The ability to add remote controlled computer packages to real live cockroaches has been around for a while. The purpose is to use them in search and rescue missions. But this approach has its limitations. Delicate control and gaining enough information back has been problematical. Also, cockroach movement, like that of so many animals and insects, can be chaotic and hard to control. To solve this the idea of putting robots on cockroaches has been taken one step further, with cockroaches chaotic movements translated into robotic roaches. The results of the development are various six leg robots which have motors that control the leg movements. Sensors feed back information instantaneously about ground contact. A single control processor allows adjusting the walking pattern of the robot automatically, in response to its environment and terrain. When trying to attach those packs to alive cockroaches, achieving the same results is impossible.
The insanely fast robotic roach can go anywhere, on any terrain
Robotic roaches can now negotiate rough terrain and walk uphill in the most energy-saving manner. If one foot loses contact with the ground, ‘chaotic behavior’ program kicks in. The program tries random combinations until the robot regains stability. The wonders of 3D printing are responsible for this new technology. 3D printed robotic roaches, of all shapes and sizes, are already around for quite some time. However, their ability to reach fast speeds has been limited. Berkeley University’s robotics department has been working on this problem and its latest creation is insanely fast. Its robotic roach is the X2-VelociRoACH and it has a top speed of 4.9 m/s. In fact, it is so fast controllers are in danger of losing track of it!
Top speeds of the insanely fast robotic roach determined by structural failure
The purpose of this robotic cockroach is to explore the maximum attainable speed of a legged robot. While not technically the fastest robot ever made, it is probably the fastest legged robot of its size. The speed of the VelociRoACH’s legs are directly controlled by its motors. Therefore, the higher they crank the engine, the faster it travels. The ability to use 3D printing enabled the technology of these roaches to develop faster and to reach higher speeds. Previous components had not been able to hold the drive plate secure at high velocity. Due to that, they 3D print the key components to make them as robust as possible. They mount the bearings in 3D printed plastic which is connected to the crank with a shoulder bolt.
As well as being insanely fast, this robotic roach can reach stride frequencies of up to 45 Hz. When animals, such as cockroaches, wish to increase their speed, they increase their stride length, rather than their actual leg movements. Increasing stride length with the robotic roaches becomes problematic as it requires more articulations and more parts, leading to a greater risk of failure. So, it would appear that, for the moment, the insanely fast robotic roach has reached its maximum speed. But for a robot made from 3D printed parts, it is not a bad speed!
Source: robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu