Insect-Like Antennal Sensing For Climbing And Tunneling Behavior In A Biologically-Inspired Mobile Robot

Through the use of mechanical, actuated antennae a biologically-inspired robot is capable of autonomous decision-making and navigation when faced with an obstacle that can be climbed over or tunneled under. Vertically-sweeping mechanical antennae and interface microcontrollers have been added to the Whegs (TM) II[1] sensor platform that allow it to autonomously sense the presence of, and successfully navigate a horizontal shelf placed in its path. The obstacle is sensed when the antennae make contact with it, and navigation is made possible through articulation of the Whegs (TM) II body flexion joint.