A robot scorpion using ground vibrations for navigation
Anders Wallander, R. Andrew Russell · 2000
Robotics can learn a lot by investigating simple and effective techniques evolved in biology. The sand scorpion that lives in the Mojave Desert uses ground vibrations when locating its prey. This thesis work shows that a robot can be made to navigate using similar techniques as the sand scorpion. A six- legged robot was constructed and fitted with vibration sensors to try the concept. A robot navigating with the help of ground vibrations could be used in applications such as the search for victims after natural disasters. This report presents the hardware design, algorithms for direction and location finding of a vibration source, simulation results and the performance of the direction finding system fitted on the robot.