Ball-Shaped Robots

Abstract

Throughout history, ball-shaped toys have been quite popular and they still exist. Developments in computer technology, wireless data transfer, and digital cameras have given them many advanced operational capabilities. Autonomous ball-shaped robots are being introduced back into modern homes, this time not only as toys, but also as serving and guarding robots. Future work in this field will concentrate on analysing and developing the dynamics and control of the ball, as well as on applications and interaction with the environment and people. The utilisation of large wind-propelled balls for Mars exploration has been widely studied in many separate institutions. The main advantages are large size, low mass, and autonomous mobility, accompanied by the disadvantage of limited steerability. Only the future will tell if the current expensive Mars exploration missions will be followed by lowcost autonomous missions utilising the Windball, Tumbleweed, or Thistle carrying instruments in the search for life on Mars or other extraterrestrial bodies.