In the world of small-scale robotics, Carnegie Mellon University has taken a momentous step forward with the introduction of Zippy: the smallest autonomous bipedal robot ever recorded. Equipped with an integrated battery, a single actuator and a sophisticated control system, Zippy can move with surprising agility, reaching speeds of up to 10 leg lengths per second.
A minimum structure with maximum results
Zippy is about the same size as a Lego minifigure, but outperforms larger robots in efficiency. Its locomotion is based on simplified mechanics: it lifts one front leg, shifts its center of mass, and allows the other leg to swing freely. This design, developed by a team led by Aaron Johnson and Sarah Bergbreiter, avoids complex components such as servo motors, incorporating instead a mechanical stop that limits joint movement.
Thanks to its autonomous configuration, Zippy does not depend on any external system to operate. It can move over uneven surfaces, climb small steps and perform turning maneuvers with remarkable stability.It can climb small steps and perform turning maneuvers with remarkable stability. These qualities make it a strong candidate for search and rescue missionsIt can also be used for industrial infrastructure inspection or exploration in geologically complex environments.
Bipedal robot with sensors and autonomous control
This breakthrough is part of National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research to better understand locomotion in tiny robots. The CMU team plans to integrate vision sensors into Zippy allowing it to navigate autonomously in unfamiliar environments. In addition, it is studying the deployment of swarms of these robots for coordinated reconnaissance and rescue and rescue tasks.
All of Zippy’s controls, power and motor are integrated, allowing it to operate autonomously. With a speed of 10 legs per second, it is also the fastest bipedal robot. Source: College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Zippy is not the team’s first attempt: its design builds on previous experiences such as Mugatu, a bipedal robot with a single actuator. The collaboration of university students such as Soma Narita and Josef Macera has been key to improve the structural efficiency of the model.
The development of microscale legged robots poses significant challenges, from energy autonomy to stability in complex terrain. However, projects like Zippy show how it is possible to overcome these barriers with innovative engineering and a clear functional vision. Microrobotics is making steady progress, and Zippy is a tangible sign of what’s to come.
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Source and Photo: Carnegie Mellon University
