7 accepted papers
Modular self-assembling systems typically assume that modules are present to assemble. But in sparsely observed ocean environments modules of an aquatic modular robotic system may be separated by distances they do not have the energy to cross, and the information needed for optimal path planning is…
The Modboat is a low-cost, underactuated, modular robot capable of surface swimming. It is able to swim individually, dock to other Modboats, and undock from them using only a single motor and two passive flippers. Undocking without additional actuation is achieved by causing intentional self-collis…
We present a flow-based control strategy that enables resource-constrained marine robots to patrol gyre-like flow environments on an orbital trajectory with a periodicity in a given range. The controller does not require a detailed model of the flow field and relies only on the robot's location rela…
We describe a docking mechanism and strategy to allow modular self-assembly for the Modboat: an inexpensive, underactuated, oscillating, surface-swimming robot powered by a single motor. Because propulsion is achieved through oscillation, orientation can be controlled only in the average; this compl…
The Modboat is an autonomous surface robot that turns the oscillation of a single motor into a controlled paddling motion through passive flippers. Inertial control methods developed in prior work can successfully drive the Modboat along trajectories and enable docking to neighboring modules, but ha…
We describe motion primitives and closed-loop control for a unique low-cost single-motor oscillating aquatic system: the Modboat. The Modboat is driven by the conservation of angular momentum, which is used to actuate two passive flippers in a sequential paddling motion for propulsion and steering.
BRIDGE bot is a 158 g, 10.7 × 8.9 × 6.5 cm3, magnetic-wheeled robot designed to traverse and inspect steel bridges. Utilizing custom magnetic wheels, the robot is able to securely adhere to the bridge in any orientation. The body platform features flexible, multi-material legs that enable a variety…