A new quadruped robot with wheels instead of arms and legs can drive, climb, perform somersaults and map difficult outdoor terrain.
Chinese robotics firm DEEP Robotics has released its “Lynx” robot, with the new machine designed to complete tasks in specialized industries such as construction, utilities or emergency rescue.
In a promotional video released on November 13, the Lynx model rolls at high speed on “two legs” down a wooded slope, climbs a 30-inch (80-centimeter) rock wall and even descends a 50-degree uneven slope covered with rocks and shrubs.
A key feature is that Lynx has the ability to walk on both two and four legs, all of which are covered with wheels with thick, offroading tires. This enables it to move in the way best suited to its situation.
For example, when climbing a slope in the video, the robot bounces on the ground on two legs, while on a dirt path, it moves quickly on all four wheels. At maximum speed, Lynx can travel at 11 mph (18 km/h) and jump ledges up to 9 inches (22 cm) high.
The robot has a high-definition camera mounted on top that live-streams video to its operators — which can help it complete tasks like remote inspections of field machinery or security patrols along a pre-determined boundary.
DEEP Robotics also uses a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) platform for its robots, known as “DEEP Robotics AI+.” The company says the AI uses reinforcement learning – a machine learning training technique – to help the robot overcome obstacles such as walls.
The Lynx’s batteries last up to three hours on a charge, but these batteries can be replaced while the robot is in use. This means that, when human handlers are along, it can operate for much longer.
Despite its rugged credentials, the Lynx is only certified as IP54 resistant – meaning it can handle some dust and water splashes, but it’s not fully waterproof. This weakness could make it unsuitable for certain tasks, such as working in outdoor environments with heavy rain or moving quickly through waterlogged areas.
The DEEP Robotics Lynx is now available to buy via the company’s website, with buyers directed to specify their industry and contact one of its sales consultants via a form.
DEEP Robotics’ previous products include three other four-legged robots: the X20, which is intended for autonomous site inspection; and the X30, which the firm says is suitable for surveying, mapping or security. The Lite3, which can be configured to connect to the internet and has a lidar 3D-mapping sensor, is for research purposes only.
These robots follow a more traditional quadruped design – they have four legs but no wheels, so they are more limited in the surfaces they can successfully navigate.
In the future, DEEP Robotics wants to build more robots for the energy, mining and emergency rescue sectors, according to industry-by-industry details on its website. It is also working on an AI-powered human robot that can learn on its own.