Researchers in EPFL's CREATE Lab have developed GOAT (Good Over All Terrains), a groundbreaking robot that adapts its shape and mode of movement based on the environment. By seamlessly transitioning between a flat 'rover' and a sphere, GOAT is able to drive, roll, or swim more efficiently than traditional robots. Inspired by various animals, the robot showcases a bioinspired design that emphasizes compliance, allowing it to react to its surroundings. This innovation represents a significant advancement in robotic locomotion, opening new possibilities for autonomous exploration and traversal in complex terrains.
GOAT can spontaneously morph between a flat 'rover' shape and a sphere, allowing it to switch modalities while consuming less energy than traditional robots.
Hughes explains that GOAT considers travel modality along with its path, enabling it to overcome obstacles by swimming through rather than navigating around them.
The robot's bioinspired design draws from animals like spiders and octopuses, emphasizing compliance to adapt in response to environmental interactions.
By actively altering its shape, GOAT enhances its passive properties, making it more flexible or robust, depending on the terrain.
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