Comparing the Locomotion Dynamics of a Cockroach and a Shape Deposition Manufactured Biomimetic Robot

Overview
Introduction
Shape Deposition Manufacturing
Robot Design
Locomotion Dynamics
Conclusions

Introduction
Motivation
Small
Fast
Robust
Integrated approach
Biomimetic structures
Biologically-inspired control

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Biological Example
Death-head cockroach Blaberus discoidalis
Fast
Speeds of up to 10 body/s
Rough terrain
Can easily traverse fractal terrain of
obstacles 3X hip height

Biological Inspiration
Control heirarchy
Passive component
Active component

Robot Design

Sprawlita
Mass - .27 kg
Dimensions - 16x10x9 cm
Leg length - 4.5 cm
Max. Speed - 55 cm/s
   3+ body/sec
Hip height obstacle traversal

Movie
Superficially insect-like
Stable running
Obstacle traversal

Whole Body Dynamics
Force plate
High speed video

Animal Running - the SLIP model

Whole Body Ground Reaction Forces

Individual leg forces
Sprawlita drags middle and rear foot
Individual legs have
functions dissimilar
from cockroach legs
More questions
Relative contact time

Summary and Conclusions

Future Work
Sprawley Davidson
Leg extensions
The Sprawlettes
High level, not real-time
sensor-based control

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