Bio-Inspired Jumping Robot

In nature, jumping is one of the most efficient and effective methods for navigating large obstacles. It allows many types of animals, such as grasshoppers and locusts, to surpass obstacles that are several times their height in one fluid motion. Translating the jumping mechanics from one such animal into a functioning mechanism became the goal of this project. The specific bio-mechanism used by locusts was investigated and modeled as a spring loaded four-bar linkage. Two-dimensional dynamic modeling software was used successfully to predict the jump height of a similar linkage from a separate technical report. This proven modeling capability allowed for an initial three-dimensional prototype to be constructed virtually. A second simplified prototype was developed to speed up the prototyping process. A torsional spring was then selected with the goal of having the mechanism jump one meter vertically. Specific spring reinforcements and connection components were designed and 3D printed out of ABS plastic for a rigid, yet lightweight construction. Carbon fiber and aluminum rods were used for the linkage links to increase strength and reduce weight. Results of performance testing will be presented and discussed.