Biomimetic Design and Fabrication of a Hexapedal Running Robot

Jonathan E. Clark1, Jorge G. Cham1, Sean A. Bailey1, Edward M. Froehlich1, Pratik K. Nahata1, Robert J. Full2, Mark R. Cutkosky1
1Center for Design Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-2232
2Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720

Abstract

The design of legged robots has long drawn on nature for inspiration. However, few of these robots exhibit the speed and robustness seen in even the simplest of animals. This paper presents the design and fabrication of a novel class of six-legged running robots based on biologicallyinspired functional principles. We first describe recent findings in biological research that motivate our robots’ design, leg configuration, and control structure. We then describe an emerging layered-manufacturing technology that allows us to fabricate the robots with passive mechanical properties like those found in nature. Finally, we present preliminary tests over different terrains and conditions which show speed and robustness approaching the performance of small animals.