Many wheeled robots can traverse uneven terrain, but their bodies cannot remain level, making them unsuitable for many tasks. That’s where KATR comes in: it uses extendable legs to keep the cargo deck uniform.
KATR, short for Kubota All-Terrain Robot, is manufactured by Kubota Tractor Corporation in Japan. The prototype vehicle recently won a CES Innovation Award and is designed for use in fields such as agriculture and construction.
On smooth, level ground, the KATR rolls on its four innermost wheels. However, when passing over sloping or rough terrain, it stands up on four pillars. different outermost wheel.
Each wheel is located at the end of a hydraulically operated leg and extends and retracts independently to keep the robot’s cargo deck level. The bridge operates automatically thanks to proprietary algorithms that monitor and respond to onboard sensor data in real time.
Moreover, each wheel is powered by its own electric motor, increasing the robot’s off-road capabilities.
That is, the robot’s basic The power source can be a battery pack or a gasoline combustion engine, depending on application and geographic location. For example, if the KATR is to be used in a remote setting off the grid, gas may be a better option.
The robot has a payload capacity of 129 kg (284 lb) and can be equipped with a variety of tools and sensors, allowing it to be used for applications such as material handling. field data collection; On-site maintenance, inspection and/or surveillance; Applying sealants, paints or other substances to hard-to-reach places Agricultural work such as weeding, pruning and harvesting.
Kubota said it plans to begin leasing KATR in the Japanese market next year with a target service cost of 1,980 yen (about US$13) per hour. Currently, the company is considering the possibility of entering the North American market.
Source: Kubota Tractor Co., Ltd.