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Inchworm-inspired soft climbing robot using microspine arrays

Qiqiang Hu, Erbao Dong*, Gang Cheng, Hu Jin, Jie Yang, Dong Sun

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

Abstract

Animals in nature, such as geckos, inchworms, and felines can climb on various surfaces using different mechanisms and serve as references for the study of bio-inspired robots. This paper presents an inchworm-inspired climbing robot that consists of soft body and feet. The soft robot is actuated by shape memory alloy wires and utilizes microspine arrays to attach its feet to rough or soft surfaces. A series of experiments to test the functionality of the feet and torso of the designed robot have verified the theoretical feasibility of the robot. Results have shown that the designed bio-inspired robot can climb on inclined or vertical curved surfaces and flat surfaces. The robot can also adapt to the underwater environment. Thus, this robot has great potential for various applications such as pipeline inspection.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)
PublisherIEEE
Pages5800-5805
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781728140049
ISBN (Print)9781728140056
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019
Event2019 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2019) - The Venetian Macao, Macau, China
Duration: 4 Nov 20198 Nov 2019
https://www.iros2019.org/

Publication series

NameIEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems
ISSN (Print)2153-0858
ISSN (Electronic)2153-0866

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2019)
Abbreviated titleIROS 2019
PlaceChina
CityMacau
Period4/11/198/11/19
Internet address

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