What has 32 legs, 30 faces, weighs 22 pounds and moves by extending and contracting those legs between 9” and 18”? No, it’s not David Mantey’s Halloween costume, it’s a new rhombic triacontrahedron robot developed by Japanese researchers called the Mochibot.
The robot, whose movements resemble those of a sea urchin, “walks” by telescoping and extending its legs, each of which is comprised of three sliding rails. The ability of the legs to adjust their length based on their proximity to the surface it’s rolling on allows the Mochibot to maintain its balance, regardless of the terrain. When it needs to remain still, it levels out all of its legs.
The number of legs on the Mochibot offers two key advantages. First, it can use a number of legs to keep steady, as opposed to others that might depend on two or four. Additionally, it any of the legs get damaged or break off, the Mochibot has more than enough spares.
The robot’s legs can be modified to include cameras, sensors, or devices for collecting samples and taking measurements. Its center can also be used to carry a payload. While the Mochibot is still primarily in development, potential applications could include search and rescue missions, military transport or planet exploration.