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
