Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University came up with a new type of mobile robot called Ballbot. Instead of using legs or wheels, this robot balances itself on balls. This multi-directional robot seemed to be the solution that has been hounding the Segway; like two-wheeled balancing bots, which have been popular over the past years.
The Ballbot, a self-contained battery operated omni-directional robot, dynamically balances itself on a urethane coated single metal sphere. The dynamic is actually similar to an upside down trackball, which makes this robot capable of moving in any direction.
The researchers at the university said that this robot is still in its infancy, and they hope that they can make it a true humanoid robot. They plan to have a head and arms capable of moving faster and more dynamically. However, scientists are already pleased with their development making the Ballbot a potential means of locomotion.
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Carnegie Mellon U. (CMU)
