The ICRA 2016 publication official title for the robots you see above is “Step Climbing Cooperation Primitives for Legged Robots with a Reversible Connection.”
However, I prefer robotic cockroaches which are capable of working together. Something about putting it in layman’s terms makes the robotic cockroaches easier to picture in your head.
Researchers from UC Berkeley figured out how to get their VelociRoACHes to cooperate in order to climb stairs by utilizing a miniature magnetic winch.
VelociRoACH, which stands for Velocity Robotic Autonomous Crawling Hexapod, drew its inspiration from insects that work together to get things done, carry food, and overcome obstacles.
The robotic cockroaches feature six short legs, making ascending a small staircase no easy task.
As a workaround, after one VelociRoACH climbs the stairs, it utilizes a small winch to yank up its little robotic friend behind it, resulting in teamwork prevailing when it comes to conquering a two-and-half-inch tall step.
One small step for robotic cockroaches, one giant leap for insect-inspired robotics.
