Title :
Omni-directional mobile robot with step-climbing capability: "VmaxCarrier2"
Author :
Tadakuma, Kenjiro ; Tadakuma, Riichiro ; Hirose, Shigeo
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. & Aerosp. Eng., Tokyo Inst. of Technol., Japan
Abstract :
This paper discusses "VmaxCarrier2", an omni-directional mobile robot with step-climbing capability, which can be used as a compact, quiet, and durable transportation vehicle in cluttered and cramped environments. We have already developed several kinds of omni-directional mobile robots for situations where it is desirable to be able to move in all directions, such as "VUTON" [S. Hirose and S. Amano, 1993] and "VmaxCarrier" [R. Damoto and S. Hirose, 2002]. To construct an omni-directional mobile robot with a greatly improved capability to climb steps, we developed the Omni-Disc2, a bent pneumatic actuator, and a pneumatic system. These novel components were constructed into a prototype. We show the basic working principle and feature of omni-based on the patent (#2003-326912, #2004-131017) and explain the expected market with business model.
Keywords :
mobile robots; pneumatic actuators; pneumatic systems; Omni-Disc2; VUTON; VmaxCarrier2; bent pneumatic actuator; durable transportation vehicle; omnidirectional mobile robot; pneumatic system; step-climbing capability; Aerospace engineering; Hospitals; Mobile robots; Pneumatic actuators; Pneumatic systems; Propulsion; Prototypes; Space vehicles; Transportation; Wheels;
Conference_Titel :
Robotics and Automation, 2004. TExCRA '04. First IEEE Technical Exhibition Based Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8564-0
DOI :
10.1109/TEXCRA.2004.1425017
