All Terrain Land and Air Sphere (ATLAS)

BACKGROUND

Demands on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continuously evolve giving rise to design platforms with novel functionality. More and more UAS are asked to enter and navigate dangerous situations and damages structures to protect the lives first responders, researchers, and soldiers while aiding their mission.  Some craft can land and roll on a surface navigating tight areas by actuating the flaps located at its base coupled with the thrust generated from the props. However, current implementations merely re-orientate the vehicle so the props are positioned properly for take-off but do not provide effective continuous navigation on and over surfaces. Furthermore, such self-orientation maneuverability consumes precious power and weight. New innovations are needed to advance UAS capabilities.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at OSU have developed an all-terrain land and air sphere (ATLAS) capable of multimodal transit. The ATLAS is a rover/wheel mechanism around a spherical exoskeleton. This design allows the flying spherical vehicle to transform into a ground maneuverable vehicle able to navigate on and over surfaces and even roll up stairs. The drive mechanism can be oriented to maintain an upright position ensuring a successful VTOL or enable a hovering mode. Additionally, the unit’s exoskeleton is collapsible for ease of storage and maintenance. The ATLAS design is an improvement that can change the market, providing a leap forward for multimodal unmanned systems. See the technology inaction YouTube AUVSI ATLAS

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Search and rescue operations
• Reconnaissance
• Aerial and ground surveillance

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Multimodal movement capabilities
• More energy efficient ground navigation
• Capable of hovering, flying, and rolling

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Working model