Design of Quadruped Walking Robot With Spherical Shell

Abstract

We propose a new quadruped walking robot with a spherical shell, called QRoSS. QRoSS is a transformable robot that can store its legs in the spherical shell. The shell not only absorbs external forces from all directions, but also improves mobile performance because of its round shape. In rescue operations at a disaster site, carrying robots into a site is dangerous for operators because doing so may result in a second accident. If QRoSS is used, instead of carrying robots in, they are thrown in, making the operation safe and easy. This paper reports details of the design concept and development of the prototype model. Basic experiments were conducted to verify performance, which includes landing, rising and walking through a series of movements.