A remarkable startup hailing from Arizona, Revolute Robotics, has introduced a groundbreaking creation known as the Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR). This fully autonomous bot showcases an impressive combination of rolling and flying capabilities, making it an ingenious solution for inspecting confined spaces. Designed to enhance safety and efficiency in challenging environments like oil rigs and deep mine shafts, the HMR has the potential to revolutionize the inspection process.
The core idea behind the HMR’s development is to automate inspections in spaces where human presence poses significant risks. Traditionally, inspections in such areas can halt operations for extended periods, resulting in increased costs for businesses. However, Revolute Robotics’ innovative solution utilizes a pair of gyroscopic gimbal rings, enabling the bot to roll in any direction. When faced with obstacles or inaccessible zones during inspections, it effortlessly switches to flying mode using its four propellers.
The bot’s setup includes a versatile camera or sensor, which can be switched based on the specific application. Encased within a lightweight exoskeleton that provides shock absorption on rough terrains and falls, the HMR ensures safety during operations. The protective exoskeleton also covers the propellers, allowing the bot to work alongside humans without any risks.
While rolling remains the primary mode of movement to conserve energy during tasks, the flying ability serves as a valuable escape mechanism in unforeseen situations, such as a fall from a height. Additionally, the HMR’s capabilities make it highly suitable for search and rescue missions, where efficiency and swiftness are critical.
Beyond confined space inspections, the potential applications of the HMR are vast. It could be employed for security purposes, inspecting suspicious items, patrolling large perimeters, and reducing human exposure to danger. Furthermore, the bot’s reconnaissance capabilities could be harnessed by the military in contested environments.
To bring their extraordinary creation to commercial deployment, Revolute Robotics has turned to crowdfunding for funding its manufacturing process. Although the current HMR size is substantial, the team envisions the possibility of shrinking it down for civil applications, like inspecting pipelines. As such, it may not be surprising to see utility companies using these futuristic bots in the near future.
With its fully autonomous operation, the HMR offers the convenience of setting it free to complete its mission objectives using its gimbal rings, and autonomously returning when the task is accomplished. The mesmerizing Hybrid Mobility Robot from Revolute Robotics has the potential to redefine inspections in confined spaces and reshape safety standards in various industries.
By Impact Lab