Hi Guys,
I am gathering information now about the most efficient way to build a robot for outdoor use.
I like the idea of a quadruped crawler as it only takes 12 servos and has a great degree of flexibility.
For the same DOF i could build a hexapod with 2 DOF per leg.
From a mechanical standpoint - which can better traverse the outdoors - say a lawn area like a front or back yard?
Cost is a factor as is longevity.
So i would think more moving parts would mean more repairs of a complex nature even with tough servos?
I guess my question is this “Given 12 DOF, which is better for out door use - quadruped or hexapod?”
Thanks!
A 3DoF quadruped can overcome larger obstacles, whereas a 2DoF hexapod takes a more “tank-like” approach to traversing terrain.
Lynxmotion (nor many other companies) have code for terrain adaptation; the existing code is meant for perfectly flat surfaces. The robot does not “know” if its foot has touched the ground, nor would the walking gait change if it did. This makes practical use outdoors quite limited.
It all comes down to code. A 4DoF quad theoretically can traverse more difficult terrain with the right code, which is not easy to create. A simple hexapod cannot adapt much to varying terrain. Some inspiration for both designs:
lynxmotion.com/c-1-products.aspx
Hi Coleman,
I have a peer who worked at a significant contributor to the robotic community - at least thru inspiration and unobtainium - they work with cool pack mule robots and dogs that help around the house… (don’t want to mention names). Alot of mapping and sensor fusion… should be fun!
Thanks for the feedback - it will help with my decisions.
