Photo credit: www.popsci.com
Innovative Robot Design Inspired by Moose Hooves
While many quadrupedal robots navigate uneven surfaces relatively well, they struggle significantly in unstable conditions such as mud or slippery ground. A team of engineers from Estonia’s Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) believes they have found a breakthrough by taking inspiration from animals that thrive in wet environments. In a recent study published in Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, researchers explored how the unique anatomy of moose can enhance robotic mobility in challenging terrains.
[Related: Why animals run faster than their robot counterparts… for now.]
According to Maarja Kruusmaa, a professor of biorobotics at TalTech, many robotic designs are limited in their ability to operate effectively in crucial natural environments, such as wetlands and marshes. Despite the abundance of these ecosystems, conventional robots frequently fail to adapt, leaving a significant gap in their usability.
The solution may lie in understanding the biomechanics of ungulates, such as cattle and moose, which are naturally equipped to traverse muddy and unstable landscapes. The team conducted experiments that revealed how the structure of cloven hooves allows these animals to navigate difficult terrain. The ability of these hooves to expand and contract during movement fundamentally improves stability, as each hoof’s variable contact area helps prevent excessive sinking into soft ground.
The moose legs and the four different synthetic feet tested. (A) Moose front leg, (B) Moose hind leg. (C), (D) The proposed bio-inspired anisotropic foot. (E), (F) The proposed bio-inspired foot with fastened digits. (G), (H) A foot with rigid extended digits. (I), (J) The commercial Go1 foot. Figures (C)–(J) are at the same scale, displayed in (J). Credit: TalTech
Simon Godon, a doctoral candidate in biorobotics and co-author of the study, compared the behavior of moose hooves to suction cups, indicating that they can effectively break the surface tension that often traps animals in wet conditions. Unlike humans, whose feet struggle against sticky surfaces, moose are naturally able to maneuver with grace, thanks to their adaptable hooves.
Following their analysis of moose hoof properties, the researchers developed silicone footwear specifically for a quadrupedal robot. Laboratory evaluations showed that these bio-inspired boots considerably decreased sinkage by about 46%. Furthermore, they reduced the suction forces encountered by the robot, which translated into a notable 70% decrease in energy expenditure during movement.
[Related: Casio thinks an AI-powered furball can replace your pet.]
After testing the modifications with a moose-inspired robot in an Estonian forest, the results revealed a striking reduction of over 38% in mechanical transport costs and a 55% increase in speed. The researchers concluded that there were no disadvantages associated with using the split-hooves design on more stable surfaces, indicating its potential for versatile applications.
This innovative approach hints at a future where quadrupedal robots can easily navigate previously inaccessible terrains, enabling them to play essential roles in land surveys, security operations, and rescue missions.
Source
www.popsci.com