Thursday 20 April 2023

Built to bounce back: Robotics researchers design drone to cope with collisions

Built to Bounce Back: Robotics Researchers Design Drone to Cope with Collisions

Built to Bounce Back: Robotics Researchers Design Drone to Cope with Collisions

Robotics researchers have designed a new drone that is built to bounce back from collisions. The drone, called the GimBall, is equipped with a protective cage that allows it to safely navigate through tight spaces and even bounce off walls without crashing.

The GimBall was developed by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). The drone is designed to be used in environments where collisions are likely, such as search and rescue missions or inspections of hazardous areas.

GimBall Drone

The GimBall's protective cage is made of carbon fiber and is designed to absorb the impact of collisions. The cage also allows the drone to roll along the ground and even climb up walls, making it highly maneuverable in tight spaces.

The drone's collision-resistant design is based on the behavior of insects, which are able to navigate through complex environments without crashing. The GimBall's cage is inspired by the exoskeletons of insects, which protect their bodies from collisions.

The GimBall is also equipped with a camera and sensors that allow it to navigate through environments with low visibility. The drone can be controlled remotely or can fly autonomously using its sensors to avoid obstacles.

The GimBall has already been tested in a variety of environments, including a nuclear power plant and a collapsed building. The drone's ability to navigate through tight spaces and bounce back from collisions makes it a valuable tool for search and rescue missions and inspections of hazardous areas.

The GimBall is just one example of how robotics researchers are using nature-inspired designs to create drones that can navigate through complex environments. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative designs that push the boundaries of what drones are capable of.



https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/built-to-bounce-back-robotics-researchers-design-drone-to-cope-with-collisions

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