Researchers at Caltech's Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies have developed a real-life transformer robot that brings science fiction closer to reality. The Aerially Transforming Morphobot (ATMO) represents a significant advancement in hybrid mobility robotics by seamlessly transitioning between air and ground operations without pausing.
The robot's ingenious design uses four thrusters for flight, with the protective shrouds around these thrusters doubling as wheels when in ground mode. This dual-purpose configuration is controlled by a single motor that moves a central joint, lifting the thrusters up for drone mode or down for drive mode, making the system remarkably efficient.
Lead author Ioannis Mandralis, a graduate student in aerospace at Caltech, explains that ATMO was inspired by nature—specifically how birds change their body morphology when transitioning from flight to ground movement. However, ATMO faced unique engineering challenges beyond what birds encounter, including managing complex aerodynamic forces and turbulence created by its own thrusters during transformation.
The most significant innovation lies in ATMO's control algorithm, which uses model predictive control to continuously forecast how the robot will behave seconds into the future and make real-time adjustments. This sophisticated system was developed after extensive testing in Caltech's drone lab, where researchers used smoke visualization experiments to understand the swirling air patterns during transformation.
The practical applications for ATMO are substantial. Its increased agility and robustness make it particularly valuable for commercial delivery systems, where it could navigate difficult terrain without interruption. Additionally, the technology shows promise for search and rescue operations and planetary exploration missions, where adapting to unpredictable environments is crucial.
The research team, which includes design engineer Reza Nemovi and Professor Richard M. Murray, published their findings in the journal Communications Engineering. As robots like ATMO continue to evolve, they may redefine how autonomous machines navigate our increasingly complex world.