Rammohan S, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, has been awarded a prestigious Core Research Grant by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST). This grant will fund the development of an innovative Hybrid Inverted Pendulum on Wheels and Hopper-based Dual Locomotion Assistive Robot.
Research Focus and Objective
The project, spearheaded by Rammohan S, along with co-investigator Sivraj P., Assistant Professor (SG) at Amrita, aims to create a mobile robot capable of navigating through complex and challenging terrains with ease, similar to human movement. The goal is to combine wheeled and legged locomotion to allow the robot to swiftly travel over flat surfaces and effortlessly maneuver over uneven, rough terrains.
Impetus Behind the Research
The inspiration for this research comes from the limitations of traditional robotic locomotion. While wheeled robots excel on flat, even surfaces, legged robots are preferred for traversing difficult, uneven terrain. By integrating both systems, the project seeks to develop a robot that offers the best of both worlds, providing greater mobility and functionality in real-world applications.
Far-reaching Impact
This research has the potential to advance scientific understanding in optimal robust control and mobile robotics, particularly in the area of hopping and wheeled robot balancing. It envisions creating robots that can not only balance on two wheels but also hop over obstacles while assisting humans, such as the elderly, in navigating challenging environments.
Project Timeline and Deliverables
The funding, which will extend from April 2024 to March 2027, will support the creation of a working prototype of the robot. The prototype will demonstrate both balancing and hopping capabilities, with the ability to assist in human-like navigation.
Key Outcomes and Impact
The expected outcomes of this project include:
Additionally, the project will contribute significantly to the field of underactuated robot stability and may lead to patents for novel energy release mechanisms and control architectures in self-balancing, hopping robots. These innovations could pave the way for more versatile assistive technologies in the future.
Applicability and Proposed Impact
This work holds vast potential for improving the quality of life for individuals, particularly the elderly, by enabling robots to assist in their mobility. The ability to traverse uneven surfaces and provide stability in various environments could transform the field of assistive robotics.
Funding Agency: Core Research Grant, SERB, ANRF
Funding Period: April 2024 – March 2027
This project is expected to make significant contributions to both theoretical research in robotics and practical applications in assistive technology, offering groundbreaking solutions for human-robot interaction.
