Mochibot shows the world it can never have too many legs to move around. A 32-legged robot that can traverse on all types of terrain features a unique design and movement. (Image Credit: Keio University and University of Tokyo)
Legged robots may be superior to wheeled robots when it comes to traveling on different terrain, but walking robots always have an increased risk of falling over. Which can make it difficult for a two or four robot to get back on its feet if the need ever arises. One solution to fix this problem would be to create a robot that runs on all legs. Not just a dozen legs, either, but 32 telescopic legs!
That's when Mochibot comes into play. The bot was created by researchers at Keio University and the University of Tokyo.
It might make you want to run away when you see the robot approaching you, but it will have a very easy time moving around and getting to its destination. Mochibot's legs have three sliding parts that extend to almost two feet. This gives the robot the ability to move around like a sphere but also lets the bot shape to the terrain it's traveling on. It's a big advantage over wheeled robots too since the directions can be optional and not just forwards/ backward.
It doesn't depend on good traction to allow it to move around and has an easier time rolling and crawling on pebbles and sand than the BB-8 robot from Star Wars does. What's even cooler is that if one of the legs breaks or gets stuck, then it will likely keep moving around since it would have 31 other legs to work with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=-ybNatWn6Ak
The robot could be used to explore planets or to aid with disaster relief efforts. The next step for Mochibot is to test it out by making sure it can roll up and down slopes and over rocks and gullies without an issue. Maybe in the future, as Mochibot is developed further, it won't look as like a living nightmare.
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