LAURON V: A versatile six-legged walking robot with advanced maneuverability

Abstract

Adaptive multi-legged walking robots are predestined to be applied in rough and hazardous terrain. Their walking and climbing skills allow them to operate at places that are unreachable for most wheeled vehicles. In this paper, we present the design and development of the new six-legged walking robot LAURON V with its improved kinematics and robust mechanical structure. Each leg has four independent joints that enable LAURON to cope with steep inclines, large obstacles and makes it possible to manipulate objects with its front legs. Autonomy, robustness and a large payload capacity together with its impressive terrain adaptability make LAURONV highly suitable for all kinds of field applications.