Design of a Biomimetic Rodent Robot

In this article we describe the design of a modular, low cost, biomimetic robot created to mimic the size and locomotion of a common rat (rattus norvegicus). The created robot is untethered, easy to use and simple to produce; it thus can be used as a universal research platform. It is based on tendondriven actuation, which allows for a compliant leg design and enables generation of open-loop controlled, simple locomotion patterns: trotting forward, backward as well as turning left and right. Small biomimetic robots can be useful for behavioral studies in combination with animals or for new, efficient types of locomotion, transportation and exploration systems. They are however challenging to build as mobile robots, since their size limits the use of common-sized actuators, as well as the use of large, long lasting power supplies.     «

In this article we describe the design of a modular, low cost, biomimetic robot created to mimic the size and locomotion of a common rat (rattus norvegicus). The created robot is untethered, easy to use and simple to produce; it thus can be used as a universal research platform. It is based on tendondriven actuation, which allows for a compliant leg design and enables generation of open-loop controlled, simple locomotion patterns: trotting forward, backward as well as turning left and right. Sm...     »