Dynamic Obstacle Overcoming Capability of Pendulum-Driven Ball-Shaped Robots

Abstract

This paper discusses dynamic step-crossing capability of pendulum-driven ball-shaped robots. We introduce an extended dynamic model that allows modeling of ballrobot rolling, bouncing and slipping. Based on the new model, our simulations predict the maximum over-passable step-height for the robot. The simulation results agree well with the result from a parallel simulation in Adamssoftware as well as with practical experiments. The new dynamic model can be applied for mobility analysis of robot-ball designs as well as for path planning.