Boston Dynamics develops a compact wheeled robot that jumps buildings
The robotics company Boston Dynamics has created a unique unmanned ground vehicle called Sand Flea. This device combines the rolling mobility of a remote-controlled car with the ability to perform explosive jumps to overcome extreme vertical obstacles, such as walls or low buildings. 🤖
Propulsion mechanism for extreme jumps
The jump mechanism is based on an internal piston that uses compressed carbon dioxide. The system stores energy and releases it in a controlled manner to generate an instantaneous vertical thrust. This allows the robot to rise from a static position to heights of around ten meters.
Key features of the jump system:- Uses a CO2 gas piston for propulsion.
- Releases energy explosively and in a controlled manner.
- Reaches great heights while maintaining stability to land on its wheels.
The key lies in a mechanism that stores energy to release it explosively and reach heights of up to ten meters.
Practical applications in complex environments
The ability to overcome vertical obstacles makes the Sand Flea ideal for reconnoitering terrain in hard-to-reach areas. Operators can deploy it to inspect areas or obtain elevated views without exposing themselves, as the robot transmits real-time video while exploring.
Operational advantages of the robot:- Accesses rooftops and overcomes high walls for inspection.
- Provides a safe aerial perspective for the operator.
- Transmits live video from inaccessible locations.
A versatile design and its impact
In ground mode, the robot moves agilely over varied terrain. Its compact wheeled design allows it to maneuver precisely before jumping. The combination of rolling mobility and vertical jumping makes it a powerful tool for gathering information. The image of an apparently normal device suddenly jumping over a person illustrates its surprising capability and potential in urban or reconnaissance scenarios. 🚀