Researchers at EPFL’s School of Engineering have developed GOAT, a bio-inspired robot capable of modifying its shape to adapt to any environment . With this innovation, robotic locomotion takes a significant leap forward by integrating a flexible design that optimizes mobility in difficult terrain without relying on advanced sensors.
GOAT: the bio-inspired shape-shifting robot
GOAT, which stands for Good Over All Terrains , has been designed taking cues from the animal kingdom, including spiders, octopuses and kangaroos. Its flexible structure allows it to switch between a flat “rover” configuration and a spherical shape, giving it the ability to roll, slide and even swim depending on the conditions of the terrain.
The team at EPFL’s CREATE lab, led by Josie Hughes, has managed to enable GOAT to efficiently overcome obstacles by taking advantage of minimal resistance in its movement. While other robots rely on complex perception systems, GOAT uses only an inertial measurement unit and satellite navigation to orient itself, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving its performance.
Its flexible structure allows it to change its configuration. Source: EPFL School of Engineering
The key to the design lies in its skeleton of elastic fiberglass rods and four rimless wheels, combined with cables that function as tendons and allow the reconfiguration of its structure. This mechanism gives it the ability to contract into a sphere and roll passively on slopes, saving time and energy.
The robot houses its battery, sensors and computing system in a central payload, ensuring protection in its spherical mode, similar to how a hedgehog protects its body by rolling up.
Applications in extreme terrain
Thanks to its adaptability, GOAT could play a key role in space exploration , environmental monitoring and disaster response. Its versatile design allows it to navigate rocky, mountainous environments and even bodies of water without the need to plan complex routes.
The robot is able to navigate in rocky environments. Source: EPFL School of Engineering
Future research will focus on improving mobility algorithms and extending their design for different payloads. According to Hughes, this advancement could represent a game-changer in robotics by allowing robots to turn environmental challenges into strategic advantages.
By leveraging a combination of active reconfiguration and passive adaptation, the next generation of compliant robots could even surpass nature’s versatility.
the researcher concludes.
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Source and photo: EPFL School of Engineering
