Meet the spherical flying robots- For Society

We have met a lot of robots serving our purposes in different ways. A few days back you may seen 'bartender robots' through yTech itself.  But now you are going to meet some robots whose purpose is entirely different when compared to other robots. :D :)  We know there was a time when Japanese Ministry of defence got even a ball rolling, which was followed by the appearance of spherical air vehicle in 2011, a lot afterwards such as Kyosho Space Ball, Puzzlebox Orbit (2012). 

Now Meet the 'GimBall'!!!! Researchers at Ecole Polytechnic Federale de Lausanne (EFPL) in Switzerland have come up with a flying robot that takes crashing into obstacles on its way. You may wonder how its done!!! :D :) But before we through GimBall, let me say to you one thing. Most of the time, in expeditions, researches and other missions, robots used might get into fundamental technical problems when they meet cluttered environments which usually results in disastrous mission-ending results. The main issue for this, is the meeting of obstacles on its way. What if the robots can take advantage of such environments and go ahead completing the mission impossible to mission possible? :D :)

Here comes the relevance of these robots. :D :) A 'GimBall' is equipped with a passively protecting cage, which keeps it stable even during collisions. It can therefore fly in every sort of cluttered environments without fearing contacts or collisions. This 34 cm in diameter spherical flying robot buzzes around the unpredictable, chaotic environments without the need for detection sensors. This robot is basically inspired by insects. It is protected by a spherical, elastic, cage which enables it to absorb and rebound from shocks. Its keep its balance using a gyroscopic stabilization system. When tested above Lausanne, Switzerland, it performed brilliantly, careening from tree trunk but staying on course. It will be publicly presented in IREX conference in Tokyo, Japan from November 5-9, 2013. 

'GimBall' is powered by twin propellers and steered by fins. The gyroscopic stabilization system consists of a double carbon-fiber ring that keeps the robot oriented vertically, while the cage absorbs shocks as it rotates. This insect inspired flying machines handle well in collisions. I hope this will be a major achievment that might help in saving lives. This robot can be used in the most difficult terrains where humans cant even able to reach in any sense. For example, if a disaster such as earth quake happens and if want to go through collapsed buildings, I would definitely suggest this machine. Its camera can surely bring some life saving informations. A wide variety of applications are available for this robot and definetly a bright future ahead for this super spherical robot 'The GimBall'. :D :) 

Please note: This project is conducted as a part of the National Centers of Competence in Research "Robotics", launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation with the goal of developing robotics technologies for improving the quality of life. This centre gathers leading robotic experts in Switzerland from cutting-edge research institutions. EFPL as the home institution, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The NCCR robotics bring research and aims to generate long-term benefits to society as a whole.