By info@ico28.com 
Inspired by animal muscles and skeletons, this electrohydraulic musculoskeletal leg offers an improvement in agility, adaptability, and energy efficiency compared to traditional robotic legs powered by electromagnetic motors.
Bio-inspired design
Most current robotic legs rely on rigid structures and electromagnetic motors, which can struggle to match the agility of animals when navigating rough, unpredictable terrains. In contrast, the newly developed leg is powered by pairs of artificial muscles that contract in a way similar to how biological muscles operate. This design enables the leg to move fluidly and with greater control over different surfaces, from grass and gravel to larger rocks.
One of the key innovations in the leg’s design is its use of electrohydraulic artificial muscles. These muscles use electrical signals to contract, similar to how biological muscles are controlled by electrical impulses in animals. The system also includes built-in self-sensing, allowing the leg to detect and respond to obstacles without the need for complex external sensors.
Efficient energy use for enhanced performance
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the electrohydraulic leg is its energy efficiency. When tested, the leg required only 1.2% of the energy needed by a conventional electromagnetic motor-driven leg during squatting motions. This dramatic reduction in energy consumption could open the door to more sustainable and longer-lasting robotic applications where conserving power is crucial.
The leg is also designed to perform highly dynamic tasks, including powerful jumps and high-frequency gait movements. It can leap to heights of up to 40% of its own leg length and can perform rapid gait motions exceeding 5Hz, demonstrating its potential for quick, reactive movements.
Future applications in robotics
While the design is still being refined, particularly in terms of making it fully untethered and self-powered, this technology could lead to the development of robots that can move more naturally and efficiently in environments like forests, mountains, and other unstructured terrains.
The electrohydraulic robotic leg is a leap forward in developing versatile, energy-efficient robots that can better adapt to the natural world, and these advances could lead the way for robots that capable of operating in diverse fields, from search and rescue missions in difficult terrains to agricultural work and exploration.
By drawing on principles from biology and advancing the use of electrohydraulic muscles, the new leg design gives a glimpse of a future where robots not only function more like animals but also conserve energy, improving their usability across various demanding environments.
Original article source:
https://www.electronicspecifier.com/industries/robotics/electrohydraulic-robotic-leg-energy-efficient-mobility-on-tough-terrain
FAQ
- What is an electro-hydraulic mechanical leg?
An electro-hydraulic mechanical leg is a mechanical structure that combines an electric motor and a hydraulic system to mimic the gravitational movements of a human or animal. It is commonly used in robots or external stationary equipment to provide smooth, flexible movement over rugged displacements.
- How can electro-hydraulic mechanical legs be energy efficient in rugged conditions?
The electro-hydraulic system adjusts the output power according to different air pressure and load conditions. The hydraulic unit recovers stored energy (e.g. during braking or downhill) and releases it when needed. This energy recovery technique significantly reduces the voltage and thus increases the overall energy efficiency.
- What are the main areas of application for electro-hydraulic mechanical legs?
The technology is widely evaluated in industrial, military, and rescue robots that need to walk in such complex situations, in addition to external rotating systems to help enhance mobility for emergency or mobility-impaired personnel, or to provide physical support for workers.
- What are the advantages of electro-hydraulic mechanical legs?
Powerful: Hydraulic systems can provide great thrust and lifting capacity.
Precise control: The combination of the electric system and sensors enables precise control of gait and adaptation to various postures.
Energy efficient: total energy consumption is reduced through energy recovery mechanisms.
Arctic strength: stable performance in different environments, especially rugged and steep cliffs.
- What are the main challenges of electro-hydraulic mechanical legs?
Although the technological advantages of electro-hydraulic legs are obvious, the machinery still faces some challenges:
Weight: The increased weight of the hydraulic system may affect the overall perception and maneuverability of the equipment.
Cost: Limitations of hydraulic and electrical components are extremely expensive to reach its mass popularity.
Complexity: Maintenance and troubleshooting of hydraulic systems is relatively complex and requires specialized skills.
- How does the electro-hydraulic mechanical leg adapt to different stances?
The system automatically adjusts the pressure of the hydraulic system and the output power of the electric motor by sensing changes in stance in real time via sensors. For example, on steep slopes or uneven rocky ground, the system will increase thrust while maintaining stability, resulting in smooth walking.
- What are the future trends for electro-hydraulic mechanical legs?
The future of electro-hydraulic mechanical legs will be towards more automation, lightweight and highly energy efficient. Advanced artificial intelligence control system will further improve the equipment in complex environments, autonomous walking ability, while the introduction of new materials and technologies hope to reduce the weight and cost of production equipment more popular.