'Ballbot' doesn't need legs to get around

A new robot perched-atop a rotating ball can perform the same tasks as those which use legs to get around.

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh created "Ballbot", a self-contained, battery-operated, robot that balances on a single metal sphere.

Much like multi-legged robots, Ballbot will be used to interact with people who are elderly, disabled, or who need assistance at the office.

Robots that have three or more wheels for support generally have bases that are too wide to move around furniture and people, the researchers say.

Ballbot's long, thin shape gives it the ability to move in tight spaces.

The svelte metallic assistant weighs in at about 43 kg (95 pounds.)

The robot has an internal computer that reads balance information, which then activates rollers that mobilize its sphere.

When the robot is not in use, retractable legs extend out for it to stand on.

The researchers eventually want to add a head and a pair of arms to Ballbot to help balance its body even further.

Ballbot was introduced at the International Symposium for Robotics Research in 2005, and most recently at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in May.

Photography: SFGate.com

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, August 10 edition