BIOINSPIRED HARDWARE

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BIOINSPIRED HARDWARE

• Erki Suurjaak

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Overview

• bioinspired hardware
• NASAs exploration systems
• robots Ariel and RHex
• future?

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Bioinspired Hardware

• studies processes and mechanisms in nature

• seeks alternative hardware design and
  implementation

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Bioinspired Hardware Results

• biomorphic robots
• mostly insectlike
• computer vision
• navigation
• shape recognition
• more efficient design for mechanisms
• seed pod fliers
• adhesive surfaces beyond velcro

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NASAs Biomorphic Explorers

• mobile platforms useful for exploration
• Bioinspired Engineering of Exploration Systems
  (BEES)
• idea many small biomorphic explorer machines

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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

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Dragonflies See the Horizon

• additional eyes (ocelli) see a short spectrum
• UV and green input combined together
• result correct attitude detected

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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

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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

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The Robot Hexapod RHex

• cockroach-inspired
• so far, unsurpassed robotic maneuverability
• speed up to 3 meters
• a possible candidate for Mars 2007

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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

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Future?

• bio-inspired materials continue to pop up
• swarms of fast-maneuvered robots in helpful tasks