Nov 21, 20222 min
The robotics industry has grown exponentially in recent years. From robots capable of carrying out surveillance tasks to mini-robots that do not even require a battery. Even so, there is a wide scope for improvement of this technology. The main feature of this new robot is its weight, which allows it to almost float on water or walk without any problem. This robot is enabled by helium.
In the same way, it has a whole series of virtues that make this particular model a unique variant on the market. Most of them have a central element, the presence of a structure based on artificial intelligence. This particular robot is named BALLU and it has been designed and produced at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
BALLU stands out for having a pair of helium balloons and 2 legs that resemble those that a flamingo might have. The system is very rudimentary, but the truth is that we are dealing with a robot capable of staying upright and balanced. The movements of the legs are specially created to hold the structure firm and, due to the fact that upward pressure is exerted, no chance of falling. It is, therefore, 2 key elements to understand the vision of the robot.
It is a project that has started from a conception completely contrary to what is established in the sector. If any other bet has started from a concept of keeping the center of gravity as low as possible to avoid falls, in this case the presence of the balloons has been used to keep the entire structure upright. This design, among other things, allows BALLU to go up and down stairs or simply ‘walk’ on the surface of the water, according to Spectrum.
BALLU, on the other hand, has no practical relief applications. It is functional, yes, but it has only proven to be the starting point for research on it. After all, the use of solutions such as helium could allow improve the balance of robots more easily than using current technology. Even so, it is important to note that further testing must be carried out in order to extend its usefulness in the future.