A walking robot based on an original pneumatic drive control system; an early application of the machine is an avatar for phygital sports, while the final form is a ground-based drone for activities that are inaccessible or dangerous for humans.
We are developing a ground-based drone — a multifunctional pneumatic-drive walking robotic platform with high autonomy, capable of moving effectively over uneven terrain and complex surfaces (sand, clay, snowdrifts, concrete debris, etc.) where traditional wheeled and tracked systems prove inapplicable.
The core of the project is the development of a unique pneumatic drive that increases the autonomy, payload capacity, power, and accessibility of the walking transport platform compared to traditional electric and hydraulic counterparts.
Electric batteries, as the primary energy source for electric-drive walking platforms, provide dozens of times less autonomy than a power plant based on an internal combustion engine; furthermore, batteries quickly lose functionality at low temperatures. Meanwhile, hydraulic systems are several times more expensive than pneumatic ones.
Thus, the walking robot can be used for autonomous and teleoperated missions involving monitoring, data collection, and cargo transport. A significant feature of the pneumatic-drive walking platform is its suitability for operation within the climatic conditions and territorial scales of the Russian Federation.
Alexey Bykov (founder) — CTO, design engineer, embedded systems programmer. Specialist with 20 years of experience in computer game development, design and manufacture of simulators for maritime, railway, and space equipment, as well as pneumatic equipment for industrial automation (ex: JetBrains, Steor, Transas, LG).
Sargylana Ermolaeva (co-founder) — project management, specialist in machine learning and data analysis. Master of Applied Mathematics and Physics (MIPT). 15+ years of experience in frontend development, physical rehabilitation, and leading research and educational projects.
Yulius Dudinsky — software developer with over 25 years of experience, C++, Java programmer. Master of Mathematics. Has experience in department management and personal software development experience in computer vision and engineering systems related to navigation, as well as computer games on various platforms (ex: LG, Transas, Navis)
Mikhail Konovalov — PhD in Engineering, scientific supervisor. Expertise in the digitalization of complex industrial products: R&D, design and development, operation; organization of automated and robotic production. Deputy Head of IT Department — information systems architect (Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation — Obukhov Plant).
Project Description
We are developing a ground-based drone — a multifunctional pneumatic-drive walking robotic platform with high autonomy, capable of moving effectively over uneven terrain and complex surfaces (sand, clay, snowdrifts, concrete debris, etc.) where traditional wheeled and tracked systems prove inapplicable.
The core of the project is the development of a unique pneumatic drive that increases the autonomy, payload capacity, power, and accessibility of the walking transport platform compared to traditional electric and hydraulic counterparts.
Electric batteries, as the primary energy source for electric-drive walking platforms, provide dozens of times less autonomy than a power plant based on an internal combustion engine; furthermore, batteries quickly lose functionality at low temperatures. Meanwhile, hydraulic systems are several times more expensive than pneumatic ones.
Thus, the walking robot can be used for autonomous and teleoperated missions involving monitoring, data collection, and cargo transport. A significant feature of the pneumatic-drive walking platform is its suitability for operation within the climatic conditions and territorial scales of the Russian Federation.
Application Prospects
- CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION — remote inspection of construction and installation works, autonomous accompaniment of a human operator;
- ENERGY AND TRANSPORT — patrolling and monitoring of large territories, trunk networks, infrastructure facilities, and communication routes; high-resolution reconnaissance and mapping;
- INDUSTRY — interaction with substances hazardous to humans; transport of materials, equipment, and samples (soil, cores, water);
- AGRICULTURE — remote monitoring of livestock, crops, and forestry lands.
- SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS — work in disaster-stricken areas, searching for people, transporting medical supplies and tactical equipment;
- ENTERTAINMENT AND PHYGITAL SPORTS — execution of entertainment scenarios (outdoor recreation, exhibitions, digital art), an avatar for phygital sports games;
- PERSONAL ROBOTICS — a personal intelligent assistant capable of operating in the real world. A companion for individuals with disabilities;
- EDUCATION — Training in robotics and piloting of ground-based robotic platforms for various purposes.
Key features of the walking machine:
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND AUTONOMY — economical battery power consumption. With an internal combustion engine, autonomy is 40 times greater than all existing analogs (about 9 days or 216 hours). This allows for missions over long distances or with long intervals.
- MOBILITY AND TERRAIN CAPABILITY — high power allows for overcoming complex obstacles: stairs (including vertical ones), rock debris, and snowdrifts.
- LOAD CAPACITY — payload is at least 100 kg
- MODULARITY AND FLEXIBILITY — ability to use various combinations of specialized sensors and attachments (lidars, microphones, cameras, temperature and humidity sensors, inertial measurement units, etc.)
- COST — the relative simplicity of the pneumatic propulsion design reduces overall manufacturing costs.
Our team
Alexey Bykov (founder) — CTO, design engineer, embedded systems programmer. Specialist with 20 years of experience in computer game development, design and manufacture of simulators for maritime, railway, and space equipment, as well as pneumatic equipment for industrial automation (ex: JetBrains, Steor, Transas, LG).
Sargylana Ermolaeva (co-founder) — project management, specialist in machine learning and data analysis. Master of Applied Mathematics and Physics (MIPT). 15+ years of experience in frontend development, physical rehabilitation, and leading research and educational projects.
Yulius Dudinsky — software developer with over 25 years of experience, C++, Java programmer. Master of Mathematics. Has experience in department management and personal software development experience in computer vision and engineering systems related to navigation, as well as computer games on various platforms (ex: LG, Transas, Navis)
Mikhail Konovalov — PhD in Engineering, scientific supervisor. Expertise in the digitalization of complex industrial products: R&D, design and development, operation; organization of automated and robotic production. Deputy Head of IT Department — information systems architect (Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation — Obukhov Plant).
Contact person: Sargylana Ermolaeva (co-founder)
Phone: +7(911)217-87-43
Email: esagi@yandex.ru
Phone: +7(911)217-87-43
Email: esagi@yandex.ru
Similar innovation projects
