Geckos: Beyond Velcro

• geckos walk on walls and ceilings

• a leg can support the entire body

• use weak intermolecular attraction

• 1,000,000 setae lift ~20 kg

Future?

• bio-inspired materials continue to pop up

• swarms of fast-maneuvered robots in helpful tasks