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 ™ 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 ™ II body flexion joint.