“Ultimate All Terrain Robot: GOAT Mode”

Researchers at the CREATE Lab in EPFL’s School of Engineering, led by Josie Hughes, have developed a groundbreaking morphing robot named GOAT (Good Over All Terrains). The primary goal behind this innovative creation was to design a robot capable of navigating various terrains with the same agility as animals, achieved through its ability to change shape on the go.

Unlike traditional robots that are limited by their fixed form, GOAT boasts a flexible yet robust design that enables it to seamlessly transition between a flat ‘rover’ shape and a spherical form as needed. This unique feature allows GOAT to effortlessly switch between driving, rolling, and even swimming, all while maintaining energy efficiency superior to robots with conventional limbs or appendages.

According to Hughes, “While most robots focus solely on computing the shortest path from point A to point B, GOAT takes into account not just the path but also the most suitable mode of travel. For instance, instead of circumventing an obstacle like a stream, GOAT can simply swim through it. When faced with hilly terrain, it can passively roll downhill in its spherical form to conserve time and energy, before transforming into a rover for active driving on flat surfaces.”

The team’s groundbreaking research on GOAT and its transformative locomotion capabilities has been documented in a recent publication in Science Robotics, marking a significant milestone in the field of robotics and paving the way for future advancements in adaptive robotic design and control.

By reimagining the conventional approach to robotic mobility, the EPFL team has not only revolutionized the concept of versatile terrain traversal but also introduced a new paradigm for robotic locomotion. The successful development of GOAT underscores the potential for innovative solutions inspired by nature, offering a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of biomimicry in robotics.

With its ability to dynamically adapt to diverse environments and seamlessly transition between different modes of movement, GOAT represents a major leap forward in the quest for agile and energy-efficient robotic systems. As researchers continue to explore the full capabilities of this morphing robot, the future of robotics appears increasingly promising, with GOAT leading the way towards a new era of adaptive and versatile robotic technologies.