This robot flies like a drone, rolls like a car, and stands like a meerkat

A United States professors team has developed a robot that moves like a drone and car. This incredible innovation will make rescue missions more effective. 

Professor Mory Gharib, in collaboration with assistant professor Alireza Ramezani, developed this multifunctional robot called M4. 

Caltech’s M4 robot has many unique features, such as multi-modal locomotion, autonomous navigation, tumbling, incline running, and object manipulation. This will enhance the overall functionality of the robot in challenging missions. 

For emergency services, research institutions, military applications, and environmental monitoring, this robot will be ideal. 

How M4 functions?

For ground travel, the M4 uses its wheels, and it can move in multiple directions. On the challenging surfaces, its wheels function as rotors and enable it to fly. 

Under low obstacles, M4 can crawl using the wheels. Balancing on its two wheels, it can stand like a meerkat and peer over obstacles. 

Using sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors, M4 gathers data and understands its surroundings. Algorithms help it find a possible navigation route to the target location. 

Adaptive learning ability of this robot can improve its strategies and perform better using its previous experience. 

Core benefits of Caltech’s M4

The versatile navigation ability of this robot makes it suitable for various environments. AI features of M4 can make suitable independent decisions according to the collected data and past experience without human intervention in critical areas. 

M4 is specially designed to handle critical situations, and it can function as a crucial tool for disaster response teams. It can evolve into a transportation capable of carrying passengers or heavy cargo.

This robot’s capabilities make it ideal for monitoring various ecosystems and studies related to environmental research. This will be beneficial in the monitoring, analysis, and data collection process. 

To sum it up, an aeronautics and bioinspired engineering Professor devised In collaboration with an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, they developed a robot that moves like a drone and a car. This innovative robot, M4, represents a significant advancement in robotics. 

Featured image credits: Yanko design, Mikeshouts