Ballistic robot system with spin and other controlled motion of robot during flight

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and / or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signalsto one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change / move the moment of inertiaof the flying body. Inflight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.

Description

technical field [0001] This specification relates generally to robotics (or electronics, as these terms are used interchangeably herein) and robotic motion control techniques, and more specifically, to robotics and robotic control methods suitable for controlling robotic movements during unpowered flight. Spinning and other motions, such as during non-powered flight along a trajectory as a projectile or ballistic body travels, or on a travel path established at least in part by a launching mechanism. The motion of the robot during flight may be selected to land on a landing surface (eg, the surface of a capture assembly that may include a mat, net, etc.) in a desired or target orientation and / or attitude. Background technique [0002] Robotic or actuated animatronics are usually ground-based. These ground-based robots are usually fixed in a single location, or can move on wheels or tracks to roll on surfaces or on legs to walk around space. To date, little or no effort has...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As a result, existing drones cannot provide articulated motions that simulate complex movements, such as those performed by gymnasts or stuntmen

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