GroundBot - Flexible reconnaissance robot with 360-degree observation capability

Remote-controlled reconnaissance robots are increasingly being developed for military purposes, such as battlefield reconnaissance, mine detection or patrols, etc. The recent Rotundus Hydropower company has introduced Introducing its new robot model, GroundBot "ball". A flexible moving robot, which can roll through mud, sand, and snow, even floating on water and the ability to observe 360 ​​degrees with 2 camera sides.

>>>Video: GroundBot test run at the airport

External design

"An extremely simple, user-friendly and easy-to-control design" is what the manufacturer has said. GroundBot is equipped with the most advanced technology inside a simple "ball" . This "ball" is 0.6m high, 0.8m wide and weighs 25kg.

2 cameras are placed in protective glass and attached to both sides like lizard eyes. With a very wide viewing angle, when combining images obtained from cameras we will have panoramic images around GroundBot. The protective glass is very resistant to heat and impact, and prevents electrical components from being exposed to the outside environment, so GroundBot is suitable for investigating gas leaks.

GroundBot's surface is coated with a polycarbonate layer and fully sealed, to prevent dust or water from entering the internal equipment. On the surface of GroundBot also has many small spikes to help it cling to the road, increasing the friction force will help increase the movement ability, not only that these spikes also help it overcome many different types of terrain.

Structure

In contrast to the "simple" appearance, GroundBot's internal structure is equipped with the most advanced sensors. From radiation sensors, humidity, gas, fire, heat, smoke, biological materials, explosives, narcotics, etc. to speed sensors, accelerometers, GPS. There are also microphones and external speakers, used in cases of reconnaissance or negotiation with armed bandits. The camera is capable of rotating multiple angles, zooming far away, with an infrared lens to observe the night.

GroundBot has a rotating rotor inside that helps it move. When the rotor moves, it will rotate the whole body of GroundBot, causing it to roll like a ball. The power source is supplied from the Li-Ion Battery Pack, so GroundBot can operate continuously for 16 hours and recharge in 3 hours.

Work

GroundBot has flexible mobility, partly due to its simple spherical design, in part because of its special way of moving. Inside GroundBot there is a rotor system attached to a pendulum, when the rotor rotates, it makes the pendulum spin and change the focus of GroundBot to make it move. Another control mechanism may cause the pendulum to shift left or right, causing the GroundBot to redirect.

GroundBot can move forward and back without turning. Speed ​​up and down quickly and flexibly. And especially GroundBot works very smoothly, hardly causing any noise, thanks in part to the operation mechanism and the outer polycarbonate cover.

GroundBot can also cross terrain such as mud, snow and floating on water. It is thanks to a simple design that makes its weight very light compared to conventional robots, GroundBot weighs only 25kg so it easily rolls over muddy puddles and floats on the water. Besides, the large diameter of the "ball" , nearly the same as a car tire, makes it easy to overcome obstacles.

Control

GroundBot can directly control remotely via Wi-fi signal. The controls are not too complicated, as the manufacturer said: "It's like a typical racing simulation game." The transmitted images are processed and can be displayed in 2D or 3D format.

Besides GroundBot can be controlled via GPS system. The operator will base on the digitized map and map out a predetermined path for GroundBot. The operator can also set customizations for cameras such as tilt, zoom for each available route.

GroundBot's control interface is also quite simple, only displays the digital map and pin bar. While sensors and many other options are hidden and only appear when activated. This helps the operator not be confused by too much information, while focusing on the captured images.

In addition, GroundBot also has several automatic modes, such as patrolling in a certain area and warning when there is any movement. This mode is very suitable for patrols in prisons or as scouts on the battlefield.

Future

Currently GroundBot is being tested in civil security activities such as patrolling airport areas, factories, museums. But in the future GroundBot will be an effective arm on the battlefield with the ability to move extremely flexible, almost no noise and the ability to observe very wide. GroundBot will also help a lot in cases of reconnaissance of radiation, toxic gas or mine detection or search for survivors. The applications of GroundBot are indeed very large, and it will open a new future in the field of robot research and manufacturing.

Reference: Gizmag