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A Bizarre Robot Form Factor: One Hubless Wheel and Two "Legs"

Perhaps Ringbot could deliver pizzas?

By Rain Noe - April 1

in Tech

"Wheels and legs each have their advantages, so why not combine both?" writes the Electrical & Computer Engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. That's where associate professor Joohyung Kim developed this Ringbot, a robot with a bizarre form factor: Two independent "legs" riding inside a hubless wheel.

It can drive around with its legs in the air, using them for balance and steering:

If it falls down, it can stand itself back up:

It can prevent itself from being knocked over:

It can perform stationary turns in tight spaces:

As for its purpose, it appears to be pure research, though the school does suggest one unlikely-seeming application: "The robot's ability to maneuver through narrow spaces means this design can be adapted for last-mile deliveries in congested environments." My suggestion: Fit a hot pizza in the hub space and have the legs ride outboard.

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Roger ak

8 months ago

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Every time I see an article about something like this for last mile delivery, I think of HitchBOT.

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Roly S

8 months ago

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Getting strong General Grievous' bike from Star Wars vibes:
https://www.lulu-berlu.com/upload/image/star-wars-episode-iii--rots----hasbro---grievous--wheel-bike--with-general-grievous--p-image-428962-grande.jpg

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