A proposal of flexible mono-tread mobile track — a new mobile mechanism using one track and spine-like structure —

In the past decade, search robots in rescue operations have been focused on and developed for the purpose of finding survivors trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Most of them adopt serpentine mechanisms: they comprise of track-equipped segments that are connected by joints to obtain greater mobility in extremely complex environments. However, they might gather to catch debris between tracks or become stuck due to the mechanisms, in addition, increasing the number of segments would result in gaining weight and complicated mechanism and control system. In this paper, a new mobile mechanism: flexible mono-tread mobile track is proposed and a prototype ldquoRescue mobile track No.2 (RT-02) WORMYrdquo is developed. The vehicle is composed of a ldquoflexible chainrdquo and a spine-like structure. It is examined on mobility performance in irregular environments.