At the heart of the SKOOTR design is a large diameter sphere mounted on a frame on bearings, allowing it to rotate freely without slipping. This feature allows the robot to overcome obstacles or climb stairs while maintaining balance on the support sphere.

On flat surfaces, the robot balances and rolls on this sphere with the help of small balls at the end of each of its three legs. Rubber pads for movement on the limbs are separated from the legs near the balls.

How to create a robot

Associate Professor Talia Y. Moore of the Evolution and Motion Laboratory in Biology and Robotics (EMBiR) at the University of Michigan shared the spark of inspiration behind SKOOTR:

The idea came to me as I rolled around in my office chair between groups of students. I found that the chair’s passive rotation made it easy to turn it in any direction, and I could use my legs for different maneuvers while remaining surprisingly stable. This versatile maneuverability is a reminder of how fragile starfish change direction while swimming.
– said the scientist.

Moore notes that SKOOTR’s stability is a standout feature. Engineers have done a lot of experiments with SKOOTR and it is almost impossible for it to tip over during operation. Moreover, he can do much more than his appearance and movements suggest.

By lifting the sphere with its feet, SKOOTR can overcome obstacles that other rotating robots would have difficulty with. He can even climb stairs.

A few interesting facts about SKOOTR

• The platform runs on an Arduino Uno, using an inertial block for movement.
• In the future, it is planned to equip the robot with additional sensors and teach it to better navigate in space, plan movement and master cartography skills.
• The entire project cost about $500, and all components except the 3D printed body parts and limbs are commercially available.

This innovative project not only demonstrates the potential of advanced robotics in exploration and delivery, but also demonstrates the creative synergy between natural design and technological advances. The SKOOTR robot is a testament to the exciting possibilities at the intersection of robotics and biomimicry.