Researchers in robotics and computer science have developed various systems inspired by humans and animals. A recent innovation, detailed in a study published in the Journal of Bionic Engineering, features a robot crafted from piezoelectric materials, which generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
This piezoelectric robot achieves linear motion and turning with different radii by utilizing a voltage differential driving method. The prototype weighs 38 grams and measures 150 × 80 × 31 mm³.
The H-shaped bionic piezoelectric robot (H-BPR) consists of four legs connected by three piezoelectric beams. By leveraging the bending vibrations of these beams, the robot replicates the rhythmic leg movements seen in a cheetah’s running gait.
The team analyzed the robot’s dynamics and kinematics to trace the movement of a point at the robot’s leg end. They then studied its motion principles and conducted modal and harmonic response analyses using finite element analysis software. The results showed that the robot reaches a maximum speed of 66.79 mm/s with an excitation voltage of 320 V and can carry loads of up to 55 g. Additionally, the H-BPR, with its unequal drive legs, demonstrated enhanced climbing ability, providing valuable insights for selecting leg heights in piezoelectric robots.
Unlike traditional robots that rely on waves within piezoelectric materials for movement, this design offers a simpler structure, potentially easing production. Moreover, it supports a wider range of movements, as both linear motion and turning radius can be adjusted by varying the applied voltage.
The team has also developed a prototype that can carry small loads, with future potential for integrating miniature sensors or cameras, enhancing the robot’s functionality. In real-world testing, the robot successfully replicated the cheetah’s running gait and climbed ramps with different angles.
Related stories:
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-bionic-robot-replicates-cheetah-motion
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/octopus-inspired-robotic-arm-lifts-weight
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45997-3
https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/9/557
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