Spherical robot gets everywhere – if necessary by flying

It doesn’t have a map hidden inside that you could use to find Luke Skywalker, but it’s very reminiscent of BB-8 – only the head is missing: The “Hybrid Mobility Robot” (HMR) is an innovation by Revolution Roboticsa company started by two talented grads from the University of Arizona at Tucson, and the newest star in the robotics sky.

Thanks to its spherical exoskeleton, it can move in all directions and brave even the most difficult terrain. And when he has to overcome obstacles, he has a very special trick up his sleeve: he simply takes off and flies away like a multicopter.

The HMR’s lightweight exoskeleton is flexible enough to deform when needed, and serves as a handy little shock absorber when landing. It keeps the important electronics inside the cage stable – even during the wildest movements over rough terrain. The robotic hamster ball also serves as a protective shield for the four rotors inside, which lift the HMR over obstacles.

Normally, the HMR acts autonomously and prefers taxiing to flying, since flight mode consumes five times as much energy. Revolute Robotics has developed a number of remarkable looking prototypes that are currently in the testing phase.

The company initially hopes to sell the fully developed HMR as an autonomous inspection robot for things like pipelines. It can be equipped with a large number of cameras and sensors in the pipes, depending on the requirements. In this case, flight mode would allow him to climb vertical sections of pipe with ease, which is not possible with wheeled robots.

In contrast to conventional rolling robots, the HMR can also climb steep slopes. Thanks to its rotors, which allow it to slide down safely, it can even master steep gradients that would cause other robots to fall.

The military could also benefit from the capabilities of the HMR. In this case, intelligent swarm capabilities could be used, where multiple HMRs work together to view a target from different perspectives.

Mining also offers interesting applications, for example in assessing the structural integrity of old mine shafts. And of course, the HMR also plays an important role in search and rescue and bomb disposal operations – everything that is needed to prevent people from being put in danger.

The Tucson-based robot could also help improve the security of critical infrastructure. With his “patrol role” he can prevent acts of sabotage at dams, harbors or bridges.

In addition, it can be used on construction sites to prevent theft of materials and valuable tools. Revolute has one crowdfunding campaign launched to prepare the HMR for commercial use and production. Over $116,000 has now been raised.