Aaron Parness and Clifford McKenzie
The Durable Reconnaissance and Observation Platform (DROP) is a prototype robotic platform with the ability to climb vertical cinder block surfaces at a rate of 25 cm/s, make…
Abstract
Purpose
The Durable Reconnaissance and Observation Platform (DROP) is a prototype robotic platform with the ability to climb vertical cinder block surfaces at a rate of 25 cm/s, make rapid horizontal to vertical transitions, carry an audio/visual reconnaissance payload, and survive impacts from 3 meters.
Design/methodology/approach
The platform uses a two‐wheel, two‐motor design that delivers high mobility with low complexity. DROP extends microspine climbing technology from a linear to rotary implementation, providing improved transition ability, increased speeds, and simpler body mechanics while maintaining microspine's ability to opportunistically grip rough surfaces.
Findings
The DROP prototype was able to climb rough, vertical walls at a speed of 25 cm/s. These wheels were also deployed on a commercial platform, the ReconRobotics Scout, and demonstrated additional mobility capabilities such as curb mounting and stair climbing.
Originality/value
This robot is the first wheeled robot to use microspine technology. Various aspects of the prototype robot's design and performance are discussed, including the climbing mechanism, body design, and impact survival.