A quadruped robot using inflatable, stiffness-controllable legs
Supervisor: Professor Kaspar Althoefer
This project will be on developing a walking robot that uses inflatable legs. Since the legs are inflatable, the pressure in the legs can be regulated and in this way, the legs' stiffness can be controlled allowing the robot to adjust to changes in the environment easily, improving mobility. The project is based on previous research where robot arms were built using inflatable links (see references [1, 2]). This will be the first time that these types of inflatable links will be used for legged robots.
As part of the project, the student will model the robot and its motion characteristics. Analytical and/or machine learning methods can be used to model the robot. The student is also expected to design and build an actual robotic structure. The prototype robot will be used to demonstrate the feasibility and performance capability of the new type of robot.