Spherical Cage Robot Can Fly And Roll, Taking Autonomous Inspection To New Heights

What if we told you that a spherical cage robot that is able to fly like a multicopter is a reality now? American company Revolute Robotics recently unveiled its autonomous Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR), a spherical cage-like robot that is not only able to fly like a multicopter, but can also roll in any direction.

Crazy, right? The HMR's lightweight body allows it to "deform" to a certain degree, New Atlas reported. This way, its key components remain unharmed from too much vibration as this robot rolls out and tumbles.

Revolute Robotics

A robot-of-its-kind

The autonomous robot's outer cage also creates an exclusion sphere for four propellers that are used during flight mode. However, the flight mode drains battery five times faster than when it is rolling, making it a novelty feature in many ways.

The robot is built to operate autonomously and can roll over obstacles or help gimbals in rolling up through steep terrain. Wherever required, it also uses its flying capabilities to jump past obstacles.

Revolute Robotics

Also read: This 'Sweating' Robot Explores The Science Of Human Perspiration

The company hopes to sell the fully developed HMR as an autonomous inspection robot for confined spaces. For instance, it may be sent down pipelines and equipped with a camera and even a payload.

Revolute Robotics

Its flight mode would allow the robot to climb up vertical sections of a pipe in a way wheeled robots simply cannot. Revolute hopes to develop HMR as an autonomous security drone and even explore its military uses.

Also read: US Military Is Testing An Autonomous Fighter Jet, Are Robot Soldiers Next?

Essentially, it may be useful in any situation where humans could be in danger, including mines. See how it operates in the video below.

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