Design and Control of Delta: Deformable Multilinked Multirotor with Rolling Locomotion Ability in Terrestrial Domain (2403.06636v1)

Abstract: In recent years, multiple types of locomotion methods for robots have been developed and enabled to adapt to multiple domains. In particular, aerial robots are useful for exploration in several situations, taking advantage of its three-dimensional mobility. Moreover, some aerial robots have achieved manipulation tasks in the air. However, energy consumption for flight is large and thus locomotion ability on the ground is also necessary for aerial robots to do tasks for long time. Therefore, in this work, we aim to develop deformable multirotor robot capable of rolling movement with its entire body and achieve motions on the ground and in the air. In this paper, we first describe the design methodology of a deformable multilinked air-ground hybrid multirotor. We also introduce its mechanical design and rotor configuration based on control stability. Then, thrust control method for locomotion in air and ground domains is described. Finally, we show the implemented prototype of the proposed robot and evaluate through experiments in air and terrestrial domains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to achieve the rolling locomotion by multilink structured mutltrotor.

• The paper introduces a deformable multirotor design that enables seamless transitions between aerial flight and rolling ground movement.
• It develops a comprehensive kinematic and dynamic control framework to manage smooth mode changes in complex environments.
• Experimental validation confirms Delta’s efficient performance and adaptability across varied terrains and operational scenarios.

Design and Control of Delta: Deformable Multilinked Multirotor with Rolling Locomotion Ability in Terrestrial Domain

The paper "Design and Control of Delta: Deformable Multilinked Multirotor with Rolling Locomotion Ability in Terrestrial Domain" presents an innovative approach in the field of robotics, focusing on the design, modeling, control, and experimentation of a novel type of deformable multilinked multirotor system known as Delta. Authored by Kazuki Sugihara, Moju Zhao, Takuzumi Nishio, Kei Okada, and Masayuki Inaba, the paper explores the integration of aerial and terrestrial locomotion capabilities within a single robotic platform.

Overview

The central premise of this work is the development of a robotic system that combines the characteristics of traditional multirotor UAVs with rolling locomotion abilities for efficient mobility in both aerial and terrestrial environments. Delta is a deformable structure equipped with multiple links, enabling it to morph its configuration to perform different locomotion tasks by employing its multifunctional capabilities. This dual capability makes Delta suitable for diverse operational scenarios, potentially expanding the utility of robotic platforms in complex environments.

Technical Contributions

1. Design Innovation: The authors propose a transformative design that enables seamless transition between aerial and terrestrial modes. The multilinked structure can deform, allowing the system to roll on the ground efficiently. This morphological adaptability is central to the expanded operational versatility.
2. Modeling and Control Framework: A comprehensive kinematic and dynamic model of Delta is presented. The control framework is meticulously developed to manage the complex transitions and locomotion in different domains. Robust algorithms ensure that Delta can stably switch between hovering, flying, and rolling.
3. Experimental Validation: The paper includes rigorously designed experiments to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system. Results indicate that Delta's rolling performance is not only functional but also optimized for various terrains, validating the theoretical models and control algorithms proposed.

Numerical Results and Claims

The numerical results provided in the paper detail the efficiency and efficacy of Delta's locomotion capabilities. The authors present substantial evidence that Delta can achieve stable and energy-efficient transitions between different movement modes. The rolling locomotion system exhibits a substantial range of motion and adaptability, which is experimentally verified across various test scenarios, demonstrating reliability and robustness in performance.

Implications and Future Directions

The practical implications of this research are significant, particularly in applications where robots are required to navigate complex environments with a combination of flying and rolling movements. The paper's findings suggest potential advancements in search and rescue operations, surveillance missions, and exploration tasks where multifaceted mobility is beneficial.

Theoretically, the integration of deformable mechanisms in robotics opens new avenues for research in control systems, dynamics, and machine learning techniques to further enhance the adaptability and intelligence of such systems. Future developments could focus on optimizing energy consumption, improving real-time adaptability, and extending the operational scenarios through advanced material usage and machine learning-based environmental interaction modeling.

In conclusion, the work by Sugihara et al. contributes a significant engineering advancement in robotic systems that bridge the capabilities of aerial and terrestrial locomotion. The innovative design and successful implementation of Delta underscore the potential for such technologies to offer advanced solutions in complex environments, with a solid foundation laid for future exploration and development.