A mobility analysis of using the Rhex-type mobile robot in various surroundings

Mobile robots are becoming increasingly popular, finding a great deal of applications, especially in situations where conventional mobility systems, such as wheels or tracks, prove ineffective. Exploration of an unknown environment or a place, in which Man is incapable of staying, for example exploring remote planets in the Solar System, is often linked with operating a device in a rough terrain. This requires an adjustment of the robot locomotion system to the ground. The problem of high mobility in diverse surroundings is still a major challenge. Therefore, the concept of mobile robots is extremely popular and is still being developed. Using this type of propulsion carries several advantages, namely the possibility of applicability of this type of solutions in an environment, which is not easily accessible to wheeled vehicles (sandy, mountainous terrain, etc.). There is still a large interest of constructors and scientists in unconventional drive systems, adapted directly from nature, which often offers very efficient solutions. Quite frequently, designers copy the construction of animal locomotion system, attempting at implementing them in their designs. The aim of this article is to present an original construction, known as the Rhex-type robot in the available literature. In addition, it presents a number of conducted investigations, which describe the platform’s mobility in various terrains, such as sands, rocks and rubbles, as well as the possibility to overcome the terrain obstacles. It ends with conclusions and potential application areas of this type of a design.