Over the past year JPL researchers have been hard at work designing a micro-spine gripper system that can firmly attach itself to rock. In its first iteration, designers at JPL conceived of the micro-gripper as a hand-held tool that could be used by astronauts when sampling soil and rock on the Moon or Mars.
As the micro-gripper developed, however, researchers realized they could integrate it with their LEMUR IIB robot body – creating a four legged beast with gripping feet that are capable of scaling any porous surface.
Key to the success of the micro-gripper are the two actuators and 750 micro-spines that make up each circular foot. According to the video, as the robot places its appendage on a rocky surface “torsion springs push the claw into the rock” and “an engagement actuator draws the claws inward through a network of springs that allow the claws to independently find rough spots to grip.” Once engaged, the robotic claw is then capable of lifting up to 15kg (35lbs) on the most porous volcanic rock.
JPL has plans to add micro-gripper feet to future generations of its LEMUR and RoboSimian robots; meaning that with any luck the world’s first rock climbing robot is just the first of many more to come.
Images and Video Courtesy of JPL Robotics