Novel Robotic

Novel robotic research focuses on developing robots capable of navigating and manipulating objects in challenging environments, including unstructured terrains and confined spaces. Current efforts concentrate on improving locomotion through designs like extendable-boom systems for traversing rough surfaces and mechanically-inflatable bodies for pipeline inspection, alongside advanced control algorithms such as reinforcement learning and model predictive control to enable complex tasks. These advancements are significant for expanding robotic capabilities in areas like planetary exploration, search and rescue, and industrial automation, particularly in scenarios where traditional robots struggle.