Tumbleweed Robot Rolls Across Deserts in Pursuit of Science

Feb-08-14 The Tumbleweed robot was designed to help scientists understand desertification by rolling across the desert and gathering data that can be transmitted back to a central command.

Although other robotic systems have been employed in an attempt to gather such information, they have become stuck in the sand or otherwise hindered by obstacles. The Tumbleweed, designed by Shlomi Mir, does away with tracks or wheels in favor of a lightweight, canvas–covered steel frame able to roll across the sand as it is pushed by the wind. The robot’s frame can alter shape or change its course based on the conditions, and its rolling motion powers its internal generator that in turn powers its onboard computer and various sensors.

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[DISCOVERY.COM]
[WIRED]

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