Narrow Results

As jumping is an effective method of moving over rough terrain, there is much interest in building robots that can jump. Deformation of a soft robot's body is an effective method to induce jumping. Our aim was to develop a jumping robot by deformation of a circular shell made of spring steel to result in the highest jump. Higher jumping requires enlargement of the contact area between the robot body and the floor. We developed a jumping mechanism that utilized a dish shape to maximize contact area.

Bi₂O₃ nanomaterials with a diversity of morphologies, such as nanoparticles, nanorods and nanoplates, were controllably synthesized successfully by a reverse microemulsion route. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were employed to characterize the obtained products. It was found that the size and morphology of bismuth oxide were affected mainly by water content (W₀), and the shape of Bi₂O₃ changed with different W₀. The common role of surfactant adsorbing on the surface of the nanoparticles led to the formation of Bi₂O₃ nanomaterials with specific morphologies. The possible formation mechanisms of these nanostructures were also discussed. With calcination temperature increasing from 275 °C to 350°C, β-Bi₂O₃ has transformed into α-Bi₂O₃ completely.

Buton rock asphalt (BRA) is usually used as modifier applied to bitumen and bituminous mixture. In this paper, the performance of hot in-plant recycling mixture modified by buton rock asphalt are evaluated using rutting test, immersion Marshall test and freeze-thaw split test. The modification mechanisms of buton rock asphalt are studied by element analysis, scanning electron microscope analysis and infrared spectrum analysis. The test results showed that buton rock asphalt could improve the rutting resistance and the ability to anti-water damage of hot in-plant recycling mixture. The combined actions of rock asphalt and RAP asphalt lead to the improvement of high-temperature stability. The high-temperature softening and miscellaneous clusters adsorption of buton rock asphalt reinforce the bonding of asphalt and aggregate, and the rock asphalt powder absorbs asphalt to increase binder viscosity and reduce flow ability, thus improving the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixture.

One of the central problems of motion control of walking robots is the distribution of force between legs and the organization of robot motion within margins of static stability. Support reactions need to be controlled during movements on undeveloped terrain. The force/torque sensor is an important component of the measuring system and force control and sliding contact with the ground uneven leg of the modular walking robot MERO. Determination of the real forces distribution in the shifting mechanisms of a walking locomotion system which moves in undeveloped terrain at low speed is necessary for the analysis of stability. The paper will analyze an intelligent sensor developed by the authors with an important role in the complex system control slipping when moving walking robot MERO on undeveloped terrain.